Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just thaw completely, pat it dry to remove excess moisture, and proceed as directed. The texture will be a bit softer, but still tasty.

Is there a substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce, mix together a little honey, rice vinegar, and a dash of hot sauce as a quick alternative. It won’t be identical but will get you surprisingly close.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem! Bake the salmon bites as directed in the oven notes—just be sure to add the Bang Bang sauce after baking so it doesn’t burn.

Can I prep the salmon in advance?

Absolutely! You can season the salmon up to 12 hours ahead (just keep it refrigerated), and the Bang Bang sauce can be made several days in advance.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

If you’re hunting for a lightning-fast dinner that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites. Each tender salmon bite is perfectly seasoned, cooked to juicy perfection in the air fryer, and then tossed with a crave-worthy, creamy, sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce that’s guaranteed to become your new weeknight obsession. You get crispy edges, a buttery soft middle, and a sauce so addictive you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. The best part? It all comes together in about 20 minutes—no fuss, no mess, all flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick & Effortless: Dinner can truly be on the table in 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for those nights when you’re racing the clock.
Incredible Flavor: These salmon bites combine smoky, garlicky spices with a silky, dynamite sauce that’s both tangy and sweet—with a hit of heat that’s impossible to resist.
Perfect Texture: Air frying guarantees that crispy edge and moist, flaky center every time.
Versatile: Serve them over rice, in salads, or piled high in tacos. They work as an appetizer, main course, or even a lunch bowl topping.
Minimal Cleanup: Just a bowl, a whisk, and your air fryer basket. That’s all you need.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what makes these salmon bites absolutely irresistible:

Salmon: Choose fresh, skinless salmon filets for the best buttery texture. Cut them into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the spices stick, adds a hint of richness, and encourages perfect browning in the air fryer.
Paprika: For a mild, smoky backdrop—go for sweet or smoked, depending on your preference.
Garlic Powder: Essential for big, savory flavor in every bite.
Kosher Salt: Amplifies all the flavors—don’t skimp.
Black Pepper: Just enough to add a subtle kick without overpowering.
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the Bang Bang sauce; use real mayo for the best texture.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Gives that irresistibly sticky-sweet, tangy flavor you crave.
Sriracha: This adds just the right buzz of heat—totally customizable to your spice level.
Honey: Balances everything out with a touch of floral sweetness.
Chives: For a fresh, mild oniony note and a pop of color as a garnish.

Tip: If you want to lighten things up, try using Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to shake things up!

Make It Spicier: Add extra Sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the sauce for more heat.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free mayo for a totally dairy-free dish (yes, mayo is often dairy-free, but double-check your brand).
Low-Carb Swap: Use a sugar-free sweet chili sauce or honey substitute to lower the carbs.
Protein Switch: Try this with shrimp, chicken, or even tofu for a different take—just adjust the cook times as needed.
Herb Lovers: Swap chives for sliced green onions or fresh cilantro for a different vibe.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. This helps the salmon bites cook evenly and get those crispy little edges.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

In a big bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed salmon pieces and gently toss everything together so every bite is coated in flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. This is your Bang Bang magic. Set aside half for serving later, and use the rest to toss with the seasoned salmon bites.

Step 4: Air Fry in Batches

Place the salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket—no overcrowding! Air fry for about 4-5 minutes, flip, then cook another 4-5 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temp of 140-145°F and edges that are crisp but not dry.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Place the cooked salmon bites on a plate, drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce, and shower with chives for the perfect finish.

Oven Tip: Prefer to use the oven? Bake salmon bites at 400°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss with sauce only after baking to prevent burning.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut Evenly: Try to keep salmon cubes roughly the same size for uniform cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed—crowding inhibits crispness.
Reserve Half the Sauce: Toss only before serving to keep the flavor vibrant and the texture perfect.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures perfect doneness—overcooked salmon will be dry!
Pat the Salmon Dry: If it’s too moist, blot it with paper towels before seasoning so it gets that lovely golden crust.

How to Serve

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy these Bang Bang Salmon Bites:

As a Main Dish:

Serve over a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice, alongside some quick-steamed broccoli or snap peas.
Pile onto a green salad with crunchy cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and extra sauce for dressing.

In Tacos or Lettuce Wraps:

Tuck the salmon bites into warm tortillas with crisp slaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce.
Wrap in sturdy lettuce leaves for a low-carb (and extra fresh!) option.

Appetizer Style:

Spear each salmon bite with a toothpick and arrange on a platter for entertaining; extra sauce on the side is a must.

Bang Bang Salmon loves a bright squeeze of lime, so don’t hesitate to add some wedges for serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover salmon bites completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep any unused sauce in a separate container.

Freezing

These salmon bites freeze beautifully before being sauced. Freeze cooked (unsauced) bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes, or in the oven until warmed through. Reheat sauce gently if needed (or serve it cold—it’s delicious both ways).

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just thaw completely, pat it dry to remove excess moisture, and proceed as directed. The texture will be a bit softer, but still tasty.
Is there a substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce, mix together a little honey, rice vinegar, and a dash of hot sauce as a quick alternative. It won’t be identical but will get you surprisingly close.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem! Bake the salmon bites as directed in the oven notes—just be sure to add the Bang Bang sauce after baking so it doesn’t burn.
Can I prep the salmon in advance?

Absolutely! You can season the salmon up to 12 hours ahead (just keep it refrigerated), and the Bang Bang sauce can be made several days in advance.

Final Thoughts

Cooking shouldn’t be a chore, and with these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites, it definitely isn’t. This recipe makes it so easy to bring a restaurant-worthy plate to your own kitchen, even on the busiest weeknights. Just a handful of simple ingredients, slam-dunk flavors, and barely any cleanup. Don’t be afraid to make it your own with swaps or extra toppings. Dive in, and let this dish brighten up your dinner routine—because everyone deserves a meal this good and this easy!