Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Crispy, tender, and drenched in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce—these air fryer bang bang salmon bites are pure magic. Not only do they cook up in less than 10 minutes, but the air fryer gives them that perfect golden texture with way less oil than traditional frying. Pair that with a tangy, zippy bang bang sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining friends. The best part? It’s effortless, fun, and healthy enough to feel good about eating seconds (or thirds).

this RECIPE

My first taste of bang bang magic

I’ll never forget the first time I tried anything “bang bang” style. It was a rainy Thursday, and I had just come home from work with zero desire to cook. My friend had sent me a photo of some bang bang shrimp from a restaurant, and it sparked an idea. Could I make something similar at home, but lighter and with my favorite protein—salmon? I had an air fryer collecting dust on my counter, and suddenly, inspiration struck. The result? A juicy, flavor-packed dish that came together so easily, I couldn’t believe I’d been missing out for so long.

As soon as I took my first bite, I knew this recipe was here to stay. The combination of the buttery salmon, crunchy edges, and spicy-sweet sauce was a total game-changer. My kitchen smelled heavenly, my plate was empty in minutes, and my air fryer officially earned a permanent spot on the counter.

A quick history of bang bang sauce

Bang bang sauce is a flavor powerhouse rooted in Asian-inspired cooking. Its name comes from the signature “bang” of its bold flavors: creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and fiery sriracha. The sauce is famously paired with fried shrimp or chicken in restaurants, but it’s incredibly versatile. Over the years, home cooks have started slathering it on everything from roasted veggies to tacos. For this recipe, I thought, why not try it with salmon? Salmon’s natural richness pairs perfectly with the tangy, spicy kick of the sauce, and it might just be my favorite iteration yet.

Let’s talk ingredients: The stars of the show

Salmon

Fresh, high-quality salmon is key here. Look for firm, bright-colored fillets without an overly fishy smell. If fresh salmon isn’t available, frozen salmon works too—just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. Skinless fillets are easiest to work with, but if yours have skin, you can remove it with a sharp knife.

If you can’t find salmon or want to switch things up, you could use another firm fish like cod or halibut. Just note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.

Bang bang sauce ingredients

The bang bang sauce is the heart of this recipe, so don’t skimp on quality. Use a creamy mayonnaise. Sweet chili sauce brings the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, while Uni-Eagle sriracha adds a touch of heat. Honey rounds it all out with a subtle floral sweetness. If you want to tweak the spice level, feel free to add more or less sriracha—it’s your kitchen, after all!

Olive oil and spices

A simple mix of extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper seasons the salmon bites perfectly. These pantry staples highlight the salmon’s flavor without overpowering it.

Essential kitchen tools: What you’ll need

To make these salmon bites a breeze, you’ll need just a few tools:

• Air fryer: This is the real MVP here, delivering crispy edges without the need for deep frying. If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry—you can bake the salmon at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes instead.
• Mixing bowls: One for the sauce and one for seasoning the salmon.
• Tongs or a spatula: Helpful for flipping the salmon bites halfway through cooking.
• Kitchen thermometer: While optional, this is super handy to ensure your salmon is perfectly cooked (140-145°F is the sweet spot).

Step-by-step: How to make air fryer bang bang salmon bites

1. Preheat the air fryer

Set your air fryer to 390°F while you prep the ingredients. Starting with a hot air fryer ensures the salmon gets that crispy texture we’re aiming for.

2. Season the salmon

In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the salmon bites gently to coat them evenly. Trust me, the oil and spices work their magic to create a flavorful base for the sauce.

3. Make the bang bang sauce

In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level if needed. Pro tip: Divide the sauce into two portions—one for tossing the salmon pre-cooking and one for drizzling afterward. This keeps things clean and ensures maximum flavor.

4. Air fry the salmon

Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them—air needs to circulate for that golden crispness. Cook for 4-5 minutes, flip, and cook another 4-5 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.

5. Serve and enjoy

Transfer the salmon to a plate, drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce, and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color.

How to make this recipe your own

• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written.
• Go low-carb: Swap the sweet chili sauce for a sugar-free version and replace the honey with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit.
• Vegan option: Substitute the salmon with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, and use vegan mayonnaise in the sauce.
• Amp up the heat: Add extra Uni-Eagle sriracha, or even a pinch of cayenne, to the sauce if you love spice.
• Seasonal twist: Try adding a splash of lime juice or some grated ginger to the sauce for a fresh, summery vibe.

How to serve bang bang salmon bites

If you’re hosting, arrange the salmon bites on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Garnish with extra chives or even sesame seeds for a pretty presentation. For dinner, pair them with jasmine rice or quinoa and some roasted veggies—broccoli, asparagus, or even zucchini are great options.

For an extra fancy touch, drizzle a little extra bang bang sauce on the plate before arranging the bites—it looks stunning and makes the dish feel restaurant-worthy.

Drink pairings

A zesty mocktail or refreshing iced tea pairs beautifully with these salmon bites. Here are some ideas:

• Cucumber mint cooler: Blend cucumber, mint, lime juice, and sparkling water for a refreshing sip.
• Pineapple lemonade: Sweet and tangy, this balances the heat of the bang bang sauce perfectly.
• Chilled green tea with honey: Light and soothing, it’s a great palate cleanser.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 3-4 minutes to regain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon rubbery.

If you’re meal-prepping, keep the sauce separate and drizzle it on just before serving for the best results.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about 4 servings, but it’s easy to scale up or down. Doubling the recipe? Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Halving it? Keep the cooking time the same—just make sure your air fryer basket isn’t too empty, as air circulation works best with a little more volume.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Just thaw it completely in the fridge overnight, then pat it dry before seasoning.

2. How do I make this less spicy?

Reduce the Uni-Eagle sriracha in the sauce or leave it out altogether for a milder flavor.

3. Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. What’s the best way to cut the salmon into bites?

Use a sharp knife and aim for uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.

5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using.

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