Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Name: Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Prep time: 13 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon filet (skin removed, cut into cubes); ½ cup mayo; ¼ cup sriracha; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or lemon juice); salt and pepper (to taste)

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These air fryer bang bang salmon bites are incredibly easy to make and burst with flavor! Tender salmon cubes are air-fried to perfection and drizzled with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, making them a perfect appetizer or main dish for any occasion.

air fryer bang bang salmon bites served over fluffy white rice in a bowl

These air fryer bang bang salmon bites are a game-changer for quick and delicious meals. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll have a flavorful dish that rivals any restaurant meal.

Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, these salmon bites are both crispy and tender. If you love my classic air fryer salmon bites, air fryer honey garlic salmon, or air fryer parmesan crusted chicken, you'll definitely want to add this recipe to your repertoire!

all the ingredients for air fryer bang bang salmon bites

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Ingredients

To make these air fryer bang bang salmon bites, you'll need the following ingredients:

Salmon filet: Use skinless salmon, either fresh or frozen, for easier preparation and even cooking. Choose high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture in your bites.
Mayonnaise: Both regular and light mayonnaise work well, providing a creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
Sriracha: Classic sriracha adds the perfect amount of heat and depth of flavor to the sauce.
Sweet chili sauce: Any sweet chili sauce will do, contributing a sweet and tangy balance to the spicy sriracha.
Rice vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar enhances the sauce with a subtle acidity, brightening the overall flavor.

How to make air fryer bang bang salmon bites

Prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and rice vinegar. Set the sauce aside.

Marinate the salmon cubes. Next, season the salmon cubes with salt and pepper. Then add half of the bang bang sauce and toss until combined. Let the salmon cubes marinate for a few minutes.

salmon bites with bang bang sauce in a mixing bowl

Air fry. Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C). Place the marinated salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 5-7 minutes until the salmon bites are fully cooked.

salmon bites covered in bang bang sauce in an air fryer basket

Serve. Serve with side dishes of your choice and drizzle the reserved bang bang sauce over the salmon bites. Enjoy!

Tips & Notes

Use either fresh or frozen salmon: When using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Also, try to use skinless salmon filets if possible as removing the skin can be a bit fussy.
Cut the cubes into similar sizes: Uniformly sized salmon cubes ensure even cooking throughout. This helps each piece cook at the same rate and achieve a consistent texture.
Marinate for extra flavor: If you have a bit of extra time, letting the salmon cubes marinate longer can enhance the flavor. A longer marination allows the sauce to penetrate more deeply into the salmon.
Preheat your air fryer: Preheating the air fryer is essential for achieving a nicely browned exterior. This step ensures that the salmon cubes cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.
Avoid overcrowding the basket: Spread the marinated salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the cubes from becoming crispy.

How to serve air fryer bang bang salmon bites

Serve over white rice: Placing your air fryer bang bang salmon bites over a bed of fluffy white rice makes for a satisfying and complete meal. The rice helps to balance out the bold flavors of the sauce and soak up any extra juices.
Add roasted, steamed, or fresh vegetables: Complement your salmon with a side of roasted, steamed, or fresh vegetables for added nutrition and texture. The vegetables can provide a nice contrast to the rich and spicy salmon.
Pair with a side salad: A crisp side salad with Japanese sesame dressing makes a refreshing accompaniment. The light, tangy dressing adds a pleasant contrast to the rich flavors of the salmon.
Try with quinoa: For a nutritious twist, serve the salmon bites over a bed of quinoa. The nutty flavor of quinoa pairs well with the spicy bang bang sauce and adds extra protein to your meal.
Add a squeeze of lime: A fresh squeeze of lime over the top can brighten up the dish and add a zesty kick. This simple addition enhances the flavors and adds a touch of freshness.

air fryer bang bang salmon bites served over fluffy white rice in a bowl with a spoon

Frequently Asked Questions

How do these air fryer bang bang salmon bites taste?

These air fryer bang bang salmon bites are deliciously flavorful with a combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. The crispy exterior and tender, flaky salmon make this dish perfect for any salmon lover!

Are these salmon bites spicy?

I'd say that they have a moderate level of spiciness due to the sriracha in the bang bang sauce. However, the sweet chili sauce helps balance the heat, making them flavorful but not overwhelmingly hot.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Skinless salmon works best for even cooking.

Can I prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bang bang sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes meal prep easier.

What should I do if my air fryer basket is too small?

If your basket is too small, cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly and gets crispy.

Can I replace the sriracha with another hot sauce?

For this recipe, I'd recommend sticking to sriracha or hot sauces that taste similar to sriracha. Classic sriracha provides the best balance of heat and flavor for this recipe.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

More simple and delicious air fryer recipes

I absolutely love to use my air fryer to prepare simple and delicious recipes that are ready in no time! If you're looking for more air fryer recipes to try, make sure to check out the following posts.

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