If you’re searching for a dish that’s bold, zesty, and irresistibly easy, look no further than these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites. This recipe delivers juicy, perfectly cooked salmon tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that’s totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just spicing up a weeknight dinner, these salmon bites promise to become your new go-to for flavor-packed, speedy meals. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites is how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Each ingredient brings its own punch—adding color, depth, and just the right hint of heat to this show-stopping dish.
- Salmon Fillet: Use fresh, skinless salmon for buttery texture and rich flavor; cutting it into cubes helps every piece get beautifully crispy.
- Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick, ensuring golden, tender bites.
- Garlic Powder: Lends a mellow, savory note that pairs perfectly with the salmon.
- Smoked Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and a hint of color, elevating the flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balance to the spice levels.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the bang bang sauce—use regular or light, or swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Introduces sweetness and mild heat, giving the sauce its signature zing.
- Sriracha: Cranks up the heat just enough for a little thrill in every bite.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness that balances out the spice and acidity.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy lift that keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillet dry, then cut it into 1-inch cubes. This size is perfect for quick cooking and gives each piece plenty of surface area for that gorgeous golden crust. A sharp knife makes the job much easier and helps keep those cubes nice and neat.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
In a medium bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Get in there with your hands or a spatula to make sure every piece is evenly coated. This simple blend of spices is the key to building delicious layers of flavor, even before the sauce goes on.
Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t crowded so they crisp up beautifully. Air fry for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when the salmon is golden at the edges and cooked through but still moist inside.
Step 4: Whisk the Bang Bang Sauce
While your salmon is sizzling away, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. The sauce should be silky-smooth and nicely balanced—taste it and adjust the heat or sweetness as you like. This creamy, tangy, spicy-sweet sauce is what makes Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites truly irresistible!
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Once the salmon bites are done, gently transfer them to a large bowl and toss with the bang bang sauce—or, if you prefer, serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Give everything a final toss so each piece gets a glossy, flavorful coating. For a finishing touch, sprinkle on chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra crunch and color.
How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions or a shower of toasted sesame seeds brings a pop of color and just the right amount of crunch to your Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites. If you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped cilantro can take things up another notch. Presentation matters, and these little touches make the bites look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
These salmon bites are super versatile—pile them over steamed jasmine rice, tuck them into lettuce cups for a low-carb twist, or serve alongside a crisp Asian-inspired slaw. For a more substantial meal, try pairing with roasted veggies or a simple cucumber salad. The flavors of Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites play well with just about anything!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer spread, skewer the salmon bites onto toothpicks and serve with extra sauce for dipping. Or, build vibrant rice bowls topped with your favorite veggies, a drizzle of bang bang sauce, and a sprinkle of scallions. You can even pack them into lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held option that’s perfect for parties or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites (though it’s rare!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to two days for the best taste and texture. Keep the sauce separate, if possible, to maintain the salmon’s crispiness.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze the cooked salmon bites (without sauce) for up to one month. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with sauce.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-air-fryer texture, reheat the salmon bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave works too, though the bites may be a tad softer. Add the bang bang sauce after reheating to keep everything tasting its best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cutting and seasoning. This helps ensure the bites crisp up nicely and don’t release too much moisture during cooking.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce?
Greek yogurt is a fantastic lighter alternative that still offers plenty of creaminess. You can also try sour cream or even a plant-based mayo if you’re looking for a dairy-free or egg-free option.
How spicy are Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
They have a pleasant kick from the sriracha, but you can easily dial it up or down. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less sriracha or add extra honey or mayo to mellow things out.
Can I make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the salmon cubes and the sauce a day ahead—just keep them separate in the fridge until you’re ready to cook and toss everything together. For best texture, wait to air fry right before serving.
What’s the best way to keep the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A quick mist of nonstick spray or a light brush of oil on the air fryer basket does the trick. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket so that the hot air can circulate freely around each salmon bite.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are proof that a big punch of flavor can come from just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving them as a party starter or making them the star of your dinner table, you’re in for a treat. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making them on repeat!
Print
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe offers a delicious, quick, and easy appetizer or main course featuring tender salmon cubes tossed in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside, these salmon bites are ideal for a flavorful Asian-inspired dish that can be enjoyed anytime.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked 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
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking the salmon bites evenly.
- Prepare the salmon: In a mixing bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the pieces are fully coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Cook the salmon: Place the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry the salmon for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking and to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Make the bang bang sauce: While the salmon cooks, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Toss and serve: Once the salmon bites are cooked through, transfer them to a bowl and toss with the prepared bang bang sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Optionally garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter version of the bang bang sauce, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Serve these salmon bites with steamed rice, lettuce cups, or a fresh side salad to make a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/4 pound salmon with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
