Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Introduction

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavorful and quick appetizer or snack featuring tender salmon pieces tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. This easy recipe combines crispy air-fried salmon with a sweet and tangy bang bang sauce for a delicious bite every time.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Add the salmon bites to the bowl and gently toss to coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce.
5. Step 5: Pour half of the bang bang sauce into another bowl and reserve it for serving. Toss the seasoned salmon bites in the remaining sauce.
6. Step 6: Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
7. Step 7: Air fry the salmon bites for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip them carefully and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
8. Step 8: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving plate and drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped chives before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, pat the salmon bites dry with paper towels before seasoning and air frying.
• Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the heat level of the bang bang sauce.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon bites at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions as an alternative to chives.

Storage

Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispness. The bang bang sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat the salmon dry completely before cutting into bites and seasoning to ensure even cooking and good texture.

What if I don’t have a thermometer to check the salmon’s temperature?

Cook the salmon bites for the full recommended time and check that they are opaque and flake easily with a fork. Salmon should be cooked through but still moist inside.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 68 reviews

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites offer a crispy, flavorful twist on classic salmon with a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a quick main dish, the salmon bites are air fried to perfection, ensuring a tender inside with a lightly crisp exterior. The combination of paprika and garlic powder spices complements the sweet and spicy sauce, while fresh chives add a touch of freshness.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American with Asian influences
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon Bites

• 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

1. Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 390°F and allow it to preheat fully before cooking to ensure even cooking of the salmon bites.
2. Prepare the seasoning mix. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix these together to create a flavorful base for the salmon.
3. Season the salmon bites. Add the cut salmon pieces to the bowl and gently toss them in the seasoning mix until each bite is evenly coated with the spices and oil.
4. Make the bang bang sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well blended.
5. Coat salmon bites with sauce. Reserve half of the bang bang sauce in a separate bowl. Toss the seasoned salmon bites in the remaining half of the sauce to infuse them with flavor before cooking.
6. Cook the salmon bites in batches. Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Cook until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F and has a tender flake.
7. Finish with reserved bang bang sauce. Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a plate and drizzle the remaining reserved bang bang sauce over them for extra flavor and a creamy finish.
8. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the salmon bites to add a fresh herbaceous note and serve immediately for the best taste.

Notes

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
• Make sure the salmon pieces are similar in size for uniform cooking.
• Let the salmon rest a minute after air frying before serving for optimal texture.
• Use fresh chives for garnish to enhance flavor and color.

Keywords: salmon bites, bang bang sauce, air fryer salmon, spicy salmon appetizer, easy salmon recipe, air fryer seafood, Thai sweet chili sauce