Description
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender salmon pieces coated in a spicy, sweet, and creamy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these salmon bites are air-fried to crispy perfection, making for a delicious, healthful meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Bites
- 1½ 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 Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) to ensure even cooking and a perfectly crisp exterior on the salmon bites.
- Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon bites and gently toss until each piece is thoroughly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir until smooth and well combined. Divide the sauce into two equal portions, reserving one half for later.
- Coat Salmon with Sauce: Toss the seasoned salmon bites with half of the Bang Bang sauce, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Air Fry Salmon Bites: Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry at 390°F for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Cook until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F and is cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving plate, drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce, and garnish with finely chopped chives before serving.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the salmon bites cook evenly and become crispy.
- Check the internal temperature of the salmon bites to avoid undercooking or overcooking; 140-145°F is ideal for tender, flaky salmon.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- These salmon bites are best enjoyed immediately for optimal crispiness, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, ensure that the Thai sweet chili sauce and other condiments used do not contain gluten ingredients.
