Oh, I am so excited to share this Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together in a flash, making it perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and impressing friends at your next get-together. The salmon bites are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly coated in that irresistibly creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce — trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Every time I make these salmon bites, I’m reminded why this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The air fryer cooks the salmon so evenly and quickly, cutting down on time without compromising on that satisfying texture. If you love seafood but want a fun twist that’s easy and mess-free, this Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe will quickly become your new go-to.

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Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy: The air fryer cooks salmon bites perfectly in under 10 minutes, cutting down meal prep time.
Flavor Explosion: The bang bang sauce balances spicy, sweet, and creamy tones that elevate simple salmon bites.
Healthy Yet Indulgent: Salmon’s omega-3 richness shines through, while the sauce adds flavor without overwhelming.
Minimal Fuss: Simple ingredients and easy steps mean even beginners can nail this recipe every time.

A black plate filled with many small, grilled, golden-brown chicken pieces that are glazed with a shiny sauce, some showing charred edges for a crispy look. The chicken pieces are scattered with small bits of green herbs. Two lemon wedges are placed on the side of the plate. In the background, there is a small white bowl containing a creamy, light orange dipping sauce. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth visible near the bottom corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe plays a key role. From the seasoning that perks up the salmon itself to the rich and spicy bang bang sauce, everything blends beautifully to create a balanced, crave-worthy dish. As you shop, focus on fresh salmon and quality condiments to really make the flavors pop.

Salmon: Fresh, skinless filets cut into bite-sized pieces create tender, flaky bites that cook evenly in the air fryer.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the salmon and adds a subtle fruitiness without overpowering the fish.
Paprika: Adds smoky warmth and beautiful color to the salmon bites.
Garlic powder: Brings savory depth without the hassle of peeling fresh garlic.
Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing natural flavors and balancing the sauce’s sweetness.
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness that complements the bang bang sauce.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce that balances the spicy and sweet elements.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Gives the sauce its signature sweet heat and a little tangy zing.
Sriracha: Amp up the spice level to your liking for that addictive hot kick.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness to soften the heat and tie the sauce flavors together.
Chives: Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion flavor, giving each bite a fresh finish.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love making this recipe my own based on what I have on hand or the occasion. Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice by adding more sriracha or go milder by dialing back on it. Feel free to swap in fresh herbs or even a splash of lime juice to brighten things up.

Variation: I sometimes add a bit of grated ginger to the bang bang sauce for a zingy twist that pairs beautifully with the salmon.
Dietary tweak: For a lighter version, swap mayo for Greek yogurt — it still tastes creamy but with less fat.
Seasonal: In warmer months, I like to toss in some thinly sliced cucumber or avocado on the side for a refreshing contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Salmon and Seasoning

Start by cutting your salmon into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss the salmon bites gently in this seasoning mix, ensuring each piece is coated well but without breaking the delicate fish. This simple seasoning layer is the foundation for that perfect flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a separate bowl until smooth. The sauce should be creamy, sweet, and have just enough heat. Pour half of this sauce into a clean bowl; you’ll use it after cooking to drizzle over the salmon bites, keeping the sauce fresh and preventing any burning during air frying.

Step 3: Coat and Air Fry

Toss the seasoned salmon bites in the remaining half of the bang bang sauce, making sure they’re fully coated. Arrange them in a single, even layer inside your preheated air fryer basket — no overcrowding! This ensures they crisp up evenly. Cook at 390°F for about 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F. The air fryer’s magic makes these bites delightfully crisp on the outside and tender inside.

Step 4: Serve with Style

Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving plate. Drizzle the reserved bang bang sauce over the top, then sprinkle generously with freshly chopped chives for that pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve straight away while warm and irresistible!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Avoid Overcrowding: Give your salmon bites space in the air fryer basket – crowded pieces won’t crisp up well.
Freshness Matters: Use fresh salmon for best texture; frozen works but pat it dry thoroughly before seasoning.
Sauce Reserve: Always reserve some bang bang sauce for drizzling at the end—cooking it on the salmon can cause burning.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches safe doneness but stays moist and tender.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

A round black bowl holds a layer of white cooked rice at the bottom, topped with a generous layer of browned, glossy grilled chicken pieces sprinkled with small green herb bits, creating a mix of charred orange and dark brown colors. A small white bowl to the side contains a smooth, creamy orange sauce with red flecks. The background is a white marbled surface with part of a black round plate filled with more grilled chicken pieces visible at the top left. A silver fork and knife with dark handles rest on a light brown cloth at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Chopped fresh chives are my go-to garnish for this recipe—they add a subtle onion flavor and a bright green pop that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a lively zing, depending on the mood.

Side Dishes

I often serve these salmon bites with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. A crunchy cucumber salad or quick slaw with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully and cuts the richness of the bang bang sauce. Roasted veggies or quick sautéed greens round out the meal nicely too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the salmon bites on a platter with toothpicks for easy dipping and sharing. Setting up a bang bang dipping sauce station with some crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, and cucumber rounds makes for a fun appetizer spread. You can also layer them over a fresh salad for a light, elegant lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salmon bites store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I always keep the bang bang sauce separate to avoid sogginess. This way, you can reheat the salmon quickly and drizzle fresh sauce before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon bites is possible but not my favorite since reheating can dry them out a bit. If you do freeze, wrap them tightly in parchment and foil or use a freezer-safe container, and consume within one month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the air fryer.

Reheating

The air fryer is perfect for reheating these salmon bites because it crisps them back up without drying them out, unlike a microwave. Just 3-4 minutes at 350°F usually does the trick. Add the reserved or fresh bang bang sauce at serving for a fresh, saucy finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon and pat it dry very well before seasoning to ensure the bites crisp nicely in the air fryer.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can bake the salmon bites in the oven at 400°F for about 16 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just wait to toss them in the bang bang sauce until after they’re cooked to avoid burning.
Is the bang bang sauce spicy?

The sauce has a moderate kick thanks to the sriracha, but you can easily adjust the heat up or down by adding more or less sriracha, or swapping for a milder hot sauce.
How do I know when the salmon bites are done?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check for an internal temperature of about 140-145°F. The bites should be opaque and flaky but still moist inside.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the bang bang sauce a day in advance and refrigerate. It actually tastes better when the flavors meld overnight.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s one of those delightful recipes that hits all the marks: quick, tasty, and just a little bit special. I find it’s perfect for when I want something impressive but don’t want to spend hours cooking. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll be just as hooked as I am – a perfect meal to share with friends, family, or just to treat yourself.