If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and comes together quickly, the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine perfectly crispy, tender salmon bites coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. This recipe elevates every bite with a tantalizing balance of bold spice and refreshing chive garnish, making it an irresistible appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress your family or guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a perfectly balanced dish. Each component adds its own magic — from the succulent salmon that forms the star to the bold spices and creamy sauce that bring unforgettable flavor and texture.
- 1 ½ pounds salmon (about 4 filets), skins removed, cut into 1-inch bites: Fresh, firm salmon is essential for tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Helps the seasoning cling to the salmon and adds subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky depth and a warm color to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle but essential savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a mild heat that complements the spiciness of the sauce.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce’s luscious texture.
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and a tangy kick for a perfect flavor contrast.
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more to taste): Adds exciting heat, making the sauce vibrant and lively.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the heat and spice with a gentle, natural sweetness.
- Chives, finely chopped: A fresh, mild onion flavor and pop of green to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Get your air fryer warmed up to 390°F before anything else. This step is key because starting with a hot air fryer helps the salmon bites to cook evenly and get that perfect crispy edge we all love. It only takes a few minutes, and it sets the stage for delicious results.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This blend is where the magic begins. Add the salmon pieces and toss gently until every bite is coated. The olive oil helps the flavors adhere to the fish, and the spices layer on flavor that shines through after air frying.
Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. This sauce is the heart of the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe — creamy, sweet, and spicy all at once. Mix until smooth and divide it in half. Half will coat the salmon before cooking, and the rest will finish the dish right before serving.
Step 4: Coat Salmon With the Sauce
Pour half of the bang bang sauce into the seasoned salmon bites and toss until fully coated. This step ensures that the sauce flavors infuse the salmon as it cooks, giving it that signature bang bang taste while keeping it moist and tender inside.
Step 5: Air Fry the Salmon Bites
Work in batches to avoid overcrowding and place the coated salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and air fry for another 4-5 minutes. You’re aiming for juicy, cooked-through bites that reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F for the best texture and safety.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Transfer the golden, crispy salmon bites to a serving dish. Drizzle the reserved bang bang sauce over the top, then sprinkle with finely chopped chives. This step adds a fresh brightness and an inviting pop of color that complements the dish’s flavor perfectly.
How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Garnishes
While the chives offer a simple, fresh touch, feel free to also garnish with thin slices of red chili or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for some extra flair. These little touches bring extra texture and enhance the visual appeal, turning your dish into a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Side Dishes
Salmon bites are wonderfully versatile, so pair them with light and refreshing sides like jasmine rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or steamed broccoli. These balance the richness of the bang bang sauce and make the meal feel complete without overwhelming the flavors of the salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe on skewers with lemon wedges on the side — it’s practical and stylish. Another creative idea is to prepare mini lettuce wraps, letting guests add salmon bites topped with sauce for that fresh crunch and extra flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure the bang bang sauce is kept separate if possible to prevent the salmon from becoming too soggy.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal because the creamy sauce might separate after thawing. If you do freeze, flash freeze the cooked salmon bites on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Use within one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover salmon bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them back up without drying out the fish. Reheat the reserved sauce separately or add a fresh drizzle after warming for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking. Using fresh salmon, however, will give you the best texture and flavor for the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe.
Is it okay to adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of Sriracha, but feel free to add more or less depending on your heat preference. The sauce is very flexible and can be tailored to your taste buds.
Can I prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the bang bang sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Preparing it in advance saves time and actually helps the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 400°F on a parchment-lined tray for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crisp but will still be delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it naturally is gluten-free as long as you check that your Thai sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise don’t contain gluten. Most brands are safe, but it’s always good to double-check labels.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe enough for anyone looking to whip up something quick, flavorful, and super satisfying. This recipe brings together amazing textures and bold flavors in a way that’s easy and fun to prepare. Once you try it, these addictive salmon bites will be a staple in your kitchen rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and treat yourself to something truly delightful!
Print
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American with Asian influences
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites coated in a spicy, sweet, and creamy Bang Bang sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers perfectly cooked salmon bites with a delicious kick, making it a perfect appetizer or main dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 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: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 390°F to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture for the salmon bites.
- Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon bites and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir until smooth and well combined. Divide the sauce in half; set one half aside for drizzling after cooking.
- Coat Salmon with Sauce: Toss the seasoned salmon bites with half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Air Fry Salmon Bites: Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Air fry at 390°F for 4-5 minutes. Then flip each piece and air fry for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F and is cooked through.
- 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. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and proper crisping.
- Adjust the Sriracha amount according to your preferred spice level in the Bang Bang sauce.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure salmon reaches a safe internal temperature of 140-145°F.
- Salmon skin is removed to prevent toughness, but you can leave skin on if preferred for extra crispiness.
- This recipe works well with other firm fish or seafood bites if you want to vary it.
