Description

A vibrant and flavorful Bang Bang Salmon recipe featuring crispy air-fried salmon bites coated in a spicy, sweet, and tangy bang bang sauce. Perfect for a quick and impressive appetizer or main dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Salmon Bites

1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Bang Bang Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice

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Instructions

Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Set the sauce aside.
Season Salmon: In a large bowl, add the salmon bites along with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the salmon bites evenly and to crispness.
Air Fry Salmon: Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even crisping and prevent sticking. The salmon should be golden and crispy on the outside while tender inside.
Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites onto a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared Bang Bang sauce and offer extra sauce on the side for dipping. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

Notes

You can adjust the sriracha and cayenne pepper amounts to control the heat level to suit your preference.
Ensure the salmon pieces are cut into evenly sized bites to cook uniformly in the air fryer.
For an even healthier version, consider using a light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the sauce.
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or crispy vegetables.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.