Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a flavor-packed appetizer or snack that’s both crispy and saucy, you’re in for a treat with this Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe. These little bites pack a punch of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again. I love how easy they come together, and the best part? They’re cooked in the air fryer for that perfect crispy edge without the mess of deep frying. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to nail this recipe in your kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The bang bang sauce blends creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that complement the rich salmon perfectly.
  • Crispy, Yet Healthy: Air frying the salmon bites gives you that crave-worthy crunch without drowning them in oil.
  • Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, great for busy weeknights or impressing guests without stress.
  • Customizable Heat: You’re in control of the spice with the sriracha and cayenne, so it suits both mild and spicy lovers.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites, crispy salmon appetizers, air fryer salmon bites, spicy salmon snack, healthy seafood appetizers - A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds and small red chili flakes. On top, there are several pieces of grilled chicken in golden-brown with a light shiny sauce covering them, garnished with chopped green onions. A fresh lime wedge is placed on the side of the bowl. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe pairs bold seasonings with a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce — it’s honestly a match made in flavor heaven. Choosing fresh salmon bites ensures juicy, tender pieces that crisp up nicely without drying out, while the bang bang sauce ties it all together with that zing you’ll crave.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites, crispy salmon appetizers, air fryer salmon bites, spicy salmon snack, healthy seafood appetizers - Flat lay of fresh salmon fillets cut into bite-sized pieces arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small mound of garlic powder, a small mound of onion powder, a small heap of vibrant smoked paprika, a small heap of salt crystals, a small heap of black peppercorns, a tiny heap of cayenne pepper, a small white bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, another small white bowl containing bright red Thai sweet chili sauce, a small white bowl with glossy sriracha sauce, a small white bowl of golden honey, and a halved fresh lime showing juicy pulp, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Salmon fillets: Fresh, skinless, and cut into even bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
  • Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and encourages browning in the air fryer.
  • Garlic powder: Adds depth without overpowering the natural salmon flavor.
  • Onion powder: Enhances savory notes and rounds out the seasoning.
  • Smoked paprika: Brings smokiness and a subtle earthiness that complements the fish beautifully.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
  • Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a little extra heat — add carefully, you can always add more but not take it away!
  • Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
  • Thai sweet chili sauce: The star of the sauce, giving sweetness and a lovely mild chili flavor.
  • Sriracha sauce: Controls the spice level; start small and add more if you want fire!
  • Honey: Balances the tang and heat with sweetness.
  • Lime juice: Adds fresh acidity to brighten the sauce and cut through the richness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all about making this Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe your own. Whether you like it spicier, milder, or with a twist of another flavor, it’s super forgiving and welcomes your creativity.

  • Less Heat: If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce or omit the cayenne and sriracha — the Thai sweet chili sauce still delivers great flavor.
  • Extra Crunch: Sprinkle a little panko on the salmon bites before air frying if you want an extra crispy exterior that’s divine.
  • Herbal Notes: I sometimes toss in chopped fresh cilantro or green onions right before serving for a fresh, herbal pop.
  • Dairy-Free: Use a vegan mayo to make the sauce dairy-free without losing that creamy goodness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together Your Bang Bang Sauce

Start by combining mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk everything until smooth and set it aside. Making the sauce ahead means you can focus on cooking the salmon without rushing. Pro tip: Taste as you go and adjust the heat and sweetness to your liking — it really makes the flavor pop.

Step 2: Season and Toss the Salmon Bites

In a large bowl, add the salmon pieces along with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you’re using it. Give it a good toss so every bite is evenly coated. This step ensures all that smoky, savory goodness sticks—and it makes the salmon extra flavorful once cooked.

Step 3: Air Fry for Perfect Crispiness

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) — it only takes a few minutes. Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket; crowding them will steam the fish instead of crisp it up. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to get even browning. You want slightly crispy edges but tender inside. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to maintain that crisp texture.

Step 4: Drizzle and Serve

Transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. I like to serve extra sauce on the side because who doesn’t love dipping? The contrast of the warm crispy bites with the cool, spicy-sweet sauce is irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

  • Uniform Pieces: Cutting the salmon into similar size bites ensures everything cooks evenly and prevents some pieces from being overdone while others are undercooked.
  • Don’t Crowd the Basket: Air fryer baskets vary in size; overcrowding leads to soggy bites as steam builds up. I always cook in batches if needed.
  • Adjust Spice Level Gradually: When mixing the sauce, start with less sriracha and add more until it hits your perfect balance. It’s easier to add than reduce.
  • Serve Immediately: Drizzling the bang bang sauce right before serving keeps the salmon crispy. If you add it too early, the moisture softens that lovely crispiness.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Bang Bang Salmon Bites, crispy salmon appetizers, air fryer salmon bites, spicy salmon snack, healthy seafood appetizers - The dish shows small pieces of grilled chicken stacked in the center of a white plate with a textured look. The chicken pieces are coated with a creamy, light orange sauce and sprinkled with white and black sesame seeds, as well as small green onion slices. Around the chicken, there are four lime wedges placed evenly on the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these bites with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds — it adds a fresh crunch and a hint of nuttiness that amps up the flavor. Sometimes I throw on a few cilantro leaves for a bright herbaceous note, especially when serving to guests who enjoy a bit of flair.

Side Dishes

These salmon bites are great alongside a light Asian slaw or simple garlic fried rice. I’ve also paired them with steamed jasmine rice and sautéed bok choy for a quick meal that feels restaurant-quality but is totally doable on a weeknight.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving these on a slate platter with mini bamboo picks for easy finger food. A drizzle of extra bang bang sauce artfully swirled around the plate makes it look restaurant chic and always impresses guests. You can also serve on a bed of lettuce or wrapped inside butter lettuce cups for a fun, handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the salmon bites cool, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for about 3 days, which is perfect if you want to enjoy leftovers for lunch. Just keep the bang bang sauce separate until you’re ready to eat to preserve that crispy texture.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen cooked salmon bites by laying them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Just defrost in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that crispiness, I reheat leftover salmon bites in the air fryer or a hot oven for a few minutes rather than microwaving. This helps keep them crispy on the outside while warming the inside gently. Again, add fresh bang bang sauce after reheating.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen salmon for this Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe?

    Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting into bites and seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps the salmon crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

  2. Is it possible to bake these instead of air frying?

    Definitely! Bake on a lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking won’t be quite as crispy as air frying, but still delicious.

  3. How spicy is this Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe?

    The spice level is adjustable! It has a mild to medium heat thanks to the sriracha and cayenne, but you can easily omit or reduce those if you prefer milder flavors. The Thai sweet chili sauce adds sweetness that balances out the heat nicely.

  4. Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

    Yes! The sauce actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors meld. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling.

  5. What can I serve with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

    They go wonderfully with rice dishes, Asian slaws, steamed or sautéed veggies, or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a light meal or appetizer.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I want something impressive but super simple to make. The crispy, flavorful salmon paired with that creamy, spicy bang bang sauce is just magic. Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or part of a casual dinner, I think you’ll find this recipe hits all the right notes and will be begging to make it again soon. Don’t forget to leave a review if you try it—I love hearing how it turns out for you!

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Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose
Print Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Salmon features crispy, bite-sized salmon pieces coated in a flavorful blend of spices and drizzled with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. This quick and easy air fryer recipe makes a perfect appetizer or main dish that’s packed with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Salmon Bites

  • 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Bang Bang Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Season the salmon: In a large bowl, combine the salmon bites, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss until the salmon pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings.
  3. Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  4. Air fry salmon bites: Place the salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking and crispiness. The salmon should be cooked through and crispy on the edges.
  5. Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh, skinless salmon fillets cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
  • Cook the salmon bites in a single layer to keep them crispy; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon just before serving so that the salmon retains its crisp texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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