Description
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are flavorful, bite-sized pieces of salmon seasoned and coated in a spicy, sweet homemade bang bang sauce, then cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a crispy exterior and tender interior. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy deliciously sauced salmon bites, with the option to bake instead of air frying.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 ½ pounds salmon, about 4 filets, skins removed, cut into 1-inch bites
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 390°F to ensure it reaches the ideal cooking temperature before placing the salmon bites inside.
- Season the salmon bites. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon bites and gently toss them until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, creating a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce.
- Coat salmon and reserve sauce. Pour half of the Bang Bang sauce into another bowl to reserve for garnish after cooking. Toss the seasoned salmon bites in the remaining sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
- Air fry the salmon bites. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the salmon bites in a single even layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip the bites and cook an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F and has a crisp exterior.
- Serve with sauce and garnish. Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving plate, drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce, and garnish with chopped chives for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, the salmon bites can be baked in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature of the salmon using a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked perfectly.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- Remove salmon skin prior to cooking for best coating and texture.
