Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

The Zesty Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe You’ll Love

Crispy salmon takes on a whole new dimension with these mouthwatering air fryer bang bang salmon bites that promise an explosion of flavor.

Spicy and creamy sauce coats perfectly golden chunks of fish, creating an irresistible appetizer.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and zest that keeps you coming back for more.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in under 20 minutes.

Succulent salmon meets a tangy, spicy coating that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Ready to impress everyone at the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor?

FAQ Sheet For Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

  • What are Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

Crispy, flavorful salmon pieces coated in a spicy-sweet Thai-inspired sauce, quickly prepared in an air fryer for a delicious appetizer or main dish.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat level from Sriracha and Thai sweet chili sauce, which can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of Sriracha.

  • Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but ensure the salmon is completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy exterior in the air fryer.

  • How do I know when the salmon bites are fully cooked?

The salmon should be golden brown, flake easily with a fork, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

Why Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Stand Out

Why Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Stand Out
  • Blast Flavor in Minutes: Create a mouthwatering seafood dish that packs intense taste with minimal preparation steps and quick cooking time.
  • Master Healthy Cooking Technique: Air frying transforms salmon into a crispy, golden treat without excess oil, delivering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
  • Spice Up Family Dinner: This recipe offers a zesty, crowd-pleasing meal that introduces exciting flavors kids and adults will love, making mealtime fun and adventurous.
  • Simple Gourmet Experience: Combine restaurant-quality taste with home cooking convenience, impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-style dish without complicated techniques.

What You’ll Need For Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Main Protein:
  • Salmon: Fresh fish that provides the base for these delicious bites with a rich, tender texture.
Seasoning Mix:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and ensures even coating of the salmon.
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spice blend that enhances the salmon's natural flavor.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: Creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that adds bold flavor and moisture to the salmon bites.
Garnish:
  • Chives: Fresh herb that provides a light, oniony finish and adds visual appeal to the dish.

How To Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Fast

How To Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Fast

Step 1: Preheat Air Fryer

Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 400F (200C) to get it ready for cooking.

Step 2: Season Salmon Bites

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Toss salmon pieces in the seasoning mixture, ensuring each bite gets fully coated with flavor.

Step 3: Arrange Salmon in Air Fryer

Carefully place seasoned salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to help the pieces cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 4: Cook Salmon Bites

Air fry the salmon for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to ensure even browning. Watch for a golden brown exterior and fully cooked center.

Step 5: Prepare Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Thai sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Honey

Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 6: Coat Salmon in Sauce

Once salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to the bowl with bang bang sauce. Gently toss until each piece is completely covered in the spicy, sweet sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped chives over the sauced salmon bites. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious, crispy treat.

Tips To Get Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Tips To Get Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
  • Check salmon freshness by ensuring firm, bright-colored flesh with no strong fishy odor before preparing bites.
  • Prevent overcrowding in air fryer basket to achieve crispy, evenly cooked salmon edges with perfect golden-brown color.
  • Pat salmon pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create crispier texture.
  • Adjust spice levels in sauce by increasing or decreasing Sriracha for milder or spicier bang bang salmon bites.
  • Store leftover salmon bites in airtight container for maximum 2 days, reheating gently in air fryer to maintain crispy exterior.

Tasty Options For Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

  • Spicy Mediterranean Salmon Bites: Replace Thai sweet chili sauce with tzatziki and add oregano and lemon zest to the seasoning mix for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Maple Glazed Salmon Bites: Swap Sriracha and honey with pure maple syrup and add smoked paprika for a sweet and smoky Canadian-style coating.
  • Asian Sesame Salmon Bites: Use sesame oil instead of olive oil, incorporate soy sauce into the marinade, and finish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for an authentic east Asian taste.
  • Cajun Ranch Salmon Bites: Blend ranch dressing into the sauce, sprinkle Cajun seasoning over salmon before air frying, and garnish with fresh parsley for a Southern-style kick.

Perfect Sides For Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

  • Amplify Flavor with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the spicy, sweet bang bang sauce and cut through the rich salmon.
  • Balance Heat with Cool Cucumber Salad: Prepare a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and dill to provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy, tangy salmon bites.
  • Create Texture Contrast with Coconut Rice: Serve fluffy coconut rice alongside the crispy salmon bites to add a creamy, tropical dimension that softens the dish's bold flavors.
  • Enhance Presentation with Citrus Garnish: Top the salmon bites with fresh lime or lemon zest to brighten the overall taste and add a vibrant, aromatic finish to the dish.

Keep Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Fresh

  • Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent soggy texture.
  • Warm bites at 350F for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they crisp up without drying out. Spray lightly with oil to maintain moisture.
  • Heat in short 15-second intervals, checking frequently to prevent overcooking. Add a small splash of water to help retain tenderness.
  • Freeze uncoated salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 13-15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy bang bang salmon bites deliver a spicy-sweet explosion of flavor straight from your air fryer. Crunchy exterior and tender fish inside create a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) salmon, skin removed, cut into 1-inch bites
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm the air fryer to 400F (200C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for the salmon.
  2. Create a zesty seasoning blend by mixing olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
  3. Gently tumble salmon pieces through the seasoning mixture, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly and evenly coated with the aromatic spices.
  4. Carefully arrange seasoned salmon bites in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket to promote even cooking and crispy edges.
  5. Slide the basket into the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, pausing midway to agitate the basket, which helps achieve uniform golden-brown coloration and perfect doneness.
  6. Simultaneously, craft a creamy, tangy sauce by whisking mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until the mixture becomes silky and well-integrated.
  7. Once salmon emerges golden and succulent, immediately transfer the hot bites into the prepared sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and luxurious coating.
  8. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the sauced salmon bites for a vibrant, herbaceous finishing touch, then serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Master precise seasoning by using fresh spices for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Ensure salmon pieces are uniform in size to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Choose high-quality salmon with minimal moisture to achieve crispy, golden exterior in air fryer.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting Sriracha quantity for milder or spicier bang bang sauce.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 680 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 55 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 45 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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