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Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

5.1 from 13 reviews

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, flavorful salmon pieces coated in a smoky, garlicky spice blend and air-fried to perfection, then tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce for a delicious appetizer or main dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Bites

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless salmon filets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt (Diamond Crystal recommended, reduce by half if using Morton’s)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Nonstick cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1 batch bang bang sauce (typically a mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Cut the salmon filets into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a crisp texture.
  2. Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, toss the salmon bites with olive oil, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until all pieces are evenly coated.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  4. Arrange Salmon in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or brush with oil, then place the salmon bites in a single layer, making sure there is space between pieces for proper air circulation.
  5. Cook the Salmon: Air fry the salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. The salmon should be golden and cooked through but still moist inside.
  6. Toss with Bang Bang Sauce: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a mixing bowl, add the prepared bang bang sauce, and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.
  7. Serve: Serve the bang bang salmon bites immediately as a flavorful appetizer or over a bed of rice or greens for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • If using Morton’s kosher salt, reduce the quantity by half as it is saltier than Diamond Crystal.
  • To make bang bang sauce, mix equal parts mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce with sriracha to taste for heat level.
  • For crispier bites, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
  • Adjust sriracha quantity in the sauce according to your preferred spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon Bites, salmon appetizer, air fryer salmon, spicy salmon bites, seafood recipes, easy appetizers, bang bang sauce