If you’re looking for a bold, crave-worthy dish that’s fast enough for a weeknight but dazzling enough for guests, you’ll fall in love with this Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe. Bite-sized cubes of tender salmon are kissed with aromatic spices, cooked to crisp-edged perfection in the air fryer, then tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce that’s absolutely addictive. Whether served on a platter for sharing or as a vibrant main over rice, this recipe brings excitement and ease to your table—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This irresistible recipe comes together with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, proving that amazing flavor doesn’t need to be complicated. Each element has a starring role, from the salmon that gets beautifully crisp to the Bang Bang sauce that delivers a punch of sweet heat.
- Salmon fillet (1 lb, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes): Fresh, bite-sized salmon pieces cook up juicy with a golden crust—perfect for soaking up that glorious sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a drizzle helps the spices adhere and gives the salmon bites a lovely outer crisp.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, savory depth that balances the richness of the salmon.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle smokiness and a hint of color for extra visual appeal.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor, ensuring the salmon pops.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a quick burst of warmth and just a touch of bite.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): The creamy base of our Bang Bang sauce—so smooth and rich.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds vibrant sweetness and gentle heat; essential for that signature Bang Bang zing.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Brings the fire—feel free to adjust more or less depending on your heat preference.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Balances the spice and acidity with a touch of floral sweetness.
- Optional garnish: Chopped green onions, sesame seeds: A sprinkle of green and crunch that make your salmon bites look as good as they taste!
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Toss the Salmon with Spices
Start by adding your salmon cubes to a medium bowl, then drizzle in the olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together gently—you want each piece to be evenly coated for both flavor and a slightly crisp crust once air fried.
Step 2: Preheat and Arrange in the Air Fryer
While your air fryer preheats to 400°F, arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd—this ensures each bite gets evenly cooked with golden, craggy edges.
Step 3: Air Fry Until Crisp and Tender
Set the timer for 7 to 9 minutes. About halfway through, give the basket a shake to help the salmon bites cook and crisp on every side. You’re looking for beautifully cooked salmon that’s opaque in the center with irresistible golden edges.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon cooks, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. The resulting sauce is creamy, spicy, tangy, and sweet—it’s the personality behind the Bang Bang name!
Step 5: Sauce, Toss, and Serve
When the salmon bites are done, transfer them to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce or toss them so every piece gets coated. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a final volley of flavor—and dig in right away for the best texture and taste!
How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Garnishes
For a dish that looks as vibrant as it tastes, sprinkle your finished salmon bites with chopped green onions and a shower of sesame seeds. The green onions add a mild bite and pop of color, while the sesame seeds deliver nutty crunch that takes each bite over the top.
Side Dishes
The Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe shines as a centerpiece, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve them over fluffy rice, in lettuce wraps for a light and fresh option, or pair alongside a cool cucumber salad or crispy roasted veggies. These sides help balance the rich, spicy flavors of the salmon and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond bowls! For parties, skewer the salmon bites with toothpicks for effortless finger food, or pile them into slider buns with crunchy slaw for a playful twist on a fish sandwich. Arranging them on a platter with sauce for dipping makes a beautiful, crowd-pleasing appetizer that will disappear in seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Bang Bang Salmon Bites (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The bites will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the crisp factor is always best right after air frying.
Freezing
For a make-ahead move, freeze cooked (but unsauced) salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, pop them into a freezer-safe bag and store for up to one month. Defrost in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To get those salmon bites back to their crispy best, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the bites soft rather than delightfully crisp. Add the sauce after reheating to keep that signature texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly pat the salmon dry before seasoning and air frying. Extra moisture can keep the salmon from crisping up as nicely.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce?
If you’d prefer a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt in place of the mayo. The sauce will have a tangier flavor but still delivers that creamy texture and luscious coating.
How spicy is the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe?
The heat mostly comes from the sriracha, so you can always dial it up or down to suit your taste. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice, then add more to find your perfect balance.
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, giving the flavors time to meld. Store it in a sealed container and simply drizzle or toss with the salmon when ready to serve.
What size salmon cubes work best?
Aim for pieces about 1 inch in size—small enough to cook quickly and evenly, but large enough to stay juicy inside. Uniform pieces also make for the best presentation and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a fast, flavor-loaded dish that turns salmon into a total showstopper, you have to try this Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe. Whether you make it for a lively dinner or as the most-requested party appetizer, it’s guaranteed to win hearts and taste buds alike. Your new weeknight favorite awaits—dig in and enjoy every spicy-sweet, saucy bite!
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that packs a flavorful punch. Tender salmon bites are coated in a spicy, creamy Bang Bang sauce, creating the perfect balance of heat and sweet. Cooked in the air fryer for a crispy finish, these bites are sure to be a hit at any meal.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Season salmon: In a medium bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook salmon: Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and lightly crisped on the edges.
- Prepare Bang Bang sauce: While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl to make the sauce.
- Coat salmon: Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a bowl and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce or toss to coat.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- These salmon bites are great served over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a party appetizer with toothpicks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
