Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

If you’re searching for a quick and delicious salmon recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 20 minutes, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are about to become your new weeknight dinner favorite. This crispy air fryer salmon recipe combines tender, juicy salmon cubes with a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.

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Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These bite-sized salmon pieces are more than just another air fryer recipe. They’re a game-changer for busy families and anyone looking for healthy meal prep ideas. Here’s what makes this easy salmon recipe so special:

Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 15-20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Restaurant-Quality Results: The air fryer creates perfectly crispy edges while keeping the center moist and flaky, delivering that premium salmon texture you’d pay top dollar for at your favorite seafood restaurant.

Incredibly Versatile: Serve these salmon bites over rice bowls, in tacos, on salads, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The possibilities are endless.

Packed with Nutrition: Salmon is a superfood rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins, making this a healthy dinner option your whole family will actually enjoy.

No Breading Required: Unlike traditional fried fish, this recipe keeps things lighter by skipping the breadcrumbs while still achieving that coveted crispy texture.

What is Bang Bang Sauce?

Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy condiment that originated with the famous Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill. The sauce typically combines mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to create a flavor explosion that perfectly complements seafood. For this air fryer salmon recipe, we’re using this iconic sauce to coat tender salmon cubes for an addictive sweet and spicy combination.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

For the Salmon Bites:

1.5 pounds fresh salmon fillets (skinless, preferably wild-caught)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works great too)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon lime juice or lemon juice
Optional: 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (for a lighter version)

For Garnish:

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Divide the sauce in half—you’ll use half for coating before cooking and reserve the other half for drizzling after the salmon is cooked. This prevents any food safety concerns with raw fish. Place the reserved sauce in the refrigerator until serving time.

Step 2: Cut and Season the Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Using a sharp knife, cut the salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces roughly the same size ensures even cooking in the air fryer.

Place the salmon cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the salmon and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. While some air fryer models don’t require preheating, doing so helps achieve those perfectly crispy edges that make this recipe so delicious.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon

Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching or overlapping. Don’t overcrowd the basket—air needs to circulate around each piece for proper cooking. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.

Cook the salmon bites at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and easily flakes with a fork. The outside should be golden brown and slightly crispy while the inside remains tender and moist.

Step 5: Sauce and Serve

Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the reserved bang bang sauce and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

Use Fresh, Quality Salmon: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon or Atlantic salmon work beautifully in this recipe.

Don’t Skip the Preheat: Preheating your air fryer helps create that restaurant-quality sear on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly cooked.

Uniform Sizes Matter: Cut your salmon into evenly-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others are underdone.

Give Them Space: Resist the temptation to overcrowd your air fryer basket. Proper air circulation is key to achieving crispy edges on all sides.

Watch the Cook Time: Cooking time can vary based on your air fryer model and the thickness of your salmon pieces. Start checking at 7 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Pat It Dry: Removing excess moisture from the salmon before seasoning helps achieve better browning and crispiness.

Delicious Serving Ideas

These versatile air fryer salmon bites work beautifully in multiple dishes:

Salmon Rice Bowls: Serve over jasmine rice or brown rice with steamed vegetables, edamame, and a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce. Add pickled cucumbers or avocado for extra flavor.

Salmon Tacos: Wrap the bites in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, cilantro, lime wedges, and a dollop of the creamy sauce.

Healthy Salad Topper: Add these protein-packed bites to your favorite salad greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette.

Appetizer Platter: Serve with toothpicks alongside the bang bang sauce for dipping at your next gathering or game day spread.

Meal Prep Bowls: These salmon bites are perfect for weekly meal prep. Pair with roasted vegetables, quinoa, and your favorite healthy sides.

Variations and Substitutions

Lighter Bang Bang Sauce: Substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and fewer calories while maintaining that creamy texture.

Spice Level Adjustments: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha. Start with less and add more to taste. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

Different Proteins: This cooking method and sauce work beautifully with other proteins too. Try air fryer chicken bites, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Alternative Seasonings: Switch up the flavor profile with lemon pepper seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or an Asian-inspired blend with ginger and sesame oil.

Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce if adding any to your sauce variation.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separate for best results.

Freezer Storage: Freeze cooked salmon bites (without sauce) on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: The air fryer is the best method for reheating these bites. Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore that crispy exterior. You can also reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.

Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the bang bang sauce up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cut and season the salmon up to a few hours before cooking, but don’t marinate it longer than 30 minutes as the acid can make the fish mushy.

Oven Baking Alternative

Don’t have an air fryer? No problem! You can bake these bang bang salmon bites in your conventional oven with great results.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and is golden brown. Toss with bang bang sauce and serve immediately.

Nutritional Benefits of Salmon

This healthy dinner recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s incredibly nutritious too. Salmon is considered one of the healthiest proteins you can eat:

Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation
High-Quality Protein: About 35 grams of protein per 6-ounce serving supports muscle growth and repair
Loaded with B Vitamins: Especially B12, which supports energy production and nervous system health
Excellent Source of Selenium: Important for thyroid function and immune health
Contains Vitamin D: Supports bone health and immune function

By choosing to air fry instead of deep fry, you’re also keeping the calorie count reasonable while maximizing the nutritional benefits of this superfood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes! You can use frozen salmon, but it’s best to thaw it completely first. Place sealed salmon in cold water for about 15 minutes or thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Pat very dry before cutting and seasoning.

What’s the white stuff that comes out of my salmon? That’s albumin, a protein that’s completely harmless and normal. It appears when salmon is cooked at high heat. Patting the salmon dry before cooking can help minimize this.

Can I make this without an air fryer? Absolutely! Use the oven method described above, or pan-sear the salmon bites in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked? The internal temperature should reach 145°F on an instant-read thermometer. The salmon should also flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout.

Can I use skin-on salmon? While you can, it’s easier to cut the salmon into cubes if you remove the skin first. Ask your seafood counter to remove it, or use a thin, sharp knife to carefully separate the skin from the flesh.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites check all the boxes for a weeknight dinner win. They’re faster than ordering takeout, healthier than fast food, and impressive enough to serve to guests. The combination of the quick cooking method, minimal ingredients, and maximum flavor makes this recipe a keeper you’ll return to again and again.

The air fryer does the heavy lifting, creating that coveted crispy texture without the mess and calories of deep frying. Meanwhile, the bold bang bang sauce transforms simple salmon into something special that even picky eaters will love.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, need a last-minute dinner solution, or want to impress at your next gathering, these salmon bites deliver every single time.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming. This easy recipe transforms quality salmon into crispy, flavor-packed bites that satisfy both your taste buds and your nutritional needs. The combination of the perfectly seasoned salmon with that creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce creates a restaurant-quality dish you can make any night of the week.

Give this recipe a try tonight and discover why it’s become a viral favorite in kitchens everywhere. Your family will be asking for these delicious salmon bites on repeat—and you’ll be happy to oblige because they’re just that easy to make!