Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
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.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 8-10 bites)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon Bites, salmon appetizer, air fryer salmon, spicy salmon bites, seafood recipes, easy appetizers, bang bang sauce