Alright, let’s talk about my latest obsession: these Seriously Addictive Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites. As an expert in using the air fryer I can say that, I’m a huge fan of crispy snacks, and these deliver big time. But the real star here is the bang bang sauce – it’s sweet, spicy, creamy, and totally irresistible. I could honestly eat these every day! They’re perfect for parties, game day, or just a fun weeknight treat.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Crispy Perfection: The air fryer makes these salmon bites unbelievably crispy without any deep-frying.
Flavor Bomb: The homemade bang bang sauce is a flavor explosion that will have you hooked from the first bite.
Super Easy: You won’t believe how quick and easy these are to make. Perfect for those busy evenings!
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a snack, these bites are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients for Seriously Addictive Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crazy good salmon bites. I’ve divided them up for clarity, but the full list with measurements is in the recipe card directly below.

Salmon

Salmon, skin removed, cut into 1-inch bites (Fish)
Extra virgin olive oil (Oil)

Seasoning

Paprika (Spice)
Garlic powder (Spice)
Kosher salt (Seasoning)
Black pepper (Spice)

Bang Bang Sauce

Mayonnaise (Condiment)
Thai sweet chili sauce (Condiment)
Sriracha (Condiment)
Honey (Sweetener)

Garnish

Chives (Herb)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

While I’m a purist when it comes to this recipe, here are a few variations you can try if you’re feeling adventurous:

Korean Twist: Add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the bang bang sauce for a unique, umami-rich flavor.
Mexican Fiesta: Toss the cooked salmon in a mixture of lime juice, chili powder, and cumin before adding the bang bang sauce. Serve with a dollop of guacamole and some crumbled cotija cheese.
Indian Infusion: Marinate the salmon in a mixture of yogurt, ginger, garlic, and garam masala before air frying. Serve with a side of mango chutney and some naan bread for dipping.
Tropical Twist: Add a finely diced mango and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
Sesame Ginger: Add a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil and a teaspoon of grated ginger to the sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor.

How to Make Seriously Addictive Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Let me walk you through how to make these ridiculously tasty salmon bites:

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

First, I grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. I make sure it’s all nicely combined, then set it aside. This sauce is seriously addictive, so you might want to make extra!

Prepare the Salmon

I preheat my trusty air fryer to 390°F (200°C). As an air fryer expert I can say that this is one of the most important parts in this recipe!
Then, in a large bowl, I mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Next, I add the salmon bites and toss them until they’re evenly coated in the seasoning. I like to get my hands in there to make sure every bite is packed with flavor!

Air Fry the Salmon

Now, I arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd them, so I usually work in batches.
I cook them for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F. I always use a meat thermometer to make sure they’re cooked to perfection – no one wants overcooked salmon!

Toss with Sauce

Once they’re cooked, I transfer the crispy salmon bites to a plate and immediately toss them with that glorious bang bang sauce. You want to coat every single bite!

Garnish and Serve

Finally, I sprinkle some chopped chives over the top for a pop of color and freshness. These are best served immediately while they’re still warm and crispy.

Tips and Tricks

Alright, here are some pro tips from an air fryer aficionado to help you nail this recipe:

Parchment Paper is Your Friend: To make cleanup a breeze, I like to line my air fryer basket with parchment paper. Just make sure it’s perforated to allow for air flow.
Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, try marinating the salmon in the seasoning mixture for 15-20 minutes before air frying.
Don’t Be Shy with the Sauce: These bites are all about that bang bang sauce, so don’t be afraid to use a generous amount!

How to Serve

These Seriously Addictive Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are incredibly versatile. Here’s how I like to serve them:

Party Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for a fun and easy appetizer that will disappear in minutes.
Game Day Snack: These are perfect for game day – they’re easy to eat while watching the action, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Light Dinner: I sometimes serve these over a bed of rice or quinoa with a side of roasted veggies for a light and healthy meal.
Taco Night: Try stuffing them into warm tortillas with some slaw and a drizzle of extra sauce for a unique taco experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

While these salmon bites are best served fresh and crispy, you can make the bang bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the cooked salmon separately and tossing it with the sauce just before serving. Cooked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can reheat it gently in the air fryer or a pan, but be careful not to overcook it.

FAQs

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this recipe:

Can I use a different kind of fish?
- Absolutely! This recipe would also work well with cod, shrimp, or even firm tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
I don’t have an air fryer. Can I bake these?
- Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary.
How can I make the bang bang sauce less spicy?
- Simply reduce the amount of Sriracha or omit it altogether. You can also add a little more honey to balance out the heat.