These Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a total flavor explosion! Tender salmon bites are coated in a simple seasoning, air-fried to crispy perfection, and then tossed in a sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce. I love how easy these are to make, and they’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. They’re always a huge hit, and I guarantee you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Crispy and Delicious: The air fryer creates perfectly crispy salmon bites without the need for deep frying.
- Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce: The combination of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey is addictive!
- Quick and Easy: These salmon bites are ready in under 20 minutes.
- Healthy-ish: Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and air frying uses less oil than traditional frying.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make this addictive appetizer. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Salmon
- Salmon, about 4 filets, skins removed, cut into 1-inch bites (Fish)
- Extra virgin olive oil (Oil)
- Paprika (Spice)
- Garlic powder (Spice)
- Kosher salt (Seasoning)
- Black pepper (Spice)
Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise (Condiment)
- Thai sweet chili sauce (Condiment)
- Sriracha (Condiment)
- Honey (Sweetener)
Garnish
- Chives (Herb)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or less Sriracha to control the heat.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the sauces, are certified gluten-free.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Use a Different Fish: Try this recipe with cod, shrimp, or even chicken breast bites.
- Add lime: Add some lime juice.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Let me show you how easy it is to make these amazing Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites:
Preheat Air Fryer
- I preheat my air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
Season Salmon
- In a large bowl, I combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- I add the salmon bites and gently toss to coat them evenly in the seasoning.
Make Bang Bang Sauce
- In a separate bowl, I combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
- I mix it well.
Combine Sauce with Salmon
- Pour half of the sauce with the salmons, reserving it for later.
- Toss
Air Fry
- Working in batches, I place the salmon bites in an even layer in the basket of my air fryer. (It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, so the salmon cooks evenly and gets crispy.)
- I air fry for 4-5 minutes.
- Then I flip the salmon and cook for 4-5 minutes more on the opposite side, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C).
Toss with Reserved Sauce and Serve
- I transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and drizzle it with the reserved Bang Bang sauce.
- I garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for the CRISPIEST Salmon Bites
Here are my secrets for making these salmon bites truly exceptional:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking the salmon in batches ensures that it gets crispy on all sides.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the salmon is cooked to a safe temperature, use a meat thermometer.
- Pat the Salmon Dry: Before seasoning, pat the salmon dry with paper towels to help it crisp up in the air fryer.
How to Serve
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Appetizer: Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next party or gathering.
- Snack: Enjoy them as a quick and satisfying snack.
- Light Meal: Serve them over rice, salad, or noodles for a light and healthy meal.
- Tacos: Stuff them into tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
While these salmon bites are best served immediately, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cooked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or a pan.
FAQs about Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Can I use skin-on salmon?
- While it is possible, I recommend removing it.
- Can I bake these in the oven instead of air frying them?
- Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Is the Bang Bang sauce very spicy?
- The spice level can be adjusted. As written, it has a mild to medium kick. Add more or less Sriracha to adjust the heat.
Enjoy these crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
Print
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course, Seafood
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a quick, easy, and flavorful appetizer or main course. Crispy salmon bites are coated in a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 fillets)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup (232g) mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup (132g) 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 (199°C).
- Prepare Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Prepare Salmon: Cut the salmon fillets into 1-inch cubes.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until well combined.
- Divide Sauce: Crucially, divide the Bang Bang sauce in half. Reserve one half of the sauce for serving, and use the other half for coating the raw salmon. This prevents cross-contamination.
- Coat Salmon: Add the salmon cubes to the large bowl with the seasoning mixture (oil and spices). Toss gently to coat the salmon evenly. Then, add half of the Bang Bang sauce to the bowl with the seasoned salmon. Toss gently to coat.
- Air Fry: Working in batches, place the coated salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip and Cook: Carefully flip the salmon bites over using tongs. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C).
- Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving plate or bowl. Drizzle with the reserved (unused) Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately.
Notes
- Salmon: You can use any type of salmon for this recipe, but skinless fillets are recommended for easier preparation.
- Bang Bang Sauce: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- Air Fryer: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these Bang Bang Salmon Bites as an appetizer, a snack, or a main course. They’re great on their own, or served with rice, noodles, or a salad. You can also serve them in lettuce wraps or tacos.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave.