Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe: Spicy & Sweet

Sizzling and crispy air fryer bang bang salmon bites deliver a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.

Tender salmon chunks coated in a spicy, creamy sauce promise an irresistible appetizer or main course.

The perfect blend of crunch and heat makes these bites an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Packed with protein and bursting with zesty flavors, this recipe turns ordinary salmon into an extraordinary meal.

Each bite combines a golden exterior with a succulent interior that melts in your mouth.

The magic happens when you combine simple ingredients with the air fryer quick cooking method.

One taste, and you’ll understand why these salmon bites are about to become your new favorite recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 565 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

• Salmon: Wild-caught or farm-raised salmon offers tender, flaky bites perfect for air frying with rich omega-3 benefits and a delicate texture.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a smooth, fruity undertone while helping seasonings stick and creating a golden exterior.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: These spices create a robust, savory coating that complements salmon's natural richness with layers of warmth and depth.

• Mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: Blends creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements for a dynamite sauce that transforms simple salmon bites into an irresistible appetizer.
• Chives: Fresh, mild onion-like herb that provides a crisp green accent and subtle zesty finish to brighten the dish's overall presentation.

Tools to Nail This Salmon Recipe

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing salmon with seasonings and tossing in sauce.
• Whisk: Essential for blending Bang Bang sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Air Fryer: Key tool for cooking salmon bites to crispy perfection.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and sauce ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Used for preparing and chopping chives for garnish.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to chop chives and cut salmon into bite-sized pieces.
• Serving Plate: For presenting the delicious finished salmon bites.

Cook Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Like a Pro

• Spicy Ocean Delight Preparation

Get ready to create a mouthwatering seafood treat that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement. This recipe transforms simple salmon into crispy, flavor-packed bites that’ll impress everyone at the table.

• Flavor Explosion Seasoning

Massage your salmon with a zesty blend of spices that’ll awaken every single taste receptor. The secret is coating each bite thoroughly to lock in maximum flavor and create an irresistible crust.

• Saucy Magic Creation

Whip up a creamy, tangy sauce that brings serious personality to your salmon. This magical mixture combines heat, sweetness, and creaminess into one incredible drench that’ll make your dish unforgettable.

• Crispy Cooking Technique

Transform your salmon in the air fryer, creating golden-brown edges that crunch with every bite. The key is giving each morsel enough space to get perfectly crisp and heated through.

• Elegant Finishing Touch

Drizzle your completed salmon bites with the remaining sauce and sprinkle some fresh herbs on top. This final step elevates your dish from simple to spectacular, making it look as amazing as it tastes.

Extra Tips to Elevate Your Bang Bang Bites

• Crispy Coating Hack: Dredge salmon bites in panko breadcrumbs before air frying for an extra crunchy exterior that adds delightful texture and golden-brown appearance.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust Sriracha amount in Bang Bang sauce to personalize heat intensity – less for mild lovers, more for spice enthusiasts who enjoy a fiery kick.
• Protein Swap Potential: Replace salmon with chicken, shrimp, or tofu to create versatile bang bang bites that suit different dietary preferences and protein choices.
• Meal Prep Magic: These salmon bites store perfectly in airtight containers for 2-3 days, making them an excellent option for quick lunches or make-ahead dinner components that maintain delicious flavor.
• Dipping Sauce Alternatives: Experiment with Greek yogurt-based sauces, sweet chili alternatives, or homemade aioli blends to provide exciting flavor variations that complement the salmon's rich taste profile.

Serve Bang Bang Salmon with These Pairings

• Zesty Party Platter: Create a vibrant appetizer spread by arranging the salmon bites on a large wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like extra sriracha, lime wedges, and fresh herb sprigs.
• Salad Sensation: Transform your salmon bites into a light and refreshing main course by placing them atop a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber, avocado, and a drizzle of the remaining Bang Bang sauce.
• Rice Bowl Delight: Serve the spicy salmon bites over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice, topped with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a quick pickle of radishes for added crunch and tang.
• Wrap Adventure: Stuff the salmon bites into soft butter lettuce leaves or warm tortillas, adding a quick slaw of shredded cabbage and carrots for a handheld meal bursting with flavor.

Make Ahead or Store: Bang Bang Salmon Tips

• Smart Storage Solutions: Place leftover salmon bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The texture might change slightly, so enjoy them within this timeframe for the best taste and quality.
• Quick Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the salmon and sauce components in advance. Marinate the salmon in seasoning and store separately from the sauce in sealed containers inside the refrigerator. This strategy saves time during busy weeknights.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual salmon bites in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide cooked salmon bites into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Pack the extra Bang Bang sauce in a small separate container to keep the salmon crisp and prevent sogginess during transportation.

Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy bang bang salmon bites emerge as a quick, zesty appetizer celebrating Pacific Northwest seafood with spicy mayo and panko crumbs. Home cooks can savor these irresistible morsels in minutes, creating restaurant-quality flavor without extensive kitchen skills.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs salmon, about 4 filets, skins removed, cut into 1-inch bites
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 tsp Sriracha, or more to taste
• 2 tbsps honey
• chives, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until combined.
3. Drop in the salmon chunks and stir gently until each piece is well coated.
4. Next, whip up the Bang Bang sauce by blending the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a separate bowl.
5. Scoop out half of the sauce and set it aside for serving. Use the rest to coat the seasoned salmon bites.
6. Place the salmon into the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary so the pieces don’t overlap.
7. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and continue air frying for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and reaches 140–145°F.
8. Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate, drizzle with the reserved sauce, and top with fresh chives to serve.

Notes

• Prep Precision: Center your oven rack to guarantee uniform heat distribution for consistent baking results.
• Mix Mastery: Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps and ensure smooth, even texture.
• Gentle Folding Technique: Use circular motions when combining wet and dry ingredients to maintain a light, airy consistency.
• Cooling Wisdom: Allow baked item to rest in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack, preventing structural collapse and maintaining optimal moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 565
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg