Name: Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a dish that is bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and wonderfully satisfying, look no further than the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe. These tender salmon pieces are perfectly seasoned, coated in a creamy and spicy homemade bang bang sauce, and cooked to perfection in an air fryer to deliver a crispy outside and a juicy inside. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe hits all the right notes with its balance of heat, sweetness, and freshness. Plus, the air fryer makes the cooking process fast and fuss-free, so you can enjoy this delightful dish in just about 20 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass jar filled with smooth, creamy, light orange sauce with tiny red specks. A silver spoon is lifting some of the sauce from the jar, showing the thick, silky texture. The jar is placed on a white marbled surface with soft lighting that highlights the sauce's glossy finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe lies in the simplicity and harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring every bite is an exciting experience.

Salmon (1 ½ pounds, skin removed, cut into 1-inch bites): Provides a rich, buttery flavor and delicate flaky texture that is the star of the dish.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the salmon bites crisp up beautifully while adding a subtle fruitiness.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild smoky depth and a dash of vibrant color.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a savory, aromatic punch that complements the salmon perfectly.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of the salmon without overpowering.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Introduces a little heat and complexity to the seasoning blend.
Mayonnaise (1 cup): Creates a creamy base for the bang bang sauce, balancing spice and sweetness.
Thai sweet chili sauce (½ cup): Brings a deliciously tangy and mildly sweet heat to the sauce.
Sriracha (2 teaspoons or more to taste): Adds kick and vibrant color to the sauce, allowing you to control the spice level.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the sauce naturally to balance all the fiery elements.
Chives (for garnish): Adds a fresh, mild onion aroma and a pop of green for visual appeal.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. This high heat is crucial for getting that perfectly crisp exterior on your salmon bites. While the air fryer heats, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This simple seasoning blend sets the stage for full-bodied flavor. Gently toss the salmon bites into the mixture, ensuring every piece is evenly coated but not overloaded. This careful coating locks in moisture and flavor during cooking.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Next, whip up the signature sauce that truly makes this dish shine. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mixing these ingredients creates a luscious sauce that is creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy. It’s the perfect partner for salmon, marrying smoky, rich fish with a burst of punchy flavor.

Step 3: Toss the Salmon and Reserve Sauce

Pour half of the bang bang sauce into a separate bowl and set it aside—this will be used to drizzle on the cooked salmon for that extra flavor boost. Coat the salmon bites with the remaining sauce, making sure they are nicely glazed. This step ensures each bite is infused with the irresistible bang bang taste even before cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the salmon bites into the air fryer basket in a single layer without crowding them. This allows the hot air to circulate around each piece, crisping them evenly. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, then flip the salmon carefully and air fry for another 4-5 minutes. Ideally, the internal temperature should reach 140-145°F for perfectly cooked, juicy salmon. The air fryer seals in moisture while creating a satisfyingly crunchy finish that will have you reaching for more.

Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish

Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a serving plate and drizzle generously with the reserved bang bang sauce. This final touch adds a fresh hit of flavor and a glossy finish to your bites. Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a pop of color and a hint of fresh, mild onion brightness that complements the sauce beautifully.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

The image shows a grey textured bowl filled with a base layer of white cooked rice, topped with a pile of shiny, glazed grilled meat pieces that are golden brown with charred edges. Small green garnish bits are scattered lightly on the meat, adding a drop of color. In the background, there's a blurring view of another similar bowl and a cup with a light brown drink, all set on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin beside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the chives add a lovely fresh note, don’t hesitate to get creative with garnishes. Sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or even a squeeze of lime juice can elevate your presentation and add subtle layers of flavor. Bright garnishes provide contrast, cutting through the richness of the salmon and creamy sauce with ease.

Side Dishes

The beauty of this Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe is its versatility when it comes to pairing side dishes. Consider serving alongside fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up extra sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies provide textural balance and a refreshing counterpoint to the rich salmon. Even steamed broccoli or snap peas add lovely freshness that complements the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or spice up a casual dinner, try serving the salmon bites on a bed of mixed greens or as skewers for easy finger food. Using small bowls or ramekins for additional bang bang sauce allows everyone to customize their dipping experience. You can also pile the salmon bites over avocado toast or inside fresh lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—and that’s rare!—store the salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the reserved bang bang sauce separate to prevent sogginess. When ready to enjoy, bring the salmon to room temperature before reheating for the best texture.

Freezing

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze the salmon bites, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat carefully to avoid drying out the fish.

Reheating

To bring back the crispy texture, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, watching closely so they don’t overcook. You can also reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that delightful crunch and juicy interior.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures the salmon crisps up nicely in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake the salmon bites?

Absolutely! Baking at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes will yield delicious results. Just spread the salmon bites in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flip halfway through cooking.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce has a balanced kick that you can adjust easily. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the Sriracha or omit it altogether. For more heat, add extra Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the sauce?

You can try Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative for a lighter or dairy-free version, though this will slightly change the texture and flavor profile.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free Thai sweet chili sauce. Always check labels to be sure!

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfying taste and texture of the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe to brighten up your mealtime routine. It’s quick, flavorful, and absolutely addictive, making it one of those dishes you’ll want to revisit again and again. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy salmon!