Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, tender pieces of salmon with a little kick of spicy, creamy sauce that makes every bite exciting. Made in the air fryer, these salmon bites come out perfectly cooked with just the right crunch on the outside while staying juicy inside. The cool, creamy bang bang sauce adds a nice balance of heat and flavor that’s hard to resist.
I love making these salmon bites when I want a quick snack or a fun appetizer for friends. The air fryer makes it super easy to get that crispy texture without needing a lot of oil, so it feels lighter but still tastes amazing. I usually double the batch because these bites disappear fast, and everyone keeps asking for more!
My favorite way to enjoy Bang Bang Salmon Bites is with some fresh veggies or on top of a simple salad for a delicious, protein-packed meal. They’re also great served with rice or noodles if you want something more filling. Whenever I make these, they instantly brighten up the table and get everyone excited to eat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillet works best for flaky, tender bites. If fresh isn’t available, frozen wild-caught salmon thawed completely is a good alternative. Avoid very thin or oily cuts to keep texture just right.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give a crisp crust without heaviness. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but the texture will be less crunchy.
Mayonnaise & Sriracha: Together they make the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. You can swap mayo for Greek yogurt or vegan mayo. Adjust sriracha to your preferred heat level or use another hot sauce you like.
Lime juice: Adds freshness and a zesty punch. If lime isn’t handy, a squeeze of lemon juice works well too.
How Do You Get Crispy Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer?
To get that perfect crispy outside and tender inside, here are some tips:
- Pat salmon cubes dry before seasoning – moisture stops crisping.
- Toss gently with olive oil and spices to coat evenly.
- Add panko last and toss lightly so it sticks without crushing the coating.
- Spread salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer; don’t overcrowd them.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to brown all sides evenly.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooking dries out the salmon.
Following these steps helps get that great bang bang bite texture every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – the star of the recipe for crispy, quick-cooked salmon bites without extra oil.
- Mixing bowls – for seasoning the salmon and mixing the bang bang sauce easily.
- Tongs or a spatula – to gently toss and move the salmon pieces without breaking them.
- Measuring spoons – to get the right balance of spices and sauce ingredients.
- Small serving bowl – perfect for holding the bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for shrimp or firm white fish like cod for a different seafood twist that cooks just as well in the air fryer.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix if you want extra heat in the coating.
- Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or dill into the bang bang sauce for a fresh, herby flavor.
- Toss the finished bites with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to boost texture and add a mild crunch.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites – Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice (plus lime wedges for serving)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp chopped chives or green onions
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 8-10 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer, so you can have delicious Bang Bang Salmon Bites ready in about 20 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, gently toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the salmon pieces and lightly toss again to coat evenly.
2. Air Fry the Salmon Bites:
Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and the outside is golden and crispy.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce and Serve:
While the salmon cooks, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth. Once the salmon bites are done, transfer them to a serving plate. Either drizzle the bang bang sauce over the bites or serve it in a small bowl on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve with lime wedges for extra zest.
Enjoy your crispy, spicy, and delicious Bang Bang Salmon Bites made effortlessly in the air fryer!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge overnight before cutting into cubes and cooking. Pat the pieces dry to avoid excess moisture, which helps them crisp better in the air fryer.
How Do I Store Leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness or warm in the microwave, though the texture may soften.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level in the Bang Bang Sauce?
Definitely! Use less sriracha for a milder sauce or add more if you like it hotter. You can also substitute sriracha with another hot sauce you prefer, and balance heat with a touch more honey if needed.
What Can I Serve with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
These bites go great with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. For a low-carb option, pair them with roasted or steamed veggies. Lime wedges on the side add a nice bright flavor contrast.
