
Crispy Salmon Skin Handrolls
Salmon skin is often discarded, but it’s the most delicious and nutritious part of the fish. It’s high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein and has a crispy, salty flavor that is perfect for snacking. These air-fried salmon, skin hand rolls are quick and easy to make and will surely be a hit at your next get-together. The crispy salmon skin is balanced by the creamy avocado and refreshing cucumber, making for a delicious and satisfying snack this summer.
What is Omega-3?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that your body cannot produce on its own. They are necessary for many bodily functions, including:
- Heart health: Omega-3 can help lower blood pressure (BP), reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels. This can also help protect against heart disease and stroke.
- Brain health: Omega-3s are essential for brain development and function. They can help improve cognitive function, memory, and learning.
- Eye health: Omega-3s are essential for eye health. They can help prevent age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases.
- Immune health: Omega-3 fatty acids can help boost the immune system. They may reduce the risk of infections and allergies.
- Skin health: Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve skin health. They may help reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of dry skin.
How much protein is in salmon skin?
Salmon skin is a great source of protein. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of salmon skin contains about 20 grams of protein. This is about the same amount of protein as you would find in a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of cooked chicken breast.
In addition to protein and omega-3, salmon skin also contains other nutrients, such as potassium, vitamin D, and selenium.
Salmon skin is a good option if you want a delicious and healthy way to add protein to your diet. You can cook salmon skin in various methods, such as baking, grilling, frying, or air-frying.
What you’ll need:
- 1 piece of salmon skin (from a 4oz salmon filet).
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon pepper seasoning (or salt & pepper)
- 1 sheet of nori, cut into three pieces.
- 3-4 tablespoons of cooked white rice
- Furikake seasoning
- 1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 avocado, thinly sliced
- Sriracha
- Kewpie mayo
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Brush the salmon skin with olive oil and season with lemon pepper.
- Air fry the salmon skin for 8-12 minutes or until crispy.
- While the salmon skin cooks, prepare the other ingredients.
- Combine rice and furikake seasoning, and set aside.
- Cut and slice the cucumber and avocado, and set aside.
- Combine kewpie mayo with sriracha for drizzling or dipping sauce, and set aside until ready to serve.
- Cut the nori sheet into three pieces.
- Spread a thin layer of rice on the left side of 1 nori sheet.
- Add the cucumber and avocado slices to the rice.
- Top with the crispy salmon skin.
- Roll up the sushi tightly into a cone shape. Use sriracha mayo to help seal the nori sheet close. Repeat until you’ve made all desired handrolls.
- Make about three mini hand rolls, and serve with the dipping sauce.
- Enjoy immediately!
Tips:
- Air-fryers are not created equal; I used a sear crisp function with my Ninja Kitchen Air-fryer (CLICK HERE to learn more).
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the salmon skin in a skillet over medium heat. Just be sure to cook it until it is crispy on both sides.
- You do not have to make hand rolls; feel free to make them into a sushi roll.
- You can add other fillings to your sushi rolls, such as crab, shrimp, or cream cheese.
- Serve the sushi rolls with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Here is a table showing the nutritional content of salmon skin:
(Thanks Google)
Calories: 130
Protein: 20 grams
Fat: 2 grams
Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
Monounsaturated fat: 0.7 grams
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.9 grams
Omega-3 fatty acids: 1.2 grams
Cholesterol: 35 milligrams
Sodium: 50 milligrams
Potassium: 350 milligrams
Vitamin D: 200 IU
Selenium: 20 micrograms
Salmon skin hand rolls are a quick and easy snack or appetizer you can prep and enjoy at home. They are also an excellent option for parties or as a snack. I hope you try this recipe! Check out my Instagram REEL to see how I made these delicious handrolls.
Did you make this recipe? Please tag me on Instagram @melshealthybowl to be featured in my stories.

Air-fried Salmon Skin Handroll
Ingredients
- 1 piece salmon skin (from a 4oz salmon filet).
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- lemon pepper seasoning (or salt & pepper)
- 1 sheet nori sheet (cut into three pieces)
- 3-4 tbsp cooked white rice
- Furikake seasoning
- 1/4 cucumber thinly sliced
- 1/4 avocado thinly sliced
- Sriracha + kewpie mayo
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Brush the salmon skin with olive oil and season with lemon pepper.
- Air fry the salmon skin for 8-12 minutes or until crispy.
- While the salmon skin cooks, prepare the other ingredients.
- Combine rice and furikake seasoning, and set aside.
- Cut and slice the cucumber and avocado, and set aside.
- Combine kewpie mayo with sriracha for drizzling or dipping sauce, and set aside until ready to serve.
- Cut the nori sheet into three pieces.
- Spread a thin layer of rice on the left side of 1 nori sheet.
- Add the cucumber and avocado slices to the rice.
- Top with the crispy salmon skin.
- Roll up the sushi tightly into a cone shape. Use sriracha mayo to help seal the nori sheet close. Repeat until you've made all desired handrolls.
- Make about three mini hand rolls, and serve with the dipping sauce.
- Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Air-fryers are not created equal; I used a sear crisp function with my Ninja Kitchen Air-fryer (LINK HERE to learn more).
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the salmon skin in a skillet over medium heat. Just be sure to cook it until it is crispy on both sides.
- You do not have to make hand rolls; feel free to make them into a sushi roll.
- You can add other fillings to your sushi rolls, such as crab, shrimp, or cream cheese.
- Serve the sushi rolls with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Need for easy recipes? Check these out:
- The Best and Easy Homemade Ajitama (Soy Sauce Eggs)
- The Best and Budget-Friendly Shrimp Eggrolls (And They’re Easy to Make!)
- Creamy Roasted Tomato and Pepper Soup: The Best and Easy Recipe to Make at Home
- How to Make Gyoza with Crispy Skirts: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Introducing the best summer meal: spicy salmon poke bowl!
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