Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Loved by 5000 Happy Fans

The Crispiest Bang Bang Salmon Bites You’ll Ever Taste

Welcome to your new obsession. I’m Chef Andrew, and today, we’re diving into one of the most irresistible recipes I’ve ever perfected: Bang Bang Salmon Bites. If you’re craving something crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and drenched in a spicy creamy sauce that’s totally addictive, you’ve come to the right kitchen.

These salmon bites are not just trendy—they’re a flavor bomb waiting to happen. Whether you’re whipping them up in the air fryer for a healthy weeknight dinner, popping them in the oven to impress a crowd, or pan-frying for a quick fix, this recipe delivers bold, satisfying results every single time.

What makes this recipe truly shine is its versatility. Think of these bites as a blank canvas with endless possibilities. Pile them into tacos, serve them over rice bowls, skewer them for party appetizers, or toss them into salads for a protein-packed crunch.

But don’t worry—this isn’t a restaurant-only dish. You won’t need fancy tools or complicated prep. Just a few fresh ingredients, an irresistible bang bang sauce, and a short step-by-step guide that will have you cooking like a pro in minutes.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to make the crispiest, sauciest salmon bites you’ve ever tasted.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tossed in a creamy spicy sauce and perfect for an appetizer or protein-packed main dish. Ready in under 20 minutes!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Asian Inspired

Servings 4 people

Calories 821 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

Salmon

• 1.5 pounds salmon filets skin removed and cut into 1-inch bites
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey
• chives for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
• In a large bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the salmon pieces to coat evenly.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to create the Bang Bang sauce.
• Divide the sauce in half. Reserve one half for serving and use the other to toss with the seasoned salmon bites.
• Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the salmon reaches 140–145°F.
• Transfer to a serving plate, drizzle with the reserved sauce, and garnish with chopped chives.

Notes

For oven preparation, bake salmon at 400°F for 16 minutes flipping halfway. Toss with sauce after baking to avoid burning.

Keyword air fryer salmon bites, bang bang salmon

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe “Bang Bang Salmon Bites”

• Crispy and Juicy Perfection
  Each salmon bite delivers a golden crisp outside with tender, flaky salmon inside. It’s the kind of texture combo that keeps you coming back for more.
• Bang Bang Sauce is Pure Magic
  This sweet, spicy, creamy sauce takes everything to the next level. Whether you drizzle or dip, it’s finger-licking good.
• Quick to Make with Simple Ingredients
  You only need a handful of pantry staples and less than 25 minutes from start to finish. Weeknight dinner has never been easier or tastier.
• Versatile and Crowd-Friendly
  Serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or part of a rice bowl or salad. It’s perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, game day, or even date night.
• Air Fryer and Oven Options
  Whether you’re going for crispy convenience or oven-baked comfort, both methods work beautifully.

This recipe stands out from other salmon bites because of its balanced heat and honey-sweet depth in the sauce, its foolproof air fryer timing, and the chef-level results with minimal effort. It’s a reliable recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for simplicity. Serve it to impress or just treat yourself to something amazing—you’ll be hooked from the first bite.

Ingredients Needed For Bang Bang Salmon Bites

For the Salmon Bites

• 1½ pounds fresh salmon – About 4 fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds subtle warmth and color
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For savory depth
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the flavors
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds mild heat and sharpness

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise – The creamy base of the sauce
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce – Delivers a sweet and spicy punch
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha – Adjust to taste for more or less heat
• 2 tablespoons honey – Rounds out the spice with a touch of sweetness
• Chopped fresh chives – For garnish and a pop of green

These straightforward ingredients are easy to find and come together to create restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Don’t skip the garnish—chives add both visual appeal and a mild onion-like freshness that complements the sauce.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step-by-Step Instructions Of Bang Bang Salmon Bites

1. Preheat the Air Fryer
   Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures even cooking and crispy edges.
2. Season the Salmon
   In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the salmon cubes and gently toss with a silicone spatula until each piece is well coated. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
   In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more Sriracha if you like it spicier.
4. Divide the Sauce
   Spoon half of the sauce into a separate small bowl and set it aside. This will be used as a drizzle after cooking. Use the remaining sauce to lightly coat the seasoned salmon bites, tossing gently until evenly covered.
5. Air Fry the Salmon Bites
   Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd—cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 4 to 5 minutes, flip the pieces with tongs, then cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140°F to 145°F and has a golden crust.
6. Serve and Garnish
   Transfer the hot salmon bites to a serving plate. Drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce and sprinkle with chopped chives for a fresh finish.

Oven Instructions (Optional Method)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread the seasoned salmon bites on the sheet in a single layer. Bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Once baked, toss the salmon gently with the reserved sauce and garnish with chives before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips Of Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Serving Suggestions

• Make It a Meal: Serve the Bang Bang salmon bites over jasmine rice or quinoa with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy. Drizzle with extra sauce and top with sesame seeds for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Appetizer Platter: Stick toothpicks into each bite and serve on a platter with the reserved sauce as a dip. Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
• Taco Time: Tuck the salmon bites into warm corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and a dollop of extra sauce for easy Bang Bang salmon tacos.
• Bowl Build: Build a poke-style bowl with sushi rice, cucumber ribbons, edamame, shredded carrots, and crispy onions. Top with warm salmon bites and extra sauce for a crave-worthy bowl.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover cooked salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the remaining Bang Bang sauce in a separate container to maintain texture.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the salmon bites (without sauce) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes to regain a crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may soften the outer crisp.

Helpful Notes Of Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Choose Fresh Salmon: For best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon filets with skin removed. If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture during cooking.
• Cut Evenly for Consistent Cooking: Dice the salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures each bite cooks evenly and finishes at the same time, helping avoid undercooked or overdone pieces.
• Adjust Heat to Taste: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce. For more heat, feel free to add an extra teaspoon or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: When air frying, ensure there is space between salmon pieces so the hot air can circulate properly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy bites.
• Crispy Finish Tip: For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the salmon with oil before air frying. This helps achieve that golden, lightly crisp texture without overcooking.
• Double the Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce is a crowd favorite. Consider doubling the recipe and saving the extra for dipping, drizzling over rice bowls, or even using on grilled shrimp or chicken.
• Use a Thermometer: For perfectly cooked salmon, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The ideal internal temperature should be between 140°F to 145°F.

Conclusion of Bang Bang Salmon Bites

There’s a reason Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are making waves in home kitchens—they’re fast, full of flavor, and completely crave-worthy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests, this dish delivers on all fronts. The salmon turns out juicy and tender inside with a lightly crisp exterior, while the bold, creamy, and slightly spicy Bang Bang sauce brings it all together in one unforgettable bite.

This recipe is more than just convenient. It’s adaptable, allowing you to adjust spice levels and even cook it in the oven if needed. You can pair these salmon bites with steamed rice, a light salad, or tuck them into lettuce wraps for a fresh twist. The best part? It’s done in under 30 minutes, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

If you gave this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and don’t forget to rate it! Your feedback not only helps others but lets me know what you loved.

Tried a unique twist or served it in a fun way? Share it with us on Pinterest or tag me on Facebook—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations.

What’s your favorite way to serve salmon bites? Let’s get the conversation started below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)