These bang bang salmon bites are tender, juicy, and incredibly easy to make in the air fryer. They cook in no time and get tossed in a creamy sweet and spicy bang bang sauce.
It’s a super quick recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.
The sauce has the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy, and it coats the salmon beautifully.
The cook on the fish is spot on. It takes just 6 minutes in the air fryer, and no, you don’t need to flip every little cube halfway through.
Serve it over rice, add it to tacos, or enjoy it on its own Either way, you can’t go wrong.
What is Bang Bang Sauce?
Bang bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
The name “bang bang” comes from the Chinese dish Bang Bang Chicken, where chicken is tenderized by pounding it with wooden sticks. The word bàng means “stick,” and while some people connect the name to the sound of the pounding, it more directly refers to the stick itself.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
This recipe is quick, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make in the air fryer.
- Juicy salmon in minutes. The air fryer cooks the salmon bites quickly while keeping them tender inside and lightly crisp on the outside.
- That addictive bang bang sauce. The creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce coats the salmon perfectly and makes every bite packed with flavor.
- Perfect for bowls, tacos, or appetizers. These salmon bites are versatile and can be served in many different ways.
- Great for weeknight dinners. With only about 15 minutes from start to finish, it’s an easy meal when you need something quick.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Here’s everything you’ll need to make air fryer salmon bites with homemade bang bang sauce.
- Salmon fillets. Cut them into bite-sized cubes so they cook quickly.
- Salt. Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon.
- Black pepper. Adds mild heat and depth.
- Smoked paprika. Gives the salmon a subtle smoky flavor.
- Garlic powder. Adds savory flavor that pairs well with the sauce.
- Mayonnaise. The creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
- Thai sweet chili sauce. Brings sweetness and a little tang to the sauce.
- Sriracha. Adds spice and balances the sweetness.
- Rice vinegar. Brightens the sauce with a little acidity.
- Honey. Adds a touch of extra sweetness to round everything out.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Here’s how to make bang bang salmon bites in the air fryer.
1. Prep the fish. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then cut them into bite-sized cubes.
2. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Arrange in the air fryer basket. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Arrange the salmon in a single layer, making sure the pieces do not touch.
4. Air fry the salmon. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes. No need to shake the basket.
5. Make the bang bang sauce. Whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey in a bowl. Add a sprinkle of salt if needed.
6. Toss and serve. Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a plate and drizzle with the bang bang sauce or toss gently to coat. Garnish with chopped chives and furikake if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Tips
This recipe is very easy to make, but these tips will help your salmon bites turn out perfect every time.
- Pat the salmon dry first. This will remove excess moisture and help the salmon develop better color and texture in the air fryer.
- Cut evenly sized pieces. Keep the salmon cubes about the same size so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Make sure the pieces don’t touch so the air can circulate and cook the salmon properly.
- Line with parchment if needed. Parchment paper makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking.
- Serve immediately. Salmon bites taste best right after cooking when they’re still warm and tender.
What to Serve With Bang Bang Salmon
Bang bang salmon bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with many different sides.
- Salmon rice bowls. Serve the salmon over steamed rice with cucumbers, avocado, and green onions for a satisfying bowl.
- Tacos. Tuck the salmon bites into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and drizzle with extra bang bang sauce.
- Noodles. Add the salmon to a bowl of noodles for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Roasted vegetables. Pair the salmon with roasted vegetables for a simple, balanced dinner.
- Appetizer platter. Serve the salmon bites with lettuce wraps or a crisp salad for a light starter.
How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Salmon
To Store: Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Store the sauce separately so the salmon doesn’t become soggy.
To Reheat: Air fry the salmon at 375°F for about 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the salmon before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bang bang salmon in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the salmon bites if you don’t have an air fryer. Arrange the salmon cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, that’s actually what I use. Just make sure the salmon is fully thawed before seasoning it. Pat it dry as well so it cooks properly in the air fryer.
Is bang bang sauce spicy?
Bang bang sauce has a mild to moderate heat from the sriracha, but the sweetness of the chili sauce and honey balances it out.
I like mine with a bit of heat, so I use 2 tablespoons of sriracha, but feel free to use less if you prefer it milder.
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Air Fryer Recipe)
Ingredients
- 3 salmon fillets cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- sprinkle of salt optional
- Chopped chives
- Furikake
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Cut them into bite-sized cubes about 1 inch each.
- Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss until evenly coated.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer, making sure the pieces do not touch.
- Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes – no need to shake the basket.
- While the salmon cooks, make the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey. Add a sprinkle of salt if needed.
- Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a plate and drizzle with the bang bang sauce or toss gently to coat. Garnish with chopped chives and furikake if desired. Serve and enjoy.
