Description
These Creamy Sweet & Spicy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavor explosion, combining tender, flaky fish with a sauce that is tangy, sweet, and just a little bit spicy. Air-fried to perfection, these bite-sized nuggets are crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside. Drizzled with extra homemade Bang Bang sauce and garnished with fresh chives, this dish is a quick and impressive dinner that tastes like your favorite restaurant appetizer.
Ingredients
The Salmon & Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets (approx. 4 fillets), skins removed, cut into 1-inch bites
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
The Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
Season Salmon
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon bites and toss gently until they are evenly coated in the spiced oil.
Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth.
Reserve & Coat
Crucial Safety Step: Pour half of the prepared sauce into a separate small bowl and set it aside for serving (this keeps it safe from raw fish). Pour the remaining half of the sauce over the seasoned salmon bites and toss gently to coat.
Air Fry
Working in batches if necessary, place the salmon bites in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
Cook
Air fry for 4–5 minutes. Flip the bites and cook for another 4–5 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and slightly crispy on the edges (internal temp 140–145°F).
Serve
Transfer the cooked salmon to a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the reserved fresh Bang Bang sauce and garnish with chopped chives.
Notes
Skin Removal: It is much easier to skin the salmon fillet before cutting it into cubes. Use a sharp knife to slide between the flesh and the skin.
Oven Method: If you don’t have an air fryer, arrange the sauced bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon bites cook very quickly. Check them after the first flip; depending on size, they may be done sooner than you think.
Spice Control: The sauce has a sweet-heat profile. For a milder version, omit the Sriracha. for more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or extra Sriracha.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: bang bang salmon, air fryer salmon bites, spicy salmon recipe, sweet chili sauce, 20 minute dinner, seafood appetizer, easy fish recipes