Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe 🐟

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for guests, or just when you want something that tastes like a restaurant meal without the hassle. Plus, since we are using the air fryer, it is a lighter option than deep frying but still gives you that satisfying crunch.

We are taking fresh salmon, cutting it into bite-sized cubes, and air frying it until it’s perfectly crispy. Then, we toss it in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. It is quick, it is easy, and honestly? It is addictive.

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in Minutes: The salmon cooks in just 8 minutes in the air fryer!
• Crowd Pleaser: Even people who say they don’t like fish love these bites.
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice for a full meal.
• Less Mess: No oil splatter from deep frying. Just easy air fryer cooking.

🛒 Ingredients

Here is everything you need to grab. The list is simple, but the flavor is huge!

For the Salmon Bites

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Salmon Fillet	1 large fillet	Skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes.
Olive Oil	1-2 tbsp	Infused oil (like garlic) works great.
Smoked Paprika	1 tsp	For color and smoky flavor.
Garlic Powder	1 tsp	Adds savory depth.
Salt	Pinch	Kosher salt is best.
Black Pepper	Pinch	Freshly cracked.
Cayenne Pepper	Pinch (Optional)	For a little extra heat.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Mayonnaise	1/2 cup	The creamy base.
Sweet Chili Sauce	1/2 cup	Adds that signature sweetness.
Sriracha	1-2 tbsp	Adjust for your spice level.
Honey	1-2 tbsp	To balance the heat.
Salt & Pepper	Pinch	To taste.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for the perfect salmon bites.

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

First, place a damp towel under your cutting board to keep it steady. Take your salmon fillet and remove the skin. A flexible fillet knife works best here—just slide it between the flesh and the skin and saw gently.

Once the skin is off, pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This is crucial! Dry salmon crisps up better. Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch by 1 inch.

Step 2: Season the Fish

Put your salmon cubes in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil (garlic-infused is a nice touch). Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and a pinch of cayenne if you like heat. Toss everything gently with your hand to coat evenly. Add cracked black pepper last.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes. While it heats up, spray the basket with a little avocado oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon

Place the seasoned salmon bites in the basket in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t touching so the air can circulate.

Cook for 8 minutes total. At the 4-minute mark, open the basket and gently flip the bites over so they cook evenly.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Taste it and adjust—add more honey for sweet or more sriracha for spice!

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Once the salmon is done (it should be firm but still moist), transfer it to a bowl while it’s still hot. Pour the bang bang sauce over the bites and toss gently to coat them completely.

🤫 The Secret Ingredient

The secret to that perfect glaze isn’t just the sauce—it’s the Honey.

You might think sweet chili sauce is sweet enough, but adding a tablespoon or two of honey to the mayo mixture gives it a sticky, glossy finish that clings to the salmon. It balances the creaminess of the mayo and the heat of the sriracha perfectly.

⏳ Time, Servings & Nutrition

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Calories
10 Mins	8 Mins	18 Mins	4 Servings	~450 kcal

(Nutrition is an estimate per serving)

📝 Recipe Notes

Note	Details
Don’t Overcook	Salmon cooks fast! 8 minutes is usually perfect for 1-inch cubes. If your cubes are smaller, check them at 6 minutes.
Skin Off	Removing the skin ensures the bite is tender all the way through.
Pat It Dry	Removing moisture from the raw fish helps the seasoning stick and the edges crisp up.

🔪 Kitchen Tools Needed

• Air Fryer: The star of the show.
• Fillet Knife: To remove the salmon skin easily.
• Cutting Board: Secure it with a damp towel!
• Whisk: For the sauce.
• Tongs: To flip the salmon bites gently.

🏥 Health Benefits

• Omega-3s: Salmon is packed with heart-healthy fatty acids.
• Protein: These bites are a great source of lean protein.
• Lower Fat: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying bang bang chicken or shrimp.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

These bites are versatile!

• Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for a party snack.
• Rice Bowl: Serve over steamed jasmine rice with some cucumber or broccoli.
• Tacos: Use them as a filling for soft tacos with some slaw.
• Salad: Top a fresh green salad with these warm bites.

📦 Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here is how to keep them good.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Do not microwave if you can avoid it, or the texture will get rubbery.
• Note: The sauce will soak into the breading/fish overnight, so they won’t be as crispy the next day, but still delicious!

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Basket: If the salmon pieces touch, they will steam instead of roast. Cook in batches if needed.
2. Skipping the Flip: Flipping halfway ensures both sides get that nice texture.
3. Wet Salmon: If you don’t pat the salmon dry, the oil and seasoning will slide right off.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use skin-on salmon?

A: You can, but for bite-sized nuggets, skinless is better so you don’t have a chewy side.

Q: Is this spicy?

A: It has a kick! You can control the heat by reducing the Sriracha or skipping the cayenne pepper in the seasoning.

Q: Can I bake these instead?

A: Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes until cooked through.

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?

A: Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before cutting and cooking.

💭 Final Thoughts

I am telling you, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a game changer. They are crispy, saucy, and savory all at once. It is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a pro chef with barely any effort.

Whether you are making them for game day, a quick lunch, or trying to get the kids to eat more fish, this recipe delivers. Give it a try and let me know what you think!