Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites in Air Fryer
Looking for a quick and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weekday lunch or weeknight dinner? Look no further than these Bang Bang Salmon Bites! Crispy air-fried salmon cubes, coated in a tangy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, offer a perfect blend of spicy and creamy flavors.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a simple meal, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. With minimal prep and cooking time, it's a surefire way to add a delicious twist to your seafood repertoire.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe because it combines the crispy texture of air-fried salmon with the bold flavors of the Bang Bang sauce. It's a quick and easy dish that doesn't compromise on taste. The salmon cooks perfectly in the air fryer, ensuring a golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
The Bang Bang sauce adds a delightful kick of spice and sweetness, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, it's versatile—you can serve it over rice, quinoa, or even as an appetizer for parties. It's a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests with minimal effort.
For more delicious salmon recipes, check out my Air Fryer Salmon eCookbook with 20 irresistible dishes!
Product recommendations:
Air fryer: Cosori Air Fryer
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
1 pound salmon, cut into cubes
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
Squeeze of lemon
For Garnish:
Chopped chives
Instructions:
Cut the salmon into bite-sized 1-inch cubes.
In a medium bowl, season the salmon cubes with paprika, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Prepare the Bang Bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Set aside.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of the Bang Bang sauce to the seasoned salmon cubes. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Air Fryer Method:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil cooking spray.
Place the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking, or continue cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F as measured with a meat thermometer.
Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle with the remaining Bang Bang sauce.
Garnish with chopped chives and serve hot.
Oven Method:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Stovetop Method:
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the salmon cubes in a single layer for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Jazz's Tips and Tricks
Choosing the Right Salmon Filets:
Opt for fresh wild-caught salmon filets for the best flavor and texture. Ensure they are at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking.Prepping Your Salmon:
Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy texture when air frying.Marinating with Flavor:
Mix light mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha sauce for an extra kick. Use a pastry brush to coat each piece of salmon evenly with the sauce mixture before air frying. Arrange the marinated salmon bites in a single layer for the best results.Easy Cleanup:
Line your air fryer basket with aluminum foil or use a lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.Serve with Your Favorite Sides:
Pair these crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites with cauliflower rice or my fluffy white rice and a refreshing side salad for a complete meal. Drizzle extra sauce over the rice bowl for added flavor.Variations:
Experiment with different sauces like soy sauce or yum yum sauce to suit your personal preference for spicy flavors. Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
FAQ
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Yes, you can adapt this recipe to use other types of firm-fleshed fish such as cod, halibut, or even shrimp if you prefer.
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The spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce can be adjusted to your preference by varying the amount of sriracha used. Start with less if you prefer a milder flavor.
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Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
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If you don't have sweet chili sauce, you can substitute it with a combination of honey or maple syrup with a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce for a similar sweet-spicy flavor.
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Store any leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture.
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They're delicious over rice, quinoa, or paired with a fresh salad.
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delightful way to enjoy seafood with a spicy kick. Whether you're using an air fryer, oven, or stovetop, this recipe promises crispy, flavorful bites every time. Plus, each serving of salmon provides a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body maintenance.Try it for your next meal and discover why it's a favorite in our household.
Enjoy cooking and savoring these crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites!
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon, cut into cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- Squeeze of lemon
- Chopped chives
Instructions
- Cut the salmon into bite-sized 1 inch cubes.
- In a medium bowl, toss the salmon cubes with 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper until evenly coated.
- Prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sriracha, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, and a squeeze of lemon. Set that aside.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared bang bang sauce to the seasoned salmon cubes. Toss gently to coat the salmon evenly with the sauce.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil cooking spray.
- Place the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches.
- Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
- Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving platter.
- Drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over the salmon bites.
- Garnish with chopped chives.
