, nutritional review by Jill Wallentin
in Recipes, Dinner, Lunch, Meal Air fryer salmon bites with wasabi mayo and roasted cabbage
Ingredients
- ½ cup 120 ml mayonnaise
- 1½ tsp 1½ tsp wasabi paste, or to taste
- 2 tsp 2 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1¼ lbs 550 g green cabbage, cut into wedges with the core intact or broccoli
- 1½ tbsp 1½ tbsp avocado oil
- ½ tsp ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1¾ lbs 800 g salmon, boneless fillet, skinless, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubessalmon, boneless fillets, skinless, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes or white fish filletwhite fish fillets
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¾ tsp ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 (½ oz.) 1 (15 g) scallion, thinly slicedscallions, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 1 lime, wedgeslimes, wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the mayonnaise, wasabi paste, and lime juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
- Cut the cabbage into wedges, keeping the core intact so they hold together. Mix the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then brush over the cabbage.
- Arrange the cabbage wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–18 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender with golden, lightly charred edges. Cook in batches if necessary and set aside.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Toss gently with olive oil, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the salmon in a single layer, leaving space between the pieces. Air-fry for 6–8 minutes, gently shaking the basket halfway through, until golden on the outside and cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Serve the salmon bites with the roasted cabbage and wasabi mayo. Garnish with sliced scallion and lime wedges, if desired.
Recipe notes and tips
How do I get perfectly cooked salmon bites?
Cut the salmon into evenly sized, 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces and pat them thoroughly dry before seasoning. Arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow the edges to brown. Cooking times vary depending on the size of the pieces and your air fryer, so check the salmon early to avoid overcooking.
How spicy is wasabi mayo?
The mayonnaise softens the sharp heat of the wasabi, creating a creamy sauce with a gentle kick. Start with the suggested amount and add more to taste. Wasabi pastes vary in strength between brands.
Can I use another fish?
Absolutely! Firm fish such as cod, halibut, or tuna can also be cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked in the air fryer. Adjust the cooking time depending on the type of fish and the size of the pieces.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes! Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the seasoned cabbage wedges on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and golden.
Spread the salmon bites on a separate parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 8–12 minutes, depending on their size, until cooked through. Add the salmon to the oven toward the end of the cabbage's cooking time so everything is ready together.
Can I use another vegetable instead of cabbage?
Yes! Broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts are delicious alternatives. Toss with the same seasonings and air-fry until tender and lightly browned, adjusting the cooking time depending on the vegetable.
Can I prepare the wasabi mayo ahead?
Yes! The wasabi mayo can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir before serving.
Storage and leftovers
Store leftover salmon and cabbage separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to avoid drying out the salmon. Keep the wasabi mayo refrigerated and serve cold.
