Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Description

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a game-changer! Inspired by the famous bang bang sauce, this recipe is perfect as an appetizer or main dish. The blend of sweet and spicy flavors, combined with tender salmon, makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet impressive meal. Serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or make sliders for a fun twist!

1 ½ lbs salmon, skins removed, cut into 1-inch bites
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce:
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
2 tsp Sriracha (or more to taste)
2 tbsp honey

Directions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
2. Coat salmon bites in seasoning mix.
3. Mix bang bang sauce and coat salmon.
4. Air fry 4-5 mins each side. Drizzle with sauce.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 821

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes. While it heats, pat the 1 ½ lbs of skinless salmon completely dry with paper towels. Cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes.
2. Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, toss the salmon cubes with 2 tbsp of olive oil until lightly coated. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the salmon and toss gently to coat evenly.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 2 tsp Sriracha, and 2 tbsp honey until smooth. Taste and adjust Sriracha for more heat if desired.
4. Coat the Salmon: Reserve about ½ cup of the sauce for serving. Add the remaining sauce to the seasoned salmon bites. Gently fold until every piece is thoroughly coated.
5. Air Fry: Place the coated salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Air fry for 4-5 minutes. Carefully open the basket, flip each bite using tongs, and air fry for another 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges.
6. Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a plate. Drizzle with the reserved sauce and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile bites can be the star of many meals. For a light lunch, serve them over a bed of crisp lettuce or in butter lettuce cups for fresh wraps. To make a hearty dinner, pair them with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, adding a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas. For a fun appetizer or party food, skewer them on small sticks or serve them as sliders on toasted Hawaiian rolls with a slice of cucumber and a sprinkle of green onion.

How-to Summary

Cut salmon into cubes, season, and coat with a homemade sweet-spicy bang bang sauce (mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey). Air fry at 390°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until perfectly cooked. Finish with a drizzle of extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator first. Pat it extremely dry to prevent steaming and ensure proper coating and crisping.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 370°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness; avoid the microwave.

Can I bake these instead? Absolutely. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through. The texture will be softer than air-fried.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce? You can use full-fat Greek yogurt or a light mayo for a tangier, lighter sauce. The consistency and richness will vary slightly.

How can I tell when the salmon is done? The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F. The edges will be slightly crispy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Basket: Placing bites too close causes steaming, resulting in soggy, unevenly cooked salmon. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Skipping preheating leads to longer cook times and can prevent that initial sear for optimal texture.
• Using Wet Salmon: Failing to pat the salmon dry prevents the seasoning and sauce from adhering properly and creates excess moisture.
• Overcooking: Salmon cooks quickly. Check at the 8-minute mark to avoid dry, tough bites. It will continue to cook slightly after removal.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the ultimate combination of fast, flavorful, and impressive. With a perfect balance of sweet and spicy in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknights or entertaining. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve tender, crispy salmon every time. Experiment with the serving suggestions to make this dish your own.