If you love flavor-packed bites with a crispy coating and creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are about to become an obsession. They deliver shockingly tender salmon on the inside, a toasty golden crust on the outside, and a finger-licking sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything. Better yet, they go from prep to table in just about 20 minutes—ideal for a weeknight dinner or an exciting party appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Speedy: Dinner—or party snacks—in under 25 minutes, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
- Major Flavor: The bang bang sauce is creamy, tangy, spicy, and sweet all at once—an instant crowd-pleaser that’s positively addictive.
- Crispy Meets Tender: Each salmon bite gets perfectly golden on the outside while staying meltingly soft and juicy within.
- Endlessly Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, tuck into bowls, stuff in lettuce wraps, or pile high on a salad—the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites come together from simple, vibrant pantry staples and fresh salmon. Each ingredient brings a pop of color and a layer of flavor or texture—don’t skip a thing if you want the full “wow” experience!
- Salmon (1½ pounds, skinless): Look for firm, fresh filets—cutting them into bite-sized cubes ensures every bit stays juicy.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasonings cling and encourages crusty, golden edges in the air fryer.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, smoky color and a subtle depth of flavor.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Tricks the tastebuds by giving each bite a cozy, savory backbone.
- Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for elevating all the other flavors; adjust to your personal taste.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Lends a gentle kick without overpowering the salmon.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): The base for bang bang sauce—creamy, luscious, and rich.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (½ cup): Brings the sweet heat; a must for signature bang bang flavor.
- Sriracha (2 teaspoons or more): Adds a customizable level of spice—taste as you go!
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances out the zingy, spicy notes for that classic sticky-sweet finish.
- Chives: Optional, but these little green flecks make your salmon bites look and taste extra fresh.
Variations
One of the joys of Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites is how effortlessly you can tweak them to your taste—or whatever you have in your pantry. Don’t be afraid to unleash a little creativity and make this recipe fit your cravings or dietary goals.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Double-check your sweet chili sauce and Sriracha for hidden gluten; everything else is naturally gluten-free!
- Swap the Protein: Not a salmon fan? Try the same method with cubed chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a pescatarian-friendly twist.
- Paleo/Whole30 Adjustments: Use paleo mayo, skip the honey, and sub in a compliant chili sauce to keep things totally clean.
- Extra Crunch Factor: Toss the salmon bites in panko before air frying if you love a crispy, breaded coating.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Cube and Season the Salmon
Start by removing the skin from your salmon and slicing the filets into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large bowl, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together gently so each bite is seasoned from every angle—it’s the little details that make every bite delicious!
Step 2: Mix Up That Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and glossy. Pour half of this sauce into a smaller bowl and set it aside for later. This ensures you have plenty reserved for drizzling once your salmon bites are perfectly crispy.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon and Get Ready to Air Fry
Add the seasoned salmon bites to the bowl with the remaining bang bang sauce and gently toss to coat. The sauce will cling to the salmon and infuse it with tangy, spicy, creamy goodness—even before they hit the fryer!
Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Working in batches if needed, lay the salmon bites out in a single layer (don’t overcrowd—they need plenty of room to crisp up!). Air fry for 4–5 minutes, then flip and continue for another 4–5 minutes until the outsides are golden and the internal temperature reaches 140–145°F. The transformation is pure kitchen magic!
Step 5: Sauce, Garnish, and Serve
Transfer your cooked salmon bites to a plate, then drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce. Finish with a scattering of chopped chives for vibrant color and fresh, oniony flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the way the creamy, spicy sauce melts into every crispy, tender bite!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Fresh Salmon is Best: Whenever possible, choose fresh (not previously frozen) salmon for the most delicate, juicy bites and best flavor payoff.
- Single Layer Success: Resist the urge to overcrowd your air fryer basket—giving each bite space ensures edges crisp instead of steam.
- Sauce Separation: Always reserve half of your bang bang sauce and keep it separate from the raw salmon to guarantee a safe, creamy drizzle after cooking.
- Doneness Check: A quick-read thermometer is your friend! Pull your salmon out right at 140–145°F for that just-cooked, meltingly tender center.
How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Garnishes
The finishing touch for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites has to be a generous drizzle of extra bang bang sauce and a sprinkle of finely chopped chives. For extra flair, try scattering on some black or white sesame seeds, freshly cracked black pepper, or even a few paper-thin slices of red chili for a pop of heat and color.
Side Dishes
Pair these salmon bites with fluffy jasmine rice, your favorite grain bowl, or a vibrant Asian slaw for a satisfying meal. For a lighter touch, pile them over a crisp green salad or alongside roasted broccoli, edamame, or even sweet potato fries for a playful twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Up your presentation game by threading the cooked salmon bites onto skewers for a clever party platter, or stuff them into lettuce wraps topped with crunchy veggies and a drizzle of bang bang sauce. They’re also fabulous tucked into grain bowls, sushi-style with wasabi mayo, or even as sliders on toasted potato buns for a fun, casual dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites can be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to store any extra bang bang sauce separately so the bites don’t get soggy.
Freezing
While these bites are best fresh, you can freeze cooked salmon bites (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Lay them out in a single layer to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop salmon bites back in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. A quick zap helps restore their crispy exterior. Wait to drizzle with reserved bang bang sauce until serving, so each bite stays crave-worthy and fresh.
FAQs
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Can I make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites with frozen salmon?
Yes, just be sure to fully thaw the salmon before cubing and seasoning. Pat it very dry with paper towels so the seasoning and sauce stick and the bites crisp up well in the air fryer.
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Is this recipe very spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The base recipe for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites has just enough kick to be fun, but it’s easy to tone down or ramp up. For less heat, use less Sriracha. For extra fire, stir in more Sriracha or even a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce!
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Can I bake the salmon bites instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway. Wait to toss or drizzle with bang bang sauce until after baking to prevent burning.
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What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce?
If you’re avoiding mayo, Greek yogurt works as a creamy alternative, though the sauce will be tangier. For a dairy-free option, try vegan mayonnaise—just check for your preferred flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites—the caramelized edges, the luscious sauce, and that pure “just one more!” addictiveness. If you’re ready to shake up your meal routine with something fast, fun, and absolutely delicious, give these salmon bites a whirl. You’ll be hooked—and so will everyone else at your table!
Print
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 people 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Air Fry
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a flavorful bang bang sauce, they are sure to be a hit at any meal.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon, about 4 filets, skins removed, cut into 1-inch bites
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.* In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add salmon bites and gently toss to coat.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well.
- Pour half of the Bang Bang sauce into a separate bowl, reserving it for after the salmon has been cooked. Toss the seasoned salmon bites in the remaining sauce.
- Working in batches, place the salmon bites in an even layer in the basket of your air fryer. Air fry for 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook 4-5 minutes more on the opposite side, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
- Transfer the salmon to a plate and drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce. Garnish with chives.
Notes
- *Oven Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the seasoned cubes of salmon onto the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Toss the baked salmon bites in the bang bang sauce.
- Serve garnished with chives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 821 kcal
