Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a quick and flavorful appetizer or main dish featuring tender salmon pieces tossed in a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. The salmon is seasoned, air fried to perfection, and coated in a creamy, tangy sauce with hints of Thai sweet chili and Sriracha, making it an irresistible dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
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: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the salmon bites evenly and quickly.
- Prepare seasoning mix: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful seasoning mix for the salmon.
- Season salmon bites: Add the salmon pieces to the bowl and gently toss them in the seasoning mixture until each bite is evenly coated.
- Make bang bang sauce: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce.
- Coat salmon with sauce: Pour half of the bang bang sauce over the seasoned salmon bites and toss gently to coat them well. Reserve the other half of the sauce for serving later.
- Air fry salmon bites: Place the salmon bites in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F and has a slightly crispy exterior.
- Toss in reserved sauce: Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a serving plate and drizzle or toss them with the reserved half of the bang bang sauce for extra flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped chives on top as a fresh garnish, then serve immediately while the salmon is warm and flavorful.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust Sriracha in the bang bang sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Salmon internal temperature should be 140-145°F for perfect doneness without drying out.
- Skinless salmon is recommended for this recipe for ease of preparation and texture.
- This recipe works best when served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
