Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw the salmon fully before cutting and pat dry thoroughly. Excess moisture is the main enemy of getting that crispy exterior in the air fryer.

Is it possible to bake the salmon instead of air frying?

Definitely. Arrange the coated salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Finish under the broiler for a minute if you want extra browning.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

It’s gently spicy, thanks to the Sriracha. Feel free to amp it up or tame it down by adjusting how much Sriracha goes into the mix.

What are good side dishes to pair with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

They’re fantastic with simple sides like steamed rice, sautéed green beans, or an Asian cucumber salad. For a handheld party bite, serve with crisp iceberg lettuce cups!

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 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; 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

Description

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, tender salmon pieces tossed in a flavorful, creamy, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Made in just 20 minutes using the air fryer, these bites are packed with flavor, making them a perfect main course or appetizer. The combination of sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and mayonnaise creates a deliciously bold finishing sauce that will make this recipe a family favorite.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Salmon Bites

1 1/2 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
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce

1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
1/2 cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons honey

For Garnish

Chives, finely chopped

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Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. This ensures the salmon cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.
Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon bites to the bowl and gently toss them until each piece is 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 well combined and smooth. Divide the sauce in half, reserving one half for later use after cooking.
Coat Salmon with Sauce: Toss the seasoned salmon bites with half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce, making sure the pieces are thoroughly coated.
Air Fry Salmon Bites: Working in batches, arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, then flip each piece and cook for another 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

To ensure even cooking, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; work in batches if necessary.
Adjust the level of Sriracha in the sauce to match your preferred spice level.
Leftover salmon bites can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce option.
Garlic powder can be replaced with fresh minced garlic if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 430
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg