Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a perfect mix of crispy outside and tender inside, coated with a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. Ready in about 10 minutes, they make a fantastic appetizer or a quick dinner that’s full of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh salmon, skin removed and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey for a sweeter version
- Garnishes:
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Step 2: Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 3: In a bowl, toss the salmon with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Step 5: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping, until the salmon is crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Step 6: While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a separate bowl to prepare the bang bang sauce.
- Step 7: Toss the cooked salmon bites in the bang bang sauce or drizzle it over the top, depending on preference.
- Step 8: Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
- Step 9: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh salmon if possible; frozen works but be sure to thaw fully before cubing.
- Dry the salmon thoroughly to help achieve the crispiest bites.
- Cornstarch is key for crispiness—do not skip it!
- Cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small to avoid overcrowding.
- For a fully coated bite, toss the salmon in sauce; for crispier bites, drizzle the sauce on top instead.
- Want extra crunch? Air fry the salmon bites for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Variations: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for sweetness, increase sriracha or add red pepper flakes for more heat, or serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or in tacos for variety.
- Try coating the salmon with panko and cornstarch for an extra crispy texture.
Storage
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked salmon bites (keeping the sauce separate) for up to 2 months. To reheat and maintain crispiness, air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. For best results, keep the bang bang sauce off until right before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake them instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake the salmon bites at 425°F for 10–12 minutes. However, the air fryer will give you crispier results faster.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild to medium and can be adjusted by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste.
PrintAir Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Crispy air-fried salmon bites tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce for an irresistible 10-minute meal or appetizer, perfect as a snack or a flavorful entrée with Asian fusion vibes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh salmon, skin removed and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey for a sweeter version
Garnishes
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon cubes dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps achieve a crisp exterior.
- Coat the Salmon: In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until each piece is evenly coated and ready for air frying.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Arrange the coated salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping, until the bites are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl. Add honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Toss or Drizzle the Sauce: Once salmon is cooked, either toss the bites thoroughly in the bang bang sauce for full coverage or drizzle the sauce on top to maintain extra crispness.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum crispiness and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Add extra sriracha to boost heat or honey for a sweeter sauce balance.
- Use fresh salmon for the best texture; frozen salmon must be fully thawed and dried before cooking.
- Dry salmon well to ensure maximum crispiness—moisture inhibits crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for even air circulation.
- Tossing the salmon in sauce fully coats the bites; drizzling keeps them crispier—choose your preference.
- For extra crunch, air fry for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Freeze cooked bites without sauce up to 2 months, sauce separate.
- Reheat using air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Keywords: air fryer, salmon bites, bang bang sauce, crispy salmon, appetizers, quick recipes, Asian fusion, snack, spicy mayo sauce, seafood snack
