Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Seafood enthusiasts crave these crispy air fryer bang bang salmon bites that pack a serious punch of flavor.

Every bite delivers a delightful crunch with a spicy kick that’ll make your taste buds dance.

The salmon transforms into golden, irresistible morsels that are shockingly easy to prepare.

Quick and simple ingredients come together to create restaurant-quality appetizers right in your kitchen.

These tender salmon bites combine perfectly seasoned fish with a creamy, tangy sauce that elevates the entire dish.

Zesty and light, they’re an absolute crowd-pleaser that works beautifully for casual dinners or impressive gatherings.

Prepare to fall in love with this mouthwatering recipe that brings serious flavor in minutes.

Reasons To Love Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• The bang bang sauce brings a tantalizing blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy notes that transform ordinary salmon into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Air frying delivers crispy, golden salmon with significantly less oil compared to traditional frying, making it a nutritious and guilt-free option for health-conscious food lovers.
• These salmon bites work brilliantly as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, effortlessly impressing guests with their bold flavors and stunning presentation.

Ingredients For Bang Bang Salmon Bites In The Air Fryer

• Salmon: A rich, flaky fish that provides a perfect base for this crispy and flavorful dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to coat the salmon and enhance its flavor.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A classic spice blend that adds depth and warmth to the salmon bites.

• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: A creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that creates a delicious coating for the salmon.

• Chives: Fresh herbs that add a bright, oniony flavor and a pop of green color to the dish.

How To Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites Easily

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Fire up your air fryer to 390°F to create the perfect crispy environment for your salmon bites.

A hot air fryer is the secret to achieving that golden, crunchy exterior.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Gently toss the salmon bites until they’re evenly coated with the spicy, flavorful mixture.

Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey

Stir until the sauce is silky smooth.

Taste and adjust the heat level to your liking.

Divide the sauce into two portions – one for coating and one for drizzling.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon Bites

Carefully arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Give them some breathing room to ensure maximum crispiness.

Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes.

The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the golden salmon bites to a serving plate.

Drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce and sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering, crispy salmon experience!

Handy Tips For Cooking Bang Bang Salmon In The Air Fryer

• Space salmon bites evenly in the air fryer basket to ensure each piece gets crispy and cooks uniformly without steaming.
• Adjust sriracha and sweet chili sauce quantities to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 140-145°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, tender salmon every time.
• Reserve half the bang bang sauce for post-cooking drizzling, allowing for a fresh, vibrant taste that enhances the final dish's complexity.
• Swap chives with green onions or cilantro to add different herbaceous notes and visual appeal to the salmon bites.

Best Storage Tips For Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Cover the bites with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Warm refrigerated salmon bites at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Spray lightly with oil to restore crispiness and prevent them from becoming tough or dry.
• Reheat gently at 50% power for 30-45 seconds. Place a damp paper towel over the salmon to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.
• Fresh salmon loses its delicate texture when frozen, so consume within the recommended refrigeration time for best taste and quality.

Great Sides For Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Salad: Bright, tangy mixed greens with orange segments and a light vinaigrette cut through the rich, spicy salmon bites perfectly.
• Complement with Crisp Riesling: A slightly sweet white wine balances the heat of sriracha and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's bold flavors.
• Match with Coconut Rice: Creamy, subtly sweet coconut rice absorbs the bang bang sauce beautifully and creates a harmonious texture combination.
• Serve with Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw with a light sesame dressing offers a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, spicy salmon bites.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace sweet chili sauce with sugar-free alternative and use almond flour instead of traditional breading to maintain low-carb profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all sauces are certified gluten-free and use cornstarch or gluten-free flour for any coating needs.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap mayonnaise with cashew cream or vegan mayo to create a plant-based friendly recipe that maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Lover's Remix: Increase sriracha quantity and add red pepper flakes for extra heat, perfect for those who enjoy intense flavor profiles.

FAQs

• What makes bang bang sauce unique?

Bang bang sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey, creating a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that elevate the salmon bites.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Fresh salmon works best, but if using frozen, completely thaw and pat dry the salmon before cutting into bite-sized pieces to ensure proper seasoning and crispy texture.

• How do I know the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 140-145°F. The salmon should look opaque and flake easily when done, without being dry or rubbery.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making these bites a nutritious option. Using an air fryer also reduces oil consumption compared to traditional frying methods.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Salmon Bites bring crispy coastal flavors directly from your air fryer to dinner tables with irresistible crunch and zesty sauce. Seafood enthusiasts will love these perfectly golden, spicy morsels that deliver restaurant-quality taste in minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into 1-inch bites)
• 1 cup mayonnaise (232 grams)
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (132 grams)

Seasoning and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Garnish:

• 2 teaspoons sriracha (or more for added heat)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Freshly chopped chives for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F, creating an optimal environment for achieving crispy salmon bites with a golden exterior.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend by mixing olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently coat salmon pieces to ensure even flavor distribution.
3. Craft the signature bang bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until perfectly smooth. Separate sauce into two portions: one for initial coating and another for final drizzling.
4. Carefully position seasoned salmon pieces in a single layer within the air fryer basket, maintaining space between bites to allow proper hot air circulation.
5. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip each piece. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140-145°F, ensuring tender and fully cooked fish.
6. Remove salmon bites from air fryer and transfer to a serving plate. Generously drizzle with reserved bang bang sauce, creating a glossy and flavorful finish.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped chives, adding a vibrant green accent and subtle herbaceous note to complement the spicy and sweet sauce.

Notes

• Marinate salmon bites briefly in the spice mix to enhance flavor absorption and ensure even seasoning coverage.
• Adjust sriracha and sweet chili sauce quantities based on personal heat tolerance, creating a customizable spice experience.
• Use high-quality fresh salmon for the best texture and taste, preferably skin-off and cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee consistent cooking.
• Prevent sticking by lightly spraying the air fryer basket with cooking oil before adding salmon bites, which also helps achieve a crispier exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg