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
Scale
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.
