Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Sometimes, the best dishes are the ones that come together in a flash but taste like they’ve been prepared in a fancy restaurant. These air fryer bang bang salmon bites check all the boxes—crispy, tender, saucy, and bursting with flavor. This recipe takes inspiration from the classic bang bang shrimp but swaps in juicy salmon, creating a seafood treat that’s lighter, heartier, and oh-so satisfying. Plus, thanks to the air fryer, you’ll have these perfectly cooked bites on the table in under 20 minutes!

I still remember the first time I made this dish. It was one of those “let’s see what’s in the fridge” kind of nights, and all I had was a couple of salmon fillets and half a bottle of sweet chili sauce. After some experimenting (and maybe a little too much Sriracha the first go-round), this recipe was born. The crispy, caramelized salmon paired with the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce quickly became a family favorite. Now, it’s my go-to for everything from casual weeknight dinners to party appetizers.

this RECIPE

A quick look at the dish’s inspiration

Bang bang sauce has its roots in Thai cuisine, with a creamy and sweet heat that’s both comforting and bold. It became famous in the U.S. thanks to bang bang shrimp, a popular appetizer at restaurants like Bonefish Grill. Over the years, home cooks have adapted the sauce to pair with everything from chicken to roasted veggies. Here, it transforms salmon bites into little flavor-packed nuggets of joy, perfectly crisped in the air fryer. The beauty of this dish lies in how the air fryer replicates that golden crunch without the need for heavy breading or deep frying.

Let’s talk salmon (and why it works here!)

The salmon is the star of this recipe, so picking the right cut is key. You’ll want boneless, skinless salmon fillets for easy prep.

• Why salmon? It’s rich, buttery, and holds up beautifully in bite-sized chunks. Plus, it’s packed with omega-3s and protein, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Substitutes: Can’t find salmon? Try trout or even firm white fish like cod or halibut. They’ll absorb the flavors nicely, though their texture will be a bit different.
• Pro tip: When buying salmon, look for fillets that are bright in color and smell clean, like the ocean. Avoid anything with a fishy odor.

The olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper season the salmon just enough to highlight its natural flavors without overpowering it. The Bang Bang sauce takes care of the rest!

The secret weapon: Bang bang sauce

Ah, the sauce—the real MVP here. It’s a simple mix of pantry staples but adds an addictive balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy to every bite.

• Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base, giving the sauce its signature luscious texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap it with plain Greek yogurt or light mayo.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: This brings sweetness and a gentle tang. It’s the backbone of that familiar “bang bang” flavor.
• Sriracha: Adds the heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance. No Sriracha? A little cayenne pepper or a dab of hot sauce works in a pinch.
• Honey: Rounds out the flavors with a touch of natural sweetness. Maple syrup or agave could also work here.

Kitchen gear: What you’ll need

Good news—you don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets to pull this off! Here’s what I use:

• Air fryer: The key to crispy salmon bites without frying. If you don’t have one, you can bake these in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need one for the salmon seasoning and another for the sauce.
• Tongs or a spatula: These make flipping the salmon in the air fryer much easier.
• Meat thermometer: Optional, but super handy to ensure the salmon is cooked perfectly. Aim for an internal temperature of 140-145°F.

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

Step 1: Prep your air fryer

Set your air fryer to 390°F to preheat while you prep everything else. Preheating helps the salmon cook evenly and gives you that golden exterior.

Step 2: Season the salmon

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the salmon bites in the seasoning until they’re evenly coated. It’s best to do this gently to avoid breaking the delicate chunks.

Step 3: Mix up the bang bang sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Once smooth, pour half into a small bowl to save for drizzling later.

Step 4: Coat the salmon

Add the seasoned salmon bites to the bowl with the remaining sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece with that creamy, spicy goodness.

Step 5: Air fry the salmon

Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. (Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if needed.) Air fry for 4-5 minutes, flip the pieces, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the salmon is golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Transfer the salmon bites to a serving plate, drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce, and sprinkle with fresh chives. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Make it your own: Variations to try

• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your sauces for hidden gluten if needed.
• Low-carb/keto: Swap the honey for a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit syrup, and use a low-carb sweet chili sauce.
• Vegan: Replace the salmon with tofu or cauliflower florets. For the sauce, use vegan mayo and skip the honey (or use agave).
• Spicier kick: Amp up the Sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Seasonal twist: Try a citrusy marinade in winter (add orange zest to the seasoning) or a tropical vibe in summer (swap honey for pineapple juice in the sauce).

Serving and presentation ideas

Serve these salmon bites as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over fluffy jasmine rice. For a pop of color, sprinkle on extra chives or some toasted sesame seeds. Pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

Drinks to pair with bang bang salmon bites

When it comes to drinks, you’ll want something refreshing to balance the richness of the sauce:

• White wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is a great match.
• Beer: A light lager or pale ale pairs wonderfully with the spice.
• Mocktail: A zesty ginger-lime spritzer or iced green tea complements the dish perfectly.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), store the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon rubbery.

Scaling the recipe

Need to feed a crowd? Simply double or triple the ingredients, but be sure to air fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. For smaller portions, halve the recipe—it works just as well.

FAQ

1. Can I bake the salmon instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
Absolutely. Just use a dairy-free mayo, and the rest of the ingredients are already dairy-free.

3. What if I don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing 2 parts honey, 1 part vinegar, and a pinch of red chili flakes.

4. How do I keep the salmon from drying out?
Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temp of 140-145°F.

5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge.

Ready to try it?

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up these air fryer bang bang salmon bites! Whether it’s a casual dinner or a fun appetizer for friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Feel free to tweak the spice levels or experiment with variations—I’d love to hear how yours turn out. Happy cooking!

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