Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are bite-sized pieces of salmon coated in a tasty sauce that packs a punch! They come out crispy on the outside and tender inside, making every bite a joy.
These little nuggets are perfect for a snack or a light meal, and they cook quickly in the air fryer. I love tossing them on a bed of salad for a fresh and fun dinner—easy peasy! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillet is ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find salmon, you could use other fish like trout or even shrimp for a different taste and texture.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice richness, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or any other vegetable oil. I often use a light oil because it lets the spices shine.
Spices: Garlic powder and paprika are key for flavor. If you’re out of paprika, smoked paprika works well for a deeper taste. You can skip garlic powder if you prefer a milder flavor, just using a bit of fresh garlic instead.
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise is the base here, but Greek yogurt works wonderfully to lighten it up. For those who love heat, feel free to add more sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Garnishes: Green onions add freshness, but you can also use cilantro or parsley if you prefer a different herb. Sesame seeds provide a nice crunch, so don’t skip them if you can help it!
How Do You Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer for Best Results?
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is simple, but there are a few tips to keep in mind for perfect bites. The key is to get that crispy outside without overcooking the inside.
- Make sure to preheat the air fryer to 400°F. This helps the salmon crisp nicely.
- When tossing the salmon with seasoning, be gentle. You want the pieces coated but not broken apart.
- Place the salmon in a single layer without overcrowding. This allows for even cooking and crisping.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get crispy.
With these tips and your seasoning, your salmon bites will turn out delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps the salmon bites to cook evenly and get that lovely crispy texture!
2. Season the Salmon:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Once it’s all blended, add the salmon pieces to the bowl. Toss everything together gently so each piece of salmon is well-coated with the seasoning.
3. Cook the Salmon Bites:
Carefully place the seasoned salmon bites into the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket for even cooking. Cook the salmon for about 8-10 minutes. Remember to gently shake the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides!
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the salmon is cooking, it’s time to whip up the bang bang sauce. In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce. Mix them together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of sriracha depending on how spicy you like it!
5. Toss and Serve:
Once the salmon bites are cooked and deliciously crispy, transfer them to a serving bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top and gently toss everything together to coat the salmon evenly in the sauce.
6. Garnish:
Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a bit of crunch and flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the salmon bites warm with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your tasty Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw salmon is to leave it in the fridge overnight or to place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, pat it dry to remove excess moisture before proceeding with the recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Sriracha?
No problem! If you don’t have sriracha on hand, you can substitute it with another hot sauce, or even chili paste. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. For a milder version, you can omit it entirely or use a bit of sweet chili sauce instead for flavor without the heat.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat them, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes to get them crispy again, or use the microwave, but be aware they may lose some crunch.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken slightly when chilled.
