Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
If you’re searching for a quick, flavor-packed seafood dish that’ll make everyone at the table swoon, look no further than Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites. These perfectly crisp, irresistibly tender salmon chunks are tossed with a sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce that is sure to become your new obsession. This recipe is as fun to eat as it is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners or party snacks downright exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready—each ingredient here plays a starring role in building layers of flavor and crunch. With just a handful of staples and a bangin’ homemade sauce, Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites come together simply yet taste absolutely gourmet.
- Salmon fillets: Fresh, skinless salmon is best for perfectly juicy bites that hold their shape in the air fryer.
- Olive oil: Adds healthy richness and helps the spices coat the salmon evenly.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle, savory depth that boosts every bite.
- Paprika: Infuses a mild smoky warmth and gorgeous color to the salmon.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, it brings out the natural sweetness of the fish.
- Black pepper: Offers gentle heat and bold flavor notes to balance the sauce.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to a light, crispy crust without deep frying.
- Mayonnaise (for the sauce): Builds a creamy, luscious base for that signature Bang Bang flavor.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and gentle heat, making the sauce totally addictive.
- Sriracha: Delivers a pop of spicy excitement—add more or less to suit your spice cravings!
- Honey: Balances out the heat and tang with a lovely touch of sweetness.
- Lime juice: Brightens the whole dish, adding zing and freshness to the sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Start by cutting your skinless salmon fillets into hearty, one-inch cubes. This size is perfect for snacking and holds up to the air fryer without falling apart. Pop them in a medium bowl, drizzle on the olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to toss everything so each piece gets beautifully coated in those spices.
Step 2: Add Crunch with Cornstarch
Now it’s time for some crunch magic! Sprinkle the cornstarch over your seasoned salmon and give it another gentle toss. The cornstarch creates that golden, crispy exterior we all love in Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites, while keeping the inside wonderfully moist.
Step 3: Preheat and Arrange in the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes. This step helps give the salmon bites a nice blast of heat right away. Layer the coated salmon pieces in a single row in the basket—no overcrowding! Cook in batches if you need to, as this helps each bite turn maximum crispy.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Crispy
Air fry the salmon bites for 7 to 9 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through so every edge gets golden and crackly. You’re looking for bites that are just cooked through, with a snappy, irresistible crust.
Step 5: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon cooks, whisk together all your Bang Bang sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice. Stir until smooth and creamy—the aroma will have you wanting to dive in with a spoon!
Step 6: Sauce and Serve
When the salmon bites are perfectly crispy, pile them onto a plate. You can either drizzle on the Bang Bang sauce for dramatic flair, or toss everything together so every nook and cranny gets saucy coverage. The choice is yours, but either way, get ready for fireworks of flavor!
How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Garnishes
Add flair to each plate by sprinkling on freshly chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or even a handful of microgreens. These touches not only look gorgeous but add little pops of freshness and crunch to complement the warmth of the salmon.
Side Dishes
Pair Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or a crisp Asian slaw for hearty meals. They also shine in lettuce cups or over a simple salad for a lighter bite. Don’t forget a little extra sauce on the side for dipping!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into the star of your next gathering by serving the salmon bites as skewers, stacking them as sliders, or popping them into mini taco shells for a playful, party-ready twist. Layer into rice bowls with avocado and cucumber for a sushi-inspired feast that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Store the sauce separately to keep everything tasting fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, skip the sauce and lay the cooled salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together and makes for easy reheating later. You can freeze them for up to a month.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the salmon bites right back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until crisp and warmed through. A quick blast in the air fryer lets them keep their irresistible crunchy texture—much better than the microwave!
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing extra moisture helps the salmon get that beautiful crispy coating in the air fryer.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for the Bang Bang sauce?
Absolutely. Swap in your favorite plant-based or vegan mayo for the same ultra-creamy results. The sauce will still be just as tangy, sweet, and spicy!
How spicy are these salmon bites?
They’ve got a gentle kick from the sriracha, but it’s beautifully balanced by sweet chili sauce and honey. If you like things mild, use less sriracha—or add extra for a real fiery touch!
Can I prepare Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites ahead of time?
You can absolutely make both the sauce and salmon bites ahead! Store them separately and toss together when ready to serve for the best texture and freshness.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or potato starch make great substitutes if you’re looking to avoid cornstarch. Either option will help create a lovely, crispy coating in the air fryer.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re jazzing up a weeknight dinner or planning to wow guests, you’re going to love how simple and crave-worthy these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are. Give them a try and see how quickly they disappear—don’t forget to keep that extra sauce handy for dipping into every last bite!
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious and crispy seafood dish coated in a spicy and creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites:
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillets (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Toss salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat with cornstarch.
- Air Fry: Preheat to 400°F (200°C), air fry salmon for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
- Finish: Drizzle or toss cooked salmon with sauce. Serve garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly spray coated salmon with oil before air frying.
- Pair with rice, lettuce cups, or salad.
- Make the sauce in advance—it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
