Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are not only packed with flavor but are also a healthier option compared to traditional fried fish bites. The air fryer creates a crispy texture without all the oil, making the salmon bites light yet satisfying. The bang bang sauce is the star, with a creamy, spicy kick that complements the richness of the salmon perfectly. It’s an easy, quick recipe that delivers big on taste and can be customized to your preferred spice level.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crispiness)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to create the bang bang sauce. Adjust the amount of sriracha for more or less heat.

3. Season the salmon pieces with salt and pepper, then coat them lightly in olive oil.

4. Dredge each piece of salmon in breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.

5. Place the coated salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure they don’t overlap for even cooking.

6. Air fry the salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is crispy on the outside and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).

7. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the cooked salmon bites or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total time: 18-20 minutes (including prep and cooking time)

Variations

• Spicy Bang Bang Salmon: Add more sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.

• Coconut-Crusted Salmon: Add shredded coconut to the breadcrumb mixture for a tropical twist.

• Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp: Swap the salmon for shrimp to make crispy Bang Bang Shrimp bites instead.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure the best texture and flavor.

2. Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

3. Can I use skin-on salmon fillets?

You can, but it’s easier to work with skinless fillets. If you use skin-on, be sure to remove the skin before cutting the salmon into pieces.

4. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and easily flake apart with a fork.

5. Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute another firm fish like cod, tilapia, or halibut, but the cooking times may vary depending on the type and thickness of the fish.

6. How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The spice level depends on how much sriracha you add. For a mild heat, use just 1 tablespoon. For more heat, add an extra tablespoon or include a pinch of cayenne pepper.

7. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the salmon bites in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.

8. Can I serve the salmon with the sauce already on it?

Absolutely! Drizzle the sauce over the salmon bites right after they come out of the air fryer for added flavor.

9. Can I make this recipe in advance?

While these salmon bites are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the salmon and breadcrumb coating ahead of time. Store the prepped bites in the fridge for up to 24 hours and cook them when you’re ready.

10. How can I make the salmon bites more crispy?

Ensure the salmon pieces are evenly coated in breadcrumbs and lightly oiled before air frying. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so the air can circulate and crisp the bites evenly.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried fish, offering a crispy exterior with tender salmon inside. With the tangy and spicy bang bang sauce, these bites are a crowd-pleaser, whether served as an appetizer, on top of a salad, or paired with your favorite side. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, they’re a fantastic addition to any meal or snack time!

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavorful and healthy dish that takes the richness of salmon and elevates it with a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce. These bite-sized pieces of salmon are coated in a light, crispy crust and paired with a zesty “bang bang” sauce for an unforgettable flavor experience.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 18-20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
• Method: Air frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
   
   ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crispiness)
   
   1 tablespoon olive oil
   
   Salt and pepper to taste
   
   For the Bang Bang Sauce:
   ¼ cup mayonnaise
   
   2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
   
   1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
   
   1 teaspoon honey
   
   1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

1. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to create the bang bang sauce. Adjust the amount of sriracha for more or less heat.
2. Season the salmon pieces with salt and pepper, then coat them lightly in olive oil.
3. Dredge each piece of salmon in breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
4. Place the coated salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure they don’t overlap for even cooking.
5. Air fry the salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is crispy on the outside and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
6. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the cooked salmon bites or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

• For extra spice, add more sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Add shredded coconut to the breadcrumb mixture for a tropical twist.
• Swap the salmon for shrimp to make crispy Bang Bang Shrimp bites.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg