Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Crispy, juicy, and bursting with bold flavor Bang Bang Salmon Bites are your next go-to dish for quick dinners, party appetizers, or a flavorful lunch. These bite-sized salmon pieces are air-fried to golden perfection and coated in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that’s seriously addictive. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Before you begin, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients. Everything is easy to find and comes together quickly, which makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

For the Salmon Bites:

• 2 skinless salmon fillets (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
• Olive oil spray (for air frying)

Why these ingredients?

• The salmon cubes are tender and rich in omega-3s.
• Garlic and paprika provide depth of flavor without overpowering the fish.
• Cornstarch ensures a crispy outer layer after air frying.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (for a slight tang)

Flavor Profile:

• Creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet—this sauce is what makes these salmon bites irresistible.

Instructions

Ready to cook? Follow these easy steps to get perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites every time.

Step 1: Prep the salmon

• Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
• Cut into even-sized, 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Season the salmon

• Place the cubes in a bowl.
• Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Gently toss to coat every piece with the seasoning.

Step 3: Coat with cornstarch

• Pour the cornstarch into a shallow bowl.
• Lightly dredge each salmon cube, making sure it’s fully coated.
• Shake off excess for even crisping.

Step 4: Arrange in the air fryer

• Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil spray.
• Place the coated salmon cubes in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
• You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.

Step 5: Air fry the salmon

• Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• The bites should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Step 6: Make the bang bang sauce

While the salmon is cooking:

• In a bowl, whisk together mayo, chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
• Adjust spice level to your taste—add more Sriracha for extra heat.

Step 7: Toss or drizzle

• Once salmon is done, you have two options:
  • Toss: Mix salmon bites with sauce in a bowl for full coating.
  • Drizzle: Keep the crispy texture by spooning sauce over the top.

Step 8: Serve hot

• Plate your salmon bites immediately.
• Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for a final touch.
• Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing if it’s a party.

Pro Tips and Variations

Take your dish to the next level with these smart tips and fun variations.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites:

• Pat the salmon dry: Moisture = soggy bites. Always dry before seasoning.
• Even coating: Don’t skip shaking off extra cornstarch. It prevents clumping.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Space is key to getting a crispy exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer: Aim for 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.

Tasty Variations to Try:

• Make it keto: Replace cornstarch with almond flour for a low-carb option.
• Shrimp twist: Sub the salmon with shrimp using the same coating and sauce.
• Oven method: No air fryer? Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
• Spice swap: Try gochujang instead of Sriracha for a Korean-style sauce.
  

Serving Suggestions

• Over rice: Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites on jasmine or coconut rice.
• In a bowl: Add to a power bowl with quinoa, avocado, and veggies.
• As tacos: Use warm tortillas and fresh slaw for Bang Bang tacos.
• Party platter: Arrange with toothpicks and dip on the side.

These bites are versatile enough for casual meals or upscale snacking.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect combo of crispy, creamy, spicy, and satisfying. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for everything from meal prep to parties. Try them once, and they’ll be on your weekly rotation in no time.