If you are on the hunt for a dish that perfectly blends bold flavors and irresistible textures, the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These little bites pack a punch with the crispy texture from the air fryer and a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that elevates every morsel. Quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress, this recipe turns simple salmon pieces into a show-stopping appetizer or snack that your family and friends will keep asking for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to rocking this recipe. Each item plays an essential role—from the fresh salmon that provides a moist, flaky base, to the perfectly balanced spices and creamy sauce that deliver layers of flavor and color.
- Salmon (1 ½ pounds, skin removed, cut into 1-inch bites): Fresh, high-quality salmon ensures tender, juicy bites with rich flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and helps the spices adhere to the salmon for even seasoning.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm smoky color and subtle earthiness to the seasoning mix.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers that irresistible garlicky aroma without overpowering the fish.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce, making every bite luscious.
- Thai sweet chili sauce (½ cup): Infuses the sauce with sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes.
- Sriracha (2 teaspoons, or more to taste): Kicks up the heat with vibrant chili flavor.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances heat and acidity with a natural touch of sweetness.
- Chives, finely chopped: Provide a fresh, mild oniony crunch as a finishing touch.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial because heating the air fryer ahead of time allows the salmon bites to cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior without drying out.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add your bite-sized salmon pieces and gently toss until every piece is coated with this savory seasoning. The olive oil not only helps spices stick but also ensures a golden crisp when air frying.
Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir thoroughly until your sauce is silky smooth and perfectly blended. This creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is the soul of the dish, offering layers of flavor that complement the salmon beautifully. Set half aside for drizzling later.
Step 4: Coat Salmon with Sauce
Take the seasoned salmon bites and toss them in half of the bang bang sauce. Be generous and make sure every bite is fully coated. This step infuses the salmon with the sauce’s vibrant flavor, locking it in before the air fryer works its magic.
Step 5: Air Fry the Salmon Bites
Place the salmon bites in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate around each piece. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip gently and air fry for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a crispy outside and tender center.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer your salmon bites to a serving plate. Drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce for that extra punch of flavor. Sprinkle finely chopped chives on top to add a fresh, colorful garnish that makes the dish pop visually and in flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chives are a must for finishing touches—they add a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color that elevate presentation. For an extra zing, sprinkle a few sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten up the dish.
Side Dishes
These salmon bites pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, sticky jasmine rice, or even a simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette. The lightness of these sides complements the richness of the bang bang sauce for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe on a platter with lemon wedges and scatter microgreens for a restaurant-worthy touch. You can also skewer the bites for a fun appetizer option, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon bites taste great within 2 days, but for the best texture, try to enjoy them fresh.
Freezing
While you can freeze uncooked seasoned salmon bites, it’s best not to freeze after cooking to preserve the crispy texture. Freeze raw pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat leftover bites gently in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the salmon. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bites soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture that can prevent crispiness in the air fryer.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a nice kick thanks to the Sriracha, but the combined sweetness and creaminess balance it out. You can always adjust the Sriracha to tone down or amp up the heat based on your preference.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
This recipe works marvelously in a conventional oven as well. Bake the salmon bites on a lined baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through for even crisping.
Can I use other fish instead of salmon?
Absolutely! Firm fish like cod or mahi-mahi also work well for this method and sauce, but salmon offers the richest flavor and texture that perfectly complements the bang bang sauce.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Almost! Salmon and the basic seasoning are keto-friendly, but the sweet chili sauce and honey add sugar. For a keto version, substitute the sweet chili sauce with a low-carb alternative and omit honey or use a keto-friendly sweetener.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the crunch of perfectly cooked salmon bites paired with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that just sings with flavor. The Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe delivers all that joy in under 20 minutes—and trust me, once you try it, this dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate; dive in and treat yourself to this delectable bite of heaven!
Print
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites, featuring tender salmon pieces coated in a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying appetizer or meal in just 20 minutes, using the air fryer to achieve a perfectly cooked, crispy exterior while keeping the salmon juicy inside.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites Seasoning
- 1 ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Chives, finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to ensure that the salmon bites cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.
- Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon bites and gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly with the seasoning mixture.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir well until smooth. Divide the sauce into two portions, reserving one half to drizzle on the salmon after cooking.
- Coat Salmon with Sauce: Toss the seasoned salmon bites with half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Air Fry Salmon Bites: Place the salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, then flip each bite over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving plate. Drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce and garnish with finely chopped chives before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon pieces are cut uniformly to guarantee even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to get crispy results.
- Adjust Sriracha amount in the Bang Bang sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Internal cooking temperature guide: salmon is safe to eat at 140°F but some prefer it up to 145°F for flakier texture.
