Description
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe offers a quick, flavorful way to enjoy perfectly cooked salmon tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Utilizing the air fryer allows the salmon bites to develop a deliciously crisp exterior while remaining tender inside. Ideal for a light dinner or appetizer, these salmon bites are garnished with fresh chives for an added touch of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Bites
- 1 ½ 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, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the salmon.
- Prepare Seasoning Mixture: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to make the seasoning blend.
- Toss Salmon Bites: Add the salmon pieces to the bowl with the seasoning mixture and gently toss until each piece is well coated.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until fully combined and smooth.
- Coat Salmon in Sauce: Pour half of the bang bang sauce into a separate bowl and set aside for serving. Toss the seasoned salmon bites in the remaining half of the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook Salmon Bites: Working in batches, place the sauced salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, then flip the bites and cook another 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C) and the salmon is cooked through.
- Toss in Reserved Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a serving plate and drizzle or toss with the reserved bang bang sauce for extra flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives for garnish and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for best results.
- Adjust Sriracha quantity in the sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure salmon is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 140-145°F to maintain a moist texture.
- The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For an extra crispy exterior, lightly spray salmon bites with cooking spray before air frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 6-7 salmon bites)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: air fryer salmon, bang bang salmon, salmon bites, quick salmon recipe, air fryer appetizers, spicy salmon, healthy salmon recipe
