Smoked Salmon Jerky

If you love bagels, smoked salmon, and a little crunch in every bite, you’re going to love our Smoked Salmon Jerky. We've been making this recipe for years—ever since we got our air fryer—and it never fails to feel like a little treat. We usually use smoked steelhead salmon, but any high-quality smoked salmon works. Sometimes we brush the pieces with honey, maple syrup, or teriyaki before air-frying, turning them into a sweet-and-salty “salmon bacon” that’s impossible to resist.

It’s indulgent, and yes—the salt is real, so we don’t eat it every day. But for a special breakfast? Totally worth it. Pile it on a toasted bagel with cool cream cheese, briny capers pickled red onions fresh dill, and thin cucumber, and you’ve got a crunchy, creamy, smoky, and slightly sweet breakfast that feels fancy but comes together like that.

Before you start

• Smoked Salmon Jerky is a crispy, indulgent treat that combines smoked salmon with classic toppings for a breakfast.
• You can prepare this recipe in under 15 minutes using high-quality smoked salmon and your choice of bagel.
• Customize your Smoked Salmon Jerky with toppings like avocado, goat cheese, or fresh herbs for added flavor.
• Air-frying gives the salmon jerky its ideal texture, though you can also broil it carefully in the oven.
• Store the jerky in an airtight container for 3-5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.

What stands out

This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes but it tastes like something you’d savor at a fancy weekend brunch. Crispy, smoky salmon jerky meets cool cream cheese, briny capers, and bright, fragrant dill in every bite. Pickled red onions add a tangy crunch, while mandoline-thin cucumber slices keep things fresh. Pile it all on a warm, toasted homemade bagel and you’ve got a crunchy, creamy, salty, and slightly sweet bite of pure happiness.

Smoked salmon: Choose a high-quality smoked salmon – we use smoked steelhead salmon, but you can use your favorite. Tearing it into bite-sized pieces before air-frying transforms it into a crispy, salty jerky that’s impossible to resist.

Toppings: we assemble our bagel with cream cheese for a smooth, tangy base, briny capers, bright fresh dill, homemade pickled red onions, and paper-thin mandolined cucumber for a cool, crisp finish.

Kitchen tip

For the crispiest, most flavorful salmon jerky, tear it by hand and air-fry just until it’s perfectly golden and slightly chewy.

Swaps

1. Brush the smoked salmon with a little honey, maple syrup, or even teriyaki before air-frying. The result is suited to anyone who loves the salty+sweet combo as much as we do.
2. Feel free to mix up the classic toppings. Avocado adds creaminess, while arugula or fresh sprouts give it a peppery bite.
3. Instead of cream cheese, try a smear of tangy goat cheese. It pairs beautifully with the crispy, smoky salmon.
4. While a classic everything or plain bagel is, whole grain, rye, or even a pretzel bagel can add another layer of flavor and texture.
5. Add in fresh herbs like chopped chives or tarragon. Additionally, a squeeze of fresh lemon can add a little brightness.

Serve it with

• Homemade bagels like these high-protein Cottage Cheese Bagels (Viral) or our Bagel Recipe.
• Cream cheese, dill, capers, pickled onions, and thinly sliced cucumbers.
• Homemade Pickled Red Onions.
• This Salmon Rice Bowl.

Questions

Can we use regular smoked salmon instead of pre-sliced?

Yes! Whole fillets work beautifully. Just tear them into bite-sized pieces before air-frying for that jerky texture.

Do we have to air-fry the salmon?

Strong mark Air-frying gives it the best texture, but you could also broil it briefly in the oven. Keep a close eye—it can go from perfectly crisp to overcooked em quickly.

Can we make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the salmon jerky ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Can we freeze Smoked salmon Jerky?

Yes, you can freeze it in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer to crisp it up before serving.

Can we customize the toppings?

Absolutely. Avocado, arugula, or a squeeze of lemon juice can all add extra layers of flavor without overpowering the salmon.

Ingredients

Makes 1 bagel

• 100 grams Smoked salmon

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Method

1. Take 3-4 slices of smoked salmon and tear it into thin pieces.
2. Air fry at 375F for 8 minutes until crispy.
3. Add smoked salmon jerky to a bagel topped with cream cheese, pickled red onions, capers, dill and thinly mandolined cucumber. Enjoy!

Kitchen notes

• Sweet+salty: Brush the smoked salmon with a little honey, maple syrup, or even teriyaki before air-frying. The result is perfect for anyone who loves the salty+sweet combo as much as we do.
• Toppings: Feel free to mix up the classic toppings. Avocado adds creaminess, while arugula or fresh sprouts give it a peppery bite.
• Cheese spread: Instead of cream cheese, try a smear of tangy goat cheese. It pairs beautifully with the crispy, smoky salmon.
• Bagels: While a classic everything or plain bagel is perfect, whole grain, rye, or even a pretzel bagel can add another layer of flavor and texture.
• Herbs: Add in fresh herbs like chopped chives or tarragon. Additionally, a squeeze of fresh lemon can add a little brightness.