Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites: A Flavorful Treat for Any Occasion

July 18, 2025 by Yasmin Bernat

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If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious way to enjoy salmon, Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are here to impress! These bite-sized pieces of salmon are seasoned to perfection, coated in a creamy, spicy homemade bang bang sauce, and cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites: A Flavorful Treat for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, dinner, or main course, these salmon bites are guaranteed to be a hit. And if you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry—you can easily bake them in the oven with equally tasty results.

Why You’ll Love These Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites bring together the best of both worlds: crispy, tender salmon paired with a mouthwatering sauce that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and creamy. The air fryer ensures the salmon is cooked quickly and evenly, while the bang bang sauce adds an irresistible burst of flavor. Plus, this recipe is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the salmon bites:

1 ½ pounds salmon (about 4 filets), skins removed and cut into 1-inch bites
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the bang bang sauce:

1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons honey
Chives for garnish

These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Prepare the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. Preheating ensures the salmon bites cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
Season the Salmon
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the salmon bites and gently toss them until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Divide the sauce in half—one portion will be used to coat the salmon before cooking, and the other will be reserved for drizzling after the salmon is done.
Coat the Salmon
Toss the seasoned salmon bites in half of the bang bang sauce until well-coated. This step infuses the salmon with bold flavors before it even hits the air fryer.
Air Fry the Salmon
Working in batches, place the salmon bites in an even layer in the basket of your air fryer. Be sure not to overcrowd them; this helps ensure they cook evenly and crisp up nicely. Air fry for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
Drizzle and Garnish
Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a plate and drizzle them with the reserved bang bang sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and added flavor.

Oven Instructions

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these salmon bites in the oven instead:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the seasoned cubes of salmon onto the lined baking sheet. Do not brush them with bang bang sauce before baking, as it may burn during cooking.
Bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Toss the baked salmon bites in the bang bang sauce once they’re done cooking. Garnish with chives before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them over steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty meal or alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter option. They also make a fantastic appetizer when paired with a crisp green salad or some crunchy cucumber slices.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcrowd: Whether you’re using an air fryer or oven, make sure to leave space between each salmon bite for even cooking and crisping.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your salmon is cooked to perfection—140-145°F is ideal for tender yet fully cooked fish.
Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra Sriracha to your bang bang sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount slightly or skip it altogether.

Nutrition Information

This recipe serves four people, with each serving containing approximately 821 calories. While it’s certainly indulgent thanks to the rich bang bang sauce, it’s also packed with protein from the salmon—a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition!

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to create a show-stopping dish. With their crispy texture and bold flavors, these salmon bites are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds! So grab your air fryer (or oven) and get ready to transform simple salmon into something truly spectacular!