The Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe: Tasty & Simple

Spicy and crispy bang bang salmon bites deliver a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

These delectable morsels combine succulent salmon with a creamy, tangy sauce that packs a serious punch.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of heat and richness, guaranteed to impress at any gathering.

The golden-brown exterior gives way to tender, flaky salmon that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-worthy appetizer you can easily prepare at home.

Quick to make and impossible to resist, these salmon bites will become your new favorite way to enjoy seafood.

Prepare to turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Why Bang Bang Salmon Bites Steal the Spotlight

• Speed Demon Dish: Whip up this zesty salmon bites recipe in mere minutes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute appetizers that impress without endless prep.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with a tangy Bang Bang sauce combining sweet, spicy, and creamy elements, these salmon bites deliver a mouthwatering taste experience that will make taste buds dance.
• Healthy Protein Power: Lean salmon provides excellent nutritional benefits, offering omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein in a delightfully crispy air-fryer format that feels indulgent yet nutritious.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Equally fantastic as a main course, party snack, or game day treat, these salmon bites adapt seamlessly to different dining scenarios and satisfy diverse palate preferences.

What You Need for Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Salmon: Tender and flavorful fish perfect for a delicious bite-sized treat.

• Olive Oil, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic spices that add depth and warmth to the salmon.

• Mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: Creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that brings exciting flavor to the dish.

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

How to Cook Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Warm Up The Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 390°F and allow it to preheat while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare Salmon Seasoning

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently toss salmon pieces into the seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece gets evenly coated.

Step 3: Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Thai sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey

Stir ingredients until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Sauce Separation Strategy

Pour half of the Bang Bang sauce into a small serving bowl and set aside.

Coat salmon pieces with remaining sauce.

Step 5: Air Fry With Precision

Arrange seasoned salmon pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

Avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if necessary.

Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip pieces and cook an additional 4-5 minutes until salmon reaches 140-145°F internal temperature.

Step 6: Plate And Garnish

Transfer crispy salmon bites to a serving plate.

Drizzle reserved Bang Bang sauce over the top and sprinkle chopped chives for a fresh finishing touch.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Marinate salmon bites for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness, allowing seasonings to penetrate deeply.
• Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking oil to ensure salmon bites release easily and maintain crispy exterior.
• Adjust Sriracha quantity in Bang Bang sauce to control spiciness, making the dish milder or more intense based on personal preference.
• Use meat thermometer to confirm salmon reaches safe internal temperature of 140-145°F without overcooking, keeping fish moist and flaky.
• Replace salmon with firm white fish like cod or halibut for variety, maintaining similar cooking time and technique.

How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm salmon bites gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispy texture and prevent drying out.
• Place cooled salmon bites in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Transfer frozen salmon bites to the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve taste and quality.

Side Pairings for Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc's bright acidity and citrus notes perfectly complement the spicy, sweet Bang Bang sauce, cutting through the richness of the salmon.
• Create Crunchy Side Salad: Prepare a fresh Asian-inspired slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light rice vinegar dressing to balance the salmon's bold flavors and provide textural contrast.
• Match Cooling Cucumber Raita: Whip up a quick yogurt-based cucumber dip with mint and a touch of garlic to soothe the Sriracha heat and add a refreshing element to the dish.
• Select Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a hoppy IPA with citrus undertones to echo the Bang Bang sauce's zesty profile and stand up to the salmon's robust seasoning.

Tasty Twists on Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Gluten-Free Bang Bang Salmon: Replace regular mayonnaise with avocado-based or egg-free mayonnaise and use gluten-free Thai sweet chili sauce to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• Spicy Herb Salmon Variation: Substitute Sriracha with harissa paste and add fresh chopped cilantro or dill to the Bang Bang sauce for an herbal kick and extra complexity.
• Low-Carb Keto Salmon Bites: Use sugar-free honey alternative or monk fruit sweetener, and replace Thai sweet chili sauce with a low-carb hot sauce to maintain ketogenic diet requirements.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Salmon: Swap paprika with za'atar seasoning, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and add lemon zest to create a lighter, Mediterranean-style preparation with fresh Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure crispy bites.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The Bang Bang sauce has a mild to moderate heat from Sriracha. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of Sriracha to suit your taste preference.

• Do I need special equipment to make these salmon bites?

An air fryer is recommended for this recipe, but you can also bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.

• Can I make these salmon bites ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the salmon and sauce in advance and store them separately. Cook the salmon just before serving to maintain its crispy texture and prevent sogginess.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent Bang Bang Salmon Bites deliver a spicy, creamy explosion of flavor that dances across palates with zesty Thai-inspired flair. Crispy exterior and tender interior invite you to savor each irresistible morsel of this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) salmon, skin removed, cut into 1-inch bites

Oils and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer by heating it to 390°F (200°C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for the salmon bites.
2. Create a flavor-packed marinade by whisking olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Gently tumble salmon pieces into the seasoning mixture, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the aromatic spice blend.
4. Craft the signature Bang Bang sauce by blending mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Strategically divide the Bang Bang sauce, reserving half for final drizzling and using the remaining portion to generously coat the salmon pieces.
6. Carefully arrange seasoned salmon bites in a single layer within the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd the cooking surface.
7. Execute the cooking process by air frying for 4-5 minutes, then delicately flip each bite to ensure even, golden-brown caramelization.
8. Continue air frying for an additional 4-5 minutes, monitoring until salmon reaches a perfect internal temperature of 140-145°F.
9. Transfer the crispy, sauce-glazed salmon bites to a serving plate, creating an enticing presentation.
10. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by drizzling the reserved Bang Bang sauce and sprinkling freshly chopped chives as a final flourish.

Notes

• Use high-quality salmon with minimal skin for best texture and even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure crispy, golden exterior on each salmon bite.
• Pat salmon dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and create a perfect crust.
• Adjust spice level in Bang Bang sauce by increasing or decreasing Sriracha for personal preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg