Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Looking for a fast, flavorful, and healthy dinner? These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites check every box. Perfectly seasoned salmon cubes are air-fried to golden perfection—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Drizzled with a creamy, sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce, this dish feels indulgent but comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s a low-carb, high-protein favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – From prep to plate in just 15 minutes.
• Incredible Texture – The air fryer creates crispy edges without drying out the salmon.
• Flavor-Packed Sauce – The Bang Bang sauce is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy.
• Versatile – Serve it over rice, salad, or in a grain bowl for a satisfying meal.

Key Ingredients and Smart Tips

• Salmon: Choose center-cut, skinless salmon fillets. Fresh or fully thawed frozen both work—just pat dry thoroughly for best results.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Look for an authentic Thai brand like Mae Ploy for the ideal sweet-heat flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Full-fat for richness; light works too if you’re watching calories.
• Sriracha: Adjust to taste depending on your preferred spice level.

Bang Bang Sauce (Make-Ahead Friendly)

• ½ cup light mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1½ tsp honey
• 1½ tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp sriracha (or more to taste)
• 1 tbsp water (adjust to desired consistency)

Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients in a bowl until smooth, or shake in a jar. Refrigerate while preparing the salmon to let the flavors meld. Sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Salmon Seasoning Mix

• 1 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Salmon

• Remove salmon from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking.
• Pat dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes, keeping pieces uniform.
• Spray with cooking spray or toss lightly with oil.
• Sprinkle with seasoning mix and toss to coat evenly.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set air fryer to 400°F.
• Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

3. Cook the Salmon

• Arrange salmon pieces in a single layer with space in between (cook in batches if needed).
• Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through. The salmon is done when it flakes easily and is opaque throughout.

4. Finish & Serve

• Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce or serve it on the side.
• Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
• Enjoy over rice, salad, or your favorite grain bowl!

Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon Bites

✔ Let salmon come to room temperature before cooking for even texture.
✔ Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—this prevents crisping.
✔ Taste your Bang Bang sauce and adjust spice gradually—you can always add more, but not take it away. ✔ Make extra sauce! It’s fantastic on grilled shrimp, roasted veggies, or as a sandwich spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes or pan-fry for 2–3 minutes per side.

→ How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque in the center.

→ Can I reduce the spice level?
Absolutely—just reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce.

→ How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.

→ Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Recipe Recap

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
A fast, flavorful way to enjoy salmon—seasoned bites with crisp edges and creamy Bang Bang sauce, all ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 1 lb skinless salmon filets, cubed (1-inch)
• 1 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup light mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1½ tsp honey
• 1½ tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp sriracha (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp water (optional, to thin)

Instructions:

1. Mix sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
3. Pat salmon dry and cut into 1-inch cubes.
4. Toss salmon with seasoning mix and a light spray of oil.
5. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Cook 5–7 minutes, shaking once.
7. Drizzle with sauce and serve immediately.

Final Thoughts

With just a few pantry staples and your air fryer, you can transform simple salmon into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s quick, healthy, and totally craveable. These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a weeknight winner you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation!