Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe: Zesty Delight

Crispy air fryer bang bang salmon bites bring a zesty explosion of flavor to your dinner table.

These delectable morsels combine succulent fish with a tantalizing coating that promises maximum crunch and minimal effort.

Seafood lovers appreciate how quickly these bite-sized delights reimagine an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

The magic happens when tender salmon meets a perfectly balanced sauce that tingles your taste buds with sweet, spicy undertones.

Quick cooking methods ensure the fish remains moist while developing a gorgeous golden exterior that practically guarantees culinary success.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Who doesn’t love a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in minutes with minimal cleanup?

Grab your air fryer and get ready to impress everyone at the table with these irresistible salmon bites.

Why Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Are So Good

• Flavor Explosion: Packed with a tangy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that combines sweet chili, Sriracha, and honey, these salmon bites deliver an incredible taste adventure in every bite.
• Quick and Effortless Cooking: Air fryer method ensures perfectly cooked salmon in just 8-10 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Healthier Indulgence: Salmon provides excellent protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while the air fryer technique requires minimal oil, creating a nutritious and guilt-free dish that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: These bite-sized morsels work wonderfully as appetizers, game day snacks, or a fun dinner option that appeals to both adults and kids with their irresistible crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Tips for Getting Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Prevent Overcrowding: Arrange salmon bites in a single layer with space between each piece to ensure crispy, evenly cooked results.
• Check Salmon Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F for perfectly cooked, moist salmon bites.
• Balance Sauce Layers: Reserve half the Bang Bang sauce for drizzling to maintain a vibrant, fresh flavor profile after cooking.
• Enhance Seasoning Absorption: Gently massage the oil and spice mixture into salmon bites to maximize flavor penetration before air frying.
• Optimize Cooking Time: Flip salmon bites midway through cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy interior.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Salmon Bites

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat in Air Fryer: Warm refrigerated salmon bites at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even heating. This method helps preserve the crispy exterior and prevents drying out.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwave reheating, as it can make salmon tough and rubbery. Stick to air fryer or oven methods for the best texture and flavor retention.

Sauces and Sides to Serve with Salmon Bites

• Spark Tangy Citrus Complement: Pair these zesty salmon bites with a crisp, cold lemon-infused sparkling water to enhance the spicy Bang Bang sauce's brightness and cut through the richness of the fish.
• Refresh with Asian-Inspired Slaw: Serve alongside a light, crunchy Asian coleslaw dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance the salmon's bold flavors and provide a refreshing textural contrast.
• Cool Down with Creamy Sidekick: Complement the spicy bites with a smooth, chilled cucumber yogurt dip that offers a cooling effect and helps temper the heat from the Sriracha and chili sauce.
• Wine Wave Pairing: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or off-dry Gewürztraminer that can stand up to the sauce's complexity while providing a delightful acidic counterpoint to the salmon's richness.

Different Ways to Flavor Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Medallions: Swap Sriracha for chipotle peppers and increase honey for a sweeter, smokier profile that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
• Lemon Herb Salmon Poppers: Replace Thai sweet chili sauce with fresh lemon juice, add chopped dill and parsley for a bright, Mediterranean-inspired version that feels lighter and fresher.
• Coconut Curry Salmon Bites: Incorporate coconut milk and mild curry powder into the sauce, creating an exotic Southeast Asian-inspired coating that brings warmth and depth to the salmon.
• Mediterranean Feta Salmon Nuggets: Mix crumbled feta cheese into the coating, add oregano and red pepper flakes for a Greek-style transformation that adds tangy richness to the original recipe.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon offers the best flavor and texture for these succulent bites.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds rich, fruity undertones and helps create a golden, crispy exterior.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spice mix that enhances the salmon's natural flavor with warmth, depth, and subtle heat.

• Mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: Creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that provides a complex flavor profile with a perfect balance of tang and heat.

• Chives: Fresh, mild onion-like herb that adds a bright pop of color and subtle aromatic freshness to the dish.

How to Cook Bang Bang Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for optimal cooking temperature. This step ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Seasoning the Salmon

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Gently toss the salmon bites in the seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Create the Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Thai sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey

Divide the sauce into two portions: one for coating and one for drizzling.

Step 4: Coat Salmon with Sauce

Pour half of the Bang Bang sauce over the seasoned salmon bites. Carefully mix to ensure each piece is generously covered with the tangy sauce.

Step 5: Air Fry the Salmon

Arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to promote even cooking.

Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip the bites and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving plate. Drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives for a burst of color and flavor.

• Use a meat thermometer to check the salmon's internal temperature
• Let the salmon rest for a minute after cooking to retain moisture
• Serve immediately for the best taste and texture

Serving Suggestions:

• Steamed rice
• Crisp salad
• Roasted vegetables

Enjoy your zesty, crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites!

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Salmon Bites deliver crispy, spicy magic straight from your air fryer. Coastal flavors merge with zesty sauce, creating irresistible morsels you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 ½ pounds salmon, about 4 filets, skins removed, cut into 1-inch bites

Fats and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauces and Condiments:

• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey

Herbs (for garnish):

• Chives, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Set your air fryer to 390°F and allow it to heat up.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
3. Add the salmon pieces and gently turn them in the seasoning mixture to coat evenly.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to make the Bang Bang sauce.
5. Scoop out half of this sauce and set it aside for later. 6. Coat the salmon bites with the remaining sauce mixture.
6. Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, flip them over, and air fry for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 140–145°F.
7. Once done, move the salmon to a serving dish and spoon the reserved sauce over the top.
8. Sprinkle with chopped chives for a fresh finish.

Notes

• Chill dough overnight to develop rich, complex flavors that make these cookies truly unforgettable.
• Gently fold chocolate chunks instead of chips for luxurious, melty pockets that surprise with every bite.
• Room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing and creates a perfectly tender cookie texture that melts in your mouth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 902
• Sugar: 17.1 g
• Sodium: 207 mg
• Fat: 72.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 12.6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 59.9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18.5 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 35.0 g
• Cholesterol: 118  mg