If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, crispy textures, and a delightful kick, then you’re in the right place. This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe brings together perfectly crispy salmon pieces coated in a seasoned panko crust, all smothered in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s quick to whip up, healthy, and utterly addictive—perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a satisfying main course. Let me show you how to make these irresistible bites that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but make all the difference. Each element is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, create a pleasing crunch, and complement the tender salmon inside.
- Salmon fillet: Skinless and cut into 1-inch cubes, the star of the dish providing rich flavor and tender texture.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and adds a light base layer for crispiness.
- Large eggs: Beaten to help bind the breadcrumbs to the salmon.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Gives a wonderfully crispy coating, light and airy enough to keep the bites crunchy.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the seasoning mix.
- Paprika: Brings gentle smokiness and a warm hue.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Cooking spray: Ensures the salmon bites crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without excess oil.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the bang bang sauce, balancing heat and sweetness.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a perfect blend of tangy sweetness and mild spice.
- Sriracha: For that signature kick—adjust amount according to your heat tolerance.
- Honey (optional): A touch of natural sweetness to round out the sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Cubes
Start by patting the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel. This simple step is key to ensuring the coating sticks well and fries up crispy rather than soggy.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Arrange three bowls side-by-side: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This setup will make coating the salmon quick and mess-free.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon Bites
Take each salmon cube and coat it first in the flour, then dip it in the eggs, and finally roll it in the seasoned panko mixture. Press gently to make sure the crumbs adhere evenly, giving you that perfect crispy crust after air frying.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), about 3-5 minutes. Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket—no overcrowding please—to help them cook evenly and crisp up nicely. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray, then air fry for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for an all-around golden finish.
Step 5: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While the bites cook, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. This creamy, spicy sauce is the heart of the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe and ties every bite together beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the crispy salmon bites or serve it on the side as a dip. Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you like a little extra color and texture.
How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with freshly chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or even thinly sliced fresh chili peppers can add freshness, visual appeal, and a hint of extra flavor to your Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe.
Side Dishes
These salmon bites pair wonderfully with a crisp side salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even garlic butter noodles. The cool, light dishes complement the rich and spicy flavors nicely to balance each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salmon bites over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette for a light meal or stack them in sliders with crunchy slaw and extra bang bang sauce for a fun party appetizer. The versatility of this recipe means the presentation is only limited by your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve that crispness, it’s best to reheat them carefully.
Freezing
You can freeze the salmon bites before air frying. Lay them out on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, cook straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added to cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat without losing that crunch, use your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the coating crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before coating and cooking to ensure the best texture and crispiness.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for around 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, though the crispiness might vary slightly.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The creaminess of the mayonnaise balances the heat from the sriracha, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha according to your preference.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative for a lighter or dairy-free sauce option.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! The salmon bites can be cooked ahead and stored, making it easy to enjoy a quick, flavorful meal throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful salmon with a crisp coating and a sauce that perfectly balances sweet, creamy, and spicy notes. It’s fast, fun, and utterly delicious—definitely a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. Give it a try and watch those salmon bites disappear in no time!
Print
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, flavorful, and perfectly bite-sized, making them an easy and delicious appetizer or snack. Coated in a seasoned panko crust and air fried to golden perfection, they’re served with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that balances sweet chili, sriracha, and a hint of honey for an irresistible kick.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites
- 1 lb (450 g) salmon fillet, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Bites: Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture; this helps the coating stick better.
- Set up the Dredging Station: Arrange three bowls: bowl one with flour, bowl two with beaten eggs, and bowl three with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Salmon: Dredge each salmon cube first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crisp texture.
- Arrange Salmon Bites: Place the coated salmon cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap to allow hot air circulation.
- Apply Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the salmon bites with cooking spray to enhance browning and crispness.
- Air Fry: Cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping the salmon bites halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the salmon bites or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
- Add Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the salmon dry before coating to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
- Use a cooking spray that withstands high heat for best results.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
