Succulent, crisp-edged, bite-sized pieces of salmon tossed in a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce—this easy Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and elegant enough for impressing guests.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
I’m a sucker for a great fish dish, and this one is a keeper. It’s quick—ready in under 30 minutes—beautiful on the plate, crowd-pleasing, and budget-friendly. All around a small miracle for weeknights and entertaining alike.
This recipe is designed for the air fryer, which gives the salmon a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender. If you don’t have an air fryer yet, consider adding one to your kitchen tools; it makes these bites fast and effortless.
What Is Bang Bang Sauce
The sauce here is a variation of the creamy, spicy, tangy condiment commonly served with Americanized bang bang chicken and bang bang shrimp. Typically mayonnaise-based, this version balances heat and sweetness and acts as both a marinade and finishing drizzle.
The original Sichuan-style “bang bang” preparations are different: traditionally, chicken is poached or steamed, shredded, and dressed with a savory sauce made from sesame paste, Sichuan peppercorns, black vinegar, and chili oil, often served with shredded cucumber. Over time, the American adaptation evolved into a creamier, mayo-forward sauce—but whichever version you prefer, the flavor is delicious.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon
To make these addictive salmon bites, gather the following ingredients:
- mayonnaise
- Thai sweet chili sauce
- honey
- Sriracha
- rice vinegar
- salmon fillets
- olive oil
- granulated garlic
- smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- kosher salt
- nonstick cooking spray or oil
Regular mayonnaise works fine, though Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise adds an extra layer of richness. Avoid Miracle Whip for this sauce. Mae Ploy is my go-to brand for Thai sweet chili sauce, but any similar sauce will do—it’s the key sweet-spicy element of the bang bang flavor.
Use fresh or thawed frozen salmon. Boneless, skinless fillets are easiest, but you can remove skin from skin-on fillets if you prefer. Smoked paprika brings a hint of smokiness to the bites; if you only have regular paprika, the recipe will still be excellent.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes and transfer to a mixing bowl.
Toss the salmon with olive oil, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until evenly coated. Stir in half of the bang bang sauce so the pieces are lightly glazed.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or brush with oil. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer with space between pieces so air can circulate—you may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer’s size.
Air fry for about 8 minutes. If the basket isn’t overcrowded, flipping isn’t necessary; the air fryer will crisp the edges while keeping the center tender.
Serve the salmon bites drizzled with the remaining bang bang sauce. They’re excellent on their own or served with rice, a green salad, or an Asian-style pasta salad.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Rebecca Lindamood
Equipment
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air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 batch bang bang sauce
- nonstick cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket
Instructions
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Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF.
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Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes and place in a mixing bowl.
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Add olive oil, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss to coat, then stir in half the bang bang sauce.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Arrange salmon in a single layer without overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
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Air fry for 8 minutes. No need to flip if pieces are spaced properly.
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Serve drizzled with the remaining bang bang sauce. Enjoy with rice, greens, or an Asian-style pasta salad.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Calculate using the exact ingredients you use if you need precise values.
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