Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Craving something wildly flavorful but strapped for time? These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are about to become your go-to dish. Juicy salmon, coated in a punchy rub, air fried to crispy perfection, and doused with an irresistibly creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang Sauce—this recipe is simplicity at its most delicious. With practically no prep and cook time, it’s ideal for hectic weeknights, fancy enough for guests, and customizable for every taste bud.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Salmon: The star of the show. Go for fresh, center-cut filets, skin removed, and diced into bite-sized cubes. Wild-caught if possible for the best flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the salmon bites get gorgeously golden and locks in moisture.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a lovely color to the crust.
• Garlic Powder: For an aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with seafood.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the bold flavors.
• Mayonnaise: Creates that creamy base for the bang bang sauce—don’t skip this!
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings sweet, sticky, and tangy notes to the sauce.
• Sriracha: Delivers gentle heat; adjust the amount for your preferred spice level.
• Honey: Balances the kick from Sriracha with a touch of sweetness.
• Chives: A fresh, mild garnish that cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color.

Tip: Always pat your salmon dry before seasoning to help the spices stick and ensure crispiness.

Variations

• Make it Lighter: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the bang bang sauce. You’ll still get creaminess but with extra protein and tang.
• Change the Protein: Try this method with shrimp, cubed chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian spin.
• Turn Up the Heat: Add more Sriracha or a dash of cayenne if you’re craving a spicier kick.
• Go Gluten-Free: Make sure your chili sauce and Sriracha are gluten-free certified if you have allergies.
• Sweet Swap: Use agave or maple syrup in place of honey for a different layer of sweetness.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. While it’s heating, chop your salmon filets into bite-sized, one-inch cubes and pat them dry (seriously, this helps with crispiness!).

Step 2: Season the Salmon

In a large bowl, toss the salmon bites with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Take a moment to ensure each piece is beautifully coated—more flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until completely smooth. Trust your instincts here; taste and tweak the spice level as you like.

Step 4: Coat the Salmon

Pour half of your bang bang sauce into a clean bowl and set it aside for drizzling later. Gently toss your seasoned salmon bites in the remaining sauce, making sure they’re generously coated but not swimming.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange the coated salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd! Work in batches if necessary. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for 4-5 more minutes, until they’re crisp and the internal temp hits 140-145°F. This keeps them juicy and just cooked through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Plate the golden salmon bites, drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce (don’t hold back!), and shower them with snipped fresh chives.

Note: If you’re cooking in batches, keep the cooked salmon bites lightly covered with foil to stay warm.

How to Serve

These salmon bites are true crowd-pleasers and work in just about any context:

• Appetizer: Pile them onto a platter with toothpicks, perfect for sharing at parties.
• Main Course: Serve over steamed jasmine rice or mixed greens for a wholesome meal.
• Taco Night: Tuck bang bang salmon into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw and extra sauce.
• Bowl Style: Try on a grain bowl with rice, avocado, cucumbers, and edamame for a balanced dinner.

Tip: Always serve with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Salmon bites hold up well in the fridge! Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the extra sauce separately and add just before serving.

Freezing

Freeze salmon bites flat in a single layer. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag for up to a month. Note: Sauce doesn’t freeze well; make that fresh when serving.

Reheating

Reheat salmon bites in the air fryer or oven at a low temp (300°F) until just warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to dry out the fish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing how a dish this crave-worthy can come together so quickly and easily. These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites turn any regular night into something special—crisp, juicy, flavorful, and customizable for everyone at the table. Give them a try, don’t be afraid to mix up the flavors, and most importantly—have fun in the kitchen. You won’t regret adding this one to your regular dinner rotation!

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