If you’re craving something irresistible, bold, and effortless, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites will steal the show (and your heart). Each bite combines juicy, perfectly seasoned salmon with that sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce, creating a healthy weeknight dinner or showy party appetizer that’s delightfully hard to stop eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy in Minutes: The air fryer gives you perfectly crisp salmon bites in under 15 minutes—no messy oil, no deep-frying required!
- That Bang Bang Sauce: Creamy, sweet, and spicy with a gentle chili kick—this sauce clings to every bite, so every mouthful is packed with flavor.
- Healthy Meets Indulgent: Salmon is loaded with protein and omega-3s, so you can feel good going back for seconds (or thirds…)
- Easy Crowd-Pleaser: These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites double as a quick dinner, a game-day snack, or a party platter everyone will fight over!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites lies in just how simple the ingredient list is—no complicated shopping trips, just pantry staples and fresh salmon! Each one brings vivid color, zippy flavor, and that just-right texture.
- Salmon Filets (about 1 ½ pounds, skin removed): Choose fresh, firm salmon for bites that hold together and stay juicy—wild or farmed, both work beautifully.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps those smoky spices cling to each salmon piece.
- Paprika: For warm color and a gentle, earthy background flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers savory depth and boosts the salmon’s natural flavor.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing every other flavor in the recipe.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes the Bang Bang sauce silky and rich.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: The secret to that sweet-sticky, slightly spicy flavor everyone loves.
- Sriracha: Adds fire and a garlicky punch to the sauce—customize the amount to your own spice preference!
- Honey: Helps mellow the heat and adds a lovely, floral sweetness to round out the sauce.
- Chives: Fresh chives add a pop of green and mild oniony flavor for the perfect finishing touch.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites your own! The flavors are simple and adaptable—perfect for swapping, tweaking, or going all-out based on your cravings or dietary needs.
- Make It Spicier: Add extra Sriracha or even a sprinkle of chili flakes to the sauce for a bigger kick.
- Try Different Fish: Swap salmon for another firm fish like cod, tilapia, or even tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist.
- Light Version: Use Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier sauce without losing creaminess.
- Gluten-Free: Double-check your sweet chili sauce brand and use gluten-free Sriracha for a totally gluten-friendly batch!
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Prep the Salmon Bites
Start by cutting your salmon filets into even, 1-inch cubes for quick, consistent cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel—it helps the oil and seasoning stick and prevents steaming in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season for Success
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently toss the salmon pieces until they’re totally coated—look for subtle reddish edges and a fragrant, garlicky aroma. This quick marinade gives the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites a burst of flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Make the Legendary Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a separate bowl. Taste and adjust the heat however you like. Pour half into another small bowl and set aside for serving—that way you get ultra-fresh, creamy drizzle later.
Step 4: Coat and Air Fry
Toss the seasoned salmon cubes in the remaining half of your Bang Bang sauce, coating them generously. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket—avoid crowding for best browning. Cook at 390°F for 4-5 minutes, flip, then another 4-5 minutes until the outside is lightly crisp and the salmon is just cooked through (140-145°F on a thermometer).
Step 5: Sauce & Serve
Transfer the hot salmon bites straight onto a serving plate. Drizzle with your reserved Bang Bang sauce and a flurry of fresh chives for that show-stopping finish. Get ready to watch them disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Uniform Bite Sizes: Cut your salmon into consistent 1-inch cubes for even cooking—no overdone edges or undercooked centers.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Air fry in batches if needed; crowded baskets lead to soggy bites, while space gives you that restaurant-worthy texture.
- Sauce Saver: Always keep half your Bang Bang sauce separate for drizzling at the end—saucy freshness makes all the difference!
- Watch the Temp: Salmon cooks quickly—pull at 140-145°F and let it rest briefly before serving for buttery, perfectly moist bites.
How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Garnishes
Fresh chives are gorgeous and classic, but don’t stop there! Try sesame seeds for crunch, sliced green onions for zing, or a scatter of microgreens for a playful color pop that complements the fiery Bang Bang drizzle.
Side Dishes
Take these bites from snack to meal by pairing them with fluffy jasmine rice, a cool cucumber salad, or garlicky steamed broccoli. Even a crisp slaw or crunchy lettuce wraps make them feel restaurant-worthy at home!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, thread a few salmon bites onto skewers and serve with lemon wedges and sauce for dipping. Or pile onto a platter with toothpicks and herbs for a shareable starter—your Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites will be the undisputed star of any spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stash any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the reserved Bang Bang sauce separate and add just before serving to maintain that creamy-crisp contrast.
Freezing
While the cooked salmon bites freeze well (simply layer them between parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month), it’s best to freeze them without sauce and dress them fresh after reheating to keep the texture just right.
Reheating
For best results, pop leftover bites back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. This brings back a little crispness and keeps them juicy inside—just add sauce and garnish right before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites with frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw the salmon completely in the fridge, then pat dry to remove all excess moisture before seasoning. This ensures your bites crisp up beautifully without steaming in the air fryer.
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Is there a way to make these salmon bites less spicy?
Absolutely—simply use less Sriracha or omit it entirely for a sweeter, milder Bang Bang sauce. You can also add more honey or a spoonful of mayo to mellow out the heat.
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What’s the best way to cut salmon for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife and cut across the grain into uniform, 1-inch cubes. Removing the skin first is key for even cooking and a cleaner, crispier bite.
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Can I make these salmon bites in the oven?
Definitely! Place the seasoned (but unsauced) salmon cubes on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 400°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss with sauce after baking for the best flavor and no burnt edges.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, once you try Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites, they might just become your new weeknight obsession—or your party trick when friends drop by. So bring the fun, bring your appetite, and get ready to share (if you can!).
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, Bake
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious and flavorful appetizer or main course that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Crispy air-fried salmon bites coated in a creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce make for a mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests.
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.
- 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.
Notes
- If using the oven, ensure not to brush the salmon with bang bang sauce until after baking to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 821 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 1124mg
- Fat: 63g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 51g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 137mg
