Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe: Tasty Joy

Crispy, golden salmon bites with bang bang sauce offer a tantalizing twist on seafood favorites.

These air fryer bang bang salmon bites deliver an explosion of flavor that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Spicy, creamy, and perfectly crunchy, this dish comes together in minutes with minimal effort.

Each bite packs a punch of zesty seasoning and irresistible texture that sets it apart from ordinary salmon recipes.

The secret lies in the magical combination of crisp exterior and tender, flaky fish inside.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform an everyday meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Prepare to wow your dinner companions with these delectable morsels that promise pure culinary bliss.

How to Keep Bang Bang Salmon Bites Fresh

• Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm up salmon bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispiness and prevent drying out. Avoid using microwave to preserve texture.
• Keep remaining Bang Bang sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week, perfect for future dipping or drizzling.
• Freeze uncoated salmon bites in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and enjoying.

Tasty Sides for Air Fryer Salmon Bites

• Enhance Spicy Salmon Bites with Perfect Pairings
• Crisp Cucumber Salad: Prepare a refreshing side of thinly sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and green onions to balance the spicy salmon's heat and provide a cool, crunchy contrast.
• Zesty White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the Bang Bang sauce's tangy flavor profile, cutting through the richness and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Coconut Jasmine Rice: Cook fragrant jasmine rice with coconut milk for a creamy, slightly sweet base that absorbs the spicy sauce and adds a luxurious texture to the meal.
• Quick Pickled Vegetables: Whip up quick pickled radishes or carrots with rice vinegar and sugar to introduce a bright, acidic element that enhances the salmon's bold flavors and provides a palate-refreshing accompaniment.

Bang Bang Salmon Bite Style Ideas

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace Thai sweet chili sauce with sugar-free chili sauce and use a low-carb mayonnaise to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the spicy flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional soy-based sauces to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional mayonnaise with avocado-based or vegan mayonnaise alternatives to create a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Verify all ingredients are nut-free and consider using sunflower seed oil instead of olive oil for those with nut allergies, keeping the recipe safe for nut-sensitive individuals.

FAQs

• How do I know if the salmon is cooked properly?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 140-145°F (60-63°C). The salmon should look opaque and flake easily with a fork.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Thaw the salmon completely before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy exterior in the air fryer.

• What if I don't have Thai sweet chili sauce?

You can substitute with a mix of honey and hot sauce. Alternatively, use regular chili sauce or sweet and spicy Asian-style sauce for a similar flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of Sriracha you add. Start with a small amount and adjust to your personal heat tolerance. You can always add more sauce after cooking.

Why Air Fryer Salmon Bites Are So Addictive

• Speedy Seafood Delight: Whip up these mouthwatering salmon bites in no time with minimal prep and quick air frying, perfect for busy food lovers craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty Bang Bang sauce and perfectly seasoned salmon, this recipe delivers an irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Healthy Protein Power: Enjoy a nutritious meal that's low in effort but high in protein, making it an ideal option for fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious eaters, and anyone looking for a delicious way to boost their nutrition.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Equally awesome as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, these salmon bites work magic for casual gatherings, game nights, or a quick family dinner that keeps everyone happy and satisfied.

What You’ll Need for Bang Bang Air Fryer Salmon

• Salmon: Fresh and tender fish perfect for bite-sized appetizers.
• Olive Oil: Smooth oil for coating and enhancing flavor.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings to boost taste.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for Bang Bang sauce.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce with a kick.
• Sriracha: Spicy sauce that adds heat.
• Honey: Natural sweetener to balance the sauce.

• Chives: Fresh herb for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

How to Cook Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Warm Up the Air Fryer

Get your air fryer ready by setting the temperature to 390°F (200°C).

Let it heat up while you prepare the delicious salmon bites.

Step 2: Massage Salmon with Flavor

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Gently toss the salmon bites in this tasty mixture, making sure each piece gets coated with the seasoning.

Step 3: Create Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Thai sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey

Blend until the sauce looks smooth and glossy.

Split the sauce into two portions – one for coating and one for drizzling later.

Step 4: Dress the Salmon

Dunk the seasoned salmon bites into half of the Bang Bang sauce.

Swirl and coat each piece thoroughly so they’re completely covered in the zesty mixture.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Place salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Avoid overcrowding to ensure crispy edges.

Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C).

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the golden, crispy salmon bites to a serving plate.

Drizzle the reserved Bang Bang sauce over the top and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Air Fryer Tips for Crispy Salmon Texture

• Keep a close eye on the salmon during air frying to avoid the sauce burning, as the sugars in the chili sauce and honey can caramelize quickly.
• Adjust the Sriracha amount to control the heat intensity, making the dish milder or spicier according to your preference.
• Cut salmon into uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from overcooking.
• Select high-quality, fresh salmon for the best texture and flavor, preferably using center-cut pieces with minimal skin.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm salmon reaches the safe internal temperature of 140-145°F, preventing undercooking while maintaining moisture.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy salmon morsels dancing with bang bang sauce bring explosive flavor to your plate. Irresistible bites promise a quick, zesty seafood experience perfect for appetizers or light meals that leave you craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) salmon, skin removed, cut into 1-inch bites

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer by setting the temperature to 390°F (200°C), allowing it to warm up while assembling the salmon bites.
2. Create a zesty marinade by combining olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Gently fold salmon pieces into the seasoning mixture, ensuring each bite is evenly coated with the aromatic spices.
4. Craft the signature Bang Bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until achieving a smooth, vibrant consistency.
5. Separate the sauce, reserving half for a final drizzle after cooking.
6. Thoroughly coat the seasoned salmon pieces in the prepared sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Carefully arrange salmon bites in the air fryer basket, maintaining a single layer to prevent overcrowding and promote even cooking.
8. Cook the first batch for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to ensure uniform browning and crispiness.
9. Continue air frying for an additional 4-5 minutes until the salmon reaches a safe internal temperature of 140-145°F.
10. Once cooked, transfer the golden-brown salmon bites to a serving plate.
11. Finish by generously drizzling the reserved Bang Bang sauce over the bites.
12. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top for a burst of color and added flavor complexity.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality salmon with firm, bright flesh for the best texture and flavor in your air fryer bites.
• Pat salmon pieces dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better sauce adherence during cooking.
• Adjust Sriracha quantity based on personal spice tolerance, allowing customization of heat level in Bang Bang sauce.
• When air frying, avoid overcrowding the basket to guarantee even cooking and crispy exterior on each salmon bite.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 321
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 579 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg