Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, spicy little salmon pieces that are bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick snack or a fun meal. Coated in a crunchy seasoning and drizzled with a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce, these bites get a nice crisp on the outside thanks to the air fryer, while staying tender and juicy inside.
I love making these salmon bites because they are so easy and fast to prepare, especially in the air fryer which makes them golden and crispy without all the oil. The spicy, sweet sauce is my favorite part — it’s just the right amount of kick that makes you want to eat bite after bite. I like to mix up the sauce myself, so it’s just how I like it every time.
The best way I like to enjoy these bang bang salmon bites is served over a fresh salad or with some steamed rice and veggies on the side. They’re great for sharing at gatherings or even as a quick dinner when I’m short on time but still want something tasty and satisfying. These bites always bring a bit of excitement to the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillet gives the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh, frozen salmon thawed works well, too. Avoid pre-seasoned or smoked salmon for this recipe.
Olive Oil: It helps the seasoning stick and crisps up the bites in the air fryer. You can swap it with avocado or any neutral oil if you want a milder taste.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes build that spicy, smoky punch. Feel free to skip or reduce red pepper flakes if you like it less spicy.
Sweet Chili Sauce & Sriracha: These form the sauce’s base. If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, mix a bit of honey with a little hot sauce as a quick alternative.
Mayonnaise: Gives the bang bang sauce its creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo substitute.
How Do You Get Crispy Yet Tender Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer?
The secret is preparing the salmon properly and cooking at the right temperature:
- Cut salmon into evenly sized pieces, so they cook at the same rate.
- Coat bites light with oil and seasoning for a crispy outer layer.
- Air fry at 400°F to get that outside crisp while keeping the inside moist.
- Flip halfway through cooking to brown all sides evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed so air circulates well.
Following these steps ensures you get a perfect texture every time—crispy outside, tender inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – this is key for getting crispy salmon bites quickly without much oil.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a couple to toss the salmon with seasoning and to mix the sauce.
- Sharp knife – for cutting the salmon into even cubes.
- Tongs or a spatula – to turn the salmon bites easily while cooking in the air fryer.
- Measuring spoons – to get your spices and sauce ingredients just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try using shrimp in place of salmon for a different, but still tender seafood bite.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before air frying for a toasty crunch.
- Mix chopped fresh cilantro into the bang bang sauce for a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Swap sriracha with chipotle sauce for a smoky twist to the spicy kick.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites – Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to preferred spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare, 8–10 minutes to air fry the salmon, and a few minutes to mix the bang bang sauce. In total, you’ll spend around 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, gently toss the salmon cubes with olive oil in a medium bowl to coat them well. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds if using. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the salmon cubes and toss gently again to coat thoroughly without breaking the pieces.
2. Air Fry the Salmon Bites:
Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so the air circulates freely. Cook the salmon for 8–10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until they are crispy on the outside and opaque inside.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce and Serve:
While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth. Once the salmon bites are done, transfer them to a plate and garnish with chopped chives or green onions. Serve the salmon bites immediately with the bang bang sauce on the side and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight before cutting it into cubes. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better crispiness in the air fryer.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
Absolutely! Adjust the red pepper flakes and sriracha in the sauce according to your heat preference. For less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use less sriracha.
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to maintain crispiness, or warm in the oven.
Can I Bake or Pan-Fry Instead of Using an Air Fryer?
You can bake the salmon bites in a 400°F oven for about 12-15 minutes or pan-fry over medium heat until cooked through and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
