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

Description

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender, flavorful salmon pieces seasoned perfectly and coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Quick and easy to prepare in the air fryer, these bites deliver a satisfying crunch with a luscious sauce for dipping or drizzling. Ideal as a main course, appetizer, or protein-packed snack, this recipe combines bold flavors with minimal prep for a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Salmon

1 1/2 pounds salmon (about 4 filets), skins removed, cut into 1-inch bites
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce

1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
1/2 cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
2 tablespoons honey

For Garnish

Chives, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 390°F and let it heat while you prepare the other ingredients. This ensures even and efficient cooking.
Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon bites and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust Sriracha for desired spiciness.
Coat the Salmon: Pour half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce into a separate bowl and set aside for serving. Toss the seasoned salmon bites with the remaining half of the sauce, evenly coating the pieces.
Air Fry the Salmon: Working in batches, arrange the coated salmon bites in an even layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each piece. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, flip each piece, and air fry for another 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon bites are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a plate. Drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce and garnish with freshly chopped chives. Serve immediately.

Notes

Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange seasoned salmon cubes on the sheet and bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway, until salmon reaches 145°F. Only toss with Bang Bang sauce after baking to avoid burning the sauce.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for optimal crispiness.
Adjust Sriracha to control the spice level in your sauce.
Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (approx. 6 oz salmon plus sauce)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 880mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 24g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 80mg