These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious and easy way to enjoy salmon. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. I love how quickly they cook up in the air fryer, making them perfect for a weeknight meal. Plus, they’re healthy and packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Crispy and Flavorful: The salmon bites are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to the air fryer. The bang bang sauce adds a delicious creamy and spicy flavor.
Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Quick and Healthy: It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Versatile: You can easily customize these salmon bites with your favorite toppings and sides.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

For the Salmon:

Salmon: I use skinless salmon fillets for this recipe, but you can also use salmon with the skin on.
Olive Oil: This helps to keep the salmon moist and flavorful.
Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: These spices add flavor to the salmon.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy and tangy sauce.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and a touch of heat.
Sriracha: Adds another layer of heat. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance the flavors.

For Serving:

Chives: For garnish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

Spicy Salmon: Add more sriracha to the bang bang sauce or to the salmon for extra heat.
Lemon Herb: Add some lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, to the salmon.
Different Coating: Try using panko breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a different texture.
Glaze: Drizzle the cooked salmon bites with a honey garlic glaze or a teriyaki glaze.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Cut the salmon fillets into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the salmon bites and gently toss to coat.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Mix well.

Step 3: Coat the Salmon

Pour half of the bang bang sauce into a separate bowl and set aside. Toss the salmon bites in the remaining sauce.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Working in batches, place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, then flip the salmon bites and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C).

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a plate and drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce. Garnish with chives and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks

Even Cooking: Make sure the salmon bites are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and gets crispy.
Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked through.

How to Serve

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are delicious with:

Rice: Serve with a side of white or brown rice.
Veggies: Roasted vegetables or a simple salad would be a great accompaniment.
Tacos: Use the salmon bites to make tacos with your favorite toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can marinate the salmon bites in the spice mixture for up to 24 hours in advance.
Storing: Store leftover salmon bites in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the salmon bites in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. I recommend thawing it in the refrigerator overnight.

Can I bake these salmon bites instead of air frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

Can I make this recipe with a different type of fish?
Yes, you can use other types of fish, such as cod or mahi-mahi. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on the thickness of the fish.

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites. I hope you enjoy it!

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe