Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Elevate your weeknight dinners or appetizer spreads with these incredible Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites. Tender cubes of salmon are coated in a vibrant, spicy-sweet sauce and air-fried to a delightful crisp, creating the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of heat.

Versatile and crowd-pleasing, they work beautifully as a quick main course paired with a fresh salad or as an impressive appetizer for gatherings. In my home, they’re a favorite for their speed, simplicity, and sheer joy at the table—and yes, they disappear fast every single time!

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true weeknight warrior—quick, simple, and ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it a lifesaver on busy evenings. The creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce is utterly addictive, delivering a flavor explosion that feels gourmet without the fuss. Despite their simplicity, these bites look and taste impressive, making them perfect as a versatile delight for any occasion. Whether served as a standout appetizer or a light main course, you really can’t go wrong with these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Ingredients

The magic of these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites lies in their simple yet flavorful components. Fresh, tender salmon pairs perfectly with the vibrant, creamy, and spicy sauce, creating a taste sensation that feels both wonderfully comforting and refreshingly new.

For the Salmon Bites:

• Salmon Fillets: These are the absolute stars, offering a tender, flaky texture and those fantastic healthy omega-3s we all love.
• Olive Oil: Just a touch helps our seasonings stick perfectly. It also helps the salmon cook evenly.
• Granulated Garlic & Smoked Paprika: These spices lay down a delicious savory foundation and add a hint of smokiness.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Your essential flavor enhancers. They make all the other ingredients shine.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: This gives our sauce its wonderfully creamy and rich base.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: It brings a lovely sweetness to the party with just a little bit of chili warmth.
• Sriracha: This is where the signature heat comes from! Feel free to add more or less.
• Rice Vinegar: A little splash balances the richness beautifully with a touch of tang.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the amazing flavors in the sauce.

Substitutions and Tips

• Salmon Swap: While salmon is my top pick, you could try firm white fish like cod or halibut. Your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites might need a slightly different cooking time.
• Spice Control: Want it milder or spicier? Simply adjust the Sriracha. A tiny bit of honey also works great if you want more sweetness.
• Sauce Prep: You can totally make the Bang Bang sauce a day ahead. Store it in the fridge, and it’s ready when you are.
• Oil Choice: Any neutral cooking oil, like canola or vegetable oil, works well for coating the salmon if you don’t have olive oil handy.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

SAVE

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

First, whip up the amazing Bang Bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small bowl until smooth. Set it aside to let the flavors meld together—it only gets better as they rest.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep Salmon

Now, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, prepare the salmon by carefully cutting the fillets into neat 1-inch cubes and placing them into a medium mixing bowl.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

It’s time to build flavor! Drizzle olive oil over the salmon cubes, then sprinkle in the granulated garlic, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently stir with a spoon or spatula until every piece is well coated. This simple yet bold seasoning blend is the foundation for your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites.

Step 4: Coat with Sauce

Now comes the magic. Pour about half of your prepared Bang Bang sauce over the seasoned salmon and toss gently to coat. Make sure every morsel is evenly covered in that creamy, spicy goodness. Be sure to save the rest of the sauce for serving—it adds the perfect finishing touch.

Step 5: Air Fry the Salmon Bites

With your air fryer preheated and ready, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush on a bit of oil. Arrange the coated salmon cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. This is key for achieving that irresistible crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in two or three batches.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Air fry the salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. There’s no need to flip them—the hot circulating air ensures even cooking. The result is perfectly tender salmon with a delightful crispy edge.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the salmon bites from the air fryer and serve them immediately. Drizzle the reserved Bang Bang sauce over the top for an extra punch of flavor, and get ready to enjoy every single bite.

How to Store Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best results, reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to bring back some of that crisp texture. The Bang Bang sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy the flavor again and again.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. This ensures maximum crispiness for your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites.
• Cut salmon into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
• Taste and adjust the sauce. It’s easy to tweak the Sriracha for your preferred spice level.
• Pat the salmon dry. Do this before seasoning if it seems particularly moist.
• Use good quality salmon. This really enhances the flavor and texture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need much to make these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, but having the right tools on hand makes the process quick, easy, and enjoyable.

• Air Fryer: Your new best friend for crispy perfection. An oven works too, if that’s what you have.
• Mixing Bowls: A small one for the sauce and a medium one for the salmon.
• Whisk: Essential for getting that Bang Bang sauce perfectly smooth.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For safely prepping your salmon.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient amounts.

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are wonderfully versatile and perfect for so many occasions. Serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa for a complete, satisfying meal, or pair them with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a lighter option. For even more flavor, offer extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. Finish with a garnish of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The Bang Bang sauce stores well and can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator—this makes assembling your salmon bites super quick later.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these salmon bites?

Absolutely. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them instead. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still be delicious, though not quite as crispy as the air-fried version.

How can I adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce?

Customizing the heat is simple—just adjust the amount of Sriracha. Use less for a milder flavor or omit it completely for no heat at all. For extra spice, add more Sriracha or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Yes! While salmon is my top choice for its flavor and texture, firm white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut also work beautifully. Cut them into similar-sized cubes and keep a close eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.

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