Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, flavorful, and perfectly saucy appetizers or main dish bites. Salmon pieces are seasoned and cooked to perfection in an air fryer, then tossed in a spicy and sweet Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe offers a deliciously easy way to enjoy salmon with a zesty twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Bites
- 1 ½ pounds salmon (about 4 filets), skins removed, 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
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, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 390°F to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture on the salmon bites.
- Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon bites and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir well until smooth. Divide the sauce in half, setting one half aside for serving later.
- Coat the Salmon with Sauce: Toss the seasoned salmon bites with half of the Bang Bang sauce to thoroughly coat them before cooking.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Arrange the coated salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F and is fully cooked through.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving plate. Drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce and garnish with finely chopped chives. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust Sriracha quantity to your preferred heat level.
- The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F to be safely cooked yet moist.
- Use skinless salmon for easier preparation and better texture in the bites.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be refrigerated and used as a dip for other seafood or grilled dishes.
