Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

This air fryer bang bang salmon bites recipe transforms ordinary salmon into irresistible, flavor-packed morsels in just 20 minutes. The combination of crispy exterior and tender, flaky salmon interior, all coated in a sweet-spicy bang bang sauce, creates a dish that works equally well as an appetizer or main course.

I discovered this recipe during a busy weeknight when I needed something quick but didn't want to sacrifice flavor. My family was so impressed they requested it three times the following week, and it's now our go-to for both casual dinners and entertaining.

Ingredients

• Salmon filets fresh salmon provides the best texture and flavor, look for bright color and firm flesh
• Extra virgin olive oil helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the salmon moist
• Paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the salmon bites
• Garlic powder infuses the salmon with savory depth without the risk of burning that fresh garlic has
• Kosher salt enhances all the flavors and helps create a perfect crust
• Black pepper adds a mild heat that complements the sweetness of the sauce
• Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce
• Thai sweet chili sauce provides the signature sweet heat that makes bang bang sauce special
• Sriracha adds an extra kick of heat that can be adjusted to your preference
• Honey balances the heat with natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize
• Chives add a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color as garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 390°F and allow it to fully preheat for optimal cooking. This ensures your salmon bites cook quickly and evenly with a perfect exterior.

Season Salmon

Combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, mixing thoroughly to create a flavor-packed coating. Add your salmon bites to this mixture and gently toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.

Prepare Bang Bang Sauce

Mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a separate bowl until completely incorporated. The sauce should have a smooth, consistent texture with a beautiful orange-pink hue. Divide this mixture into two portions, reserving half for the final serving.

Coat Salmon

Take the salmon bites and toss them in half of your prepared bang bang sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated. The sauce will create a flavorful glaze during the cooking process.

Air Fry Salmon

Place a single layer of sauce-coated salmon bites in your air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip each piece carefully and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F. The outside should be lightly caramelized while the inside remains moist.

Finish and Serve

Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving plate and drizzle generously with the reserved bang bang sauce. The contrast between the caramelized coating and fresh sauce creates amazing flavor complexity.

Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the finished dish to add color, freshness, and a mild onion flavor that complements the rich salmon and sauce.

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I particularly love the Thai sweet chili sauce in this recipe. The first time I made these salmon bites for my sister's birthday gathering, everyone kept asking for the recipe. The sauce has the perfect balance of sweet and heat that transforms ordinary salmon into something extraordinary.

Oven Baking Method

If you don't have an air fryer, you can easily bake these salmon bites in the oven with excellent results. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the seasoned salmon pieces on the baking sheet, making sure they're not touching each other for even cooking. Unlike the air fryer method, wait to add the bang bang sauce until after baking to prevent burning. Bake for approximately 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Once baked, toss the hot salmon bites in the bang bang sauce and serve immediately with a garnish of fresh chives.

Adjusting The Heat Level

One of the beautiful aspects of this recipe is how easily you can customize the spice level to suit your preference. For a milder version that's kid-friendly, reduce the Sriracha to just 1 teaspoon or omit it completely, relying on the Thai sweet chili sauce for a gentle warmth. If you're a heat enthusiast, increase the Sriracha to 1 tablespoon or add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also experiment with different hot sauces like sambal oelek or gochujang for unique flavor profiles. Remember that the heat intensifies slightly as the sauce sits, so if preparing in advance, you might want to start with a lower amount and adjust before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These bang bang salmon bites are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For an appetizer presentation, arrange them on a platter with decorative toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping. As a main course, serve over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice with steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas for a complete meal. They also make excellent filling for lettuce wraps with thinly sliced cucumbers and carrots for added crunch. For a fun fusion dish, use them to top a rice bowl with avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo. The salmon bites are best served immediately while hot, but they can also be enjoyed cold as part of a salad the next day.

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Pro Tips

Pat the salmon completely dry before seasoning to ensure the spices adhere properly and to achieve the best possible crispy exterior in the air fryer.

Cut salmon pieces as uniformly as possible to ensure even cooking throughout all the bites.

For extra flavor, marinate the seasoned salmon bites in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking, which allows the spices to penetrate deeper into the fish.

Common Questions

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but ensure it's completely thawed before cutting into bites. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure proper coating and crispness.

→ How can I tell when the salmon bites are done cooking?

The salmon bites are done when they reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F. Visually, they should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to prevent dry salmon.

→ Can I make the bang bang sauce less spicy?

Absolutely! To reduce the spice level, decrease or omit the Sriracha in the sauce. You can also increase the honey for more sweetness to balance the remaining heat from the Thai sweet chili sauce.

→ What sides pair well with bang bang salmon bites?

These salmon bites pair wonderfully with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad. For an appetizer presentation, serve them with cucumber slices or on small lettuce cups.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes! The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also cut the salmon into bites earlier in the day, but season them just before cooking for the best results.

→ Is there a substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?

If you can't find Thai sweet chili sauce, you can substitute with a mixture of apricot preserve or honey mixed with red pepper flakes, a splash of rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Adjust to taste to achieve a similar sweet-spicy balance.