Description
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are flavorful salmon pieces coated in a spicy, sweet homemade bang bang sauce, cooked to perfection in an air fryer. This quick and easy recipe offers tender, juicy salmon bites that are crispy on the outside and drizzled with extra bang bang sauce for maximum flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe can also be adapted for oven baking.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 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
Bang Bang Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F to allow it to fully heat up while preparing the salmon.
- Season the salmon bites: In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon pieces and gently toss them to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Prepare the bang bang sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Coat the salmon in sauce: Pour half of the bang bang sauce into a small bowl and set aside for drizzling later. Toss the seasoned salmon bites in the remaining sauce until they are coated evenly.
- Air fry the salmon bites: Place the salmon bites in an even layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip the bites and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F, indicating they are cooked through.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving plate, drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce, and garnish with chopped chives to add a fresh, complementary flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- You can bake the salmon bites in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes if you do not have an air fryer.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the heat level of the bang bang sauce.
- Make sure the salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 140-145°F for safe consumption.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
