If you love a dish that delivers crispy, tender salmon with a kick of flavor and a creamy, spicy sauce to tie it all together, then you are going to adore this Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe. It’s a fun, quick, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, where the salmon comes out perfectly cooked with a beautiful texture and the bang bang sauce adds that irresistible zing. Trust me, these bites are going to become your new favorite way to enjoy salmon!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out the best flavors and textures, creating a dish that feels both special and approachable. From the smoky paprika to the garlicky seasoning, every bite bursts with flavor, while the bang bang sauce adds that creamy, spicy finish.
- Salmon (1 pound): Opt for a fresh piece about 1 inch thick for the perfect bite-size pieces.
- Olive oil spray: Helps achieve that crispy outside without excess oil.
- Seasoning salt (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory depth that enhances the salmon’s natural flavor.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a smoky warmth that balances beautifully with the sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick of garlicky goodness without overpowering.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The star sauce here, combining creaminess and heat to elevate the salmon bites.
- Cooked rice, avocado, scallions (to taste): These fresh, creamy, and crunchy accents turn this dish into a complete and colorful meal.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bang Bang Sauce and Serving Items
Before you even touch the salmon, it’s smart to prepare your bang bang sauce and any other accompaniments you plan to serve with your salmon bites. This way, everything is ready to go once the salmon is cooked, and you can enjoy your meal immediately without any last-minute scrambling.
Step 2: Cut the Salmon into Bite-Sized Pieces
Take that fresh salmon fillet and cut it into roughly 1-inch cubes. If your salmon has skin and you prefer it off, use a sharp knife to carefully remove it before cutting. Leaving the skin on is an option too; it crisps up nicely in the air fryer and adds a delicious texture contrast.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Place the salmon bites in a bowl and toss them gently with the seasoning salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. These spices not only infuse the salmon with flavor but also contribute to the appealing color and aroma once cooked.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and help develop a crispy exterior on the salmon pieces. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer – keep in mind that overcrowding will steam them instead of crisping them. If needed, cook in two batches.
Step 5: Air Fry the Salmon Bites
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the salmon bites for 5 to 7 minutes. There’s no need to preheat the air fryer or flip the bites midway – the even airflow does all the work for you. You’ll know they’re done when the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the fun part! Plate the salmon bites and drizzle generously with your homemade bang bang sauce, or better yet, build a bowl with cooked rice, slices of creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh scallions. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the flavor and presentation, fresh garnishes are key. A sprinkle of thinly sliced scallions or finely chopped cilantro can add an extra layer of freshness. A squeeze of lime or lemon right before serving can brighten the rich flavors of the salmon and sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
These salmon bites are versatile enough to pair with various sides. Classic steamed jasmine or basmati rice makes for a comforting base, while a crisp green salad or roasted veggies can bring balance and texture. For a more indulgent meal, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter noodles offer a hearty complement.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the salmon bites on small skewers or atop crispy wonton chips for a trendy appetizer twist. Alternatively, create vibrant grain bowls by layering quinoa or farro with your salmon bites, bang bang sauce, fresh avocado, shredded carrots, and crunchy radishes. These creative presentations make every bite exciting and Instagram-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salmon bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store your bang bang sauce separately to keep the salmon from becoming soggy. This way, you can reheat and dress your bites fresh when ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked salmon bites by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
The key to maintaining that crispy outer layer is to reheat your salmon bites in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them mushy. Reheat the bang bang sauce separately or drizzle it fresh after warming for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon can be used, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cutting and seasoning to ensure even cooking in the air fryer and to maintain the best texture.
Is the bang bang sauce spicy?
Bang bang sauce typically has a mild to moderate spicy kick thanks to ingredients like sriracha or chili sauce, balanced by creamy mayo and sweetness. You can adjust the spice level to your liking when making it at home.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! While the air fryer helps get that perfect crispy exterior with less oil, you can bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes or pan-sear them on the stove with a little oil until cooked through.
What should I do if I leave the skin on?
If you leave the skin on, the air fryer will crisp it up nicely. Just make sure the skin is dry before seasoning. Crispy skin adds great texture and flavor to the salmon bites.
How do I make homemade bang bang sauce?
Homemade bang bang sauce is a simple blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a little garlic powder. Mix these together and adjust proportions to taste for creamy, spicy, and sweet perfection.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe enough if you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to make, and oh so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings excitement to the dinner table with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick, flavorful, and healthy appetizer or main dish perfect for any occasion. Tender salmon cubes are seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and seasoning salt, then air fried to crispy perfection. Serve them with homemade bang bang sauce, cooked rice, avocado, and scallions for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 1 pound salmon (about 1″ thick), skin on or removed
- Olive oil spray, as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Serving Suggestions
- Bang Bang Sauce, to taste
- Cooked rice, to taste
- Avocado, sliced, to taste
- Scallions, sliced, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce and Sides: If you’re planning to serve the salmon bites with bang bang sauce and accompaniments such as rice, avocado, and scallions, prepare them in advance to save time.
- Cut the Salmon: Using a sharp knife, cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes. You may remove the skin before cutting if preferred; otherwise, leave it on for a crispy texture after air frying.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon cubes in a bowl and toss them evenly with seasoning salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until all pieces are well coated.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer inside the basket. If necessary, cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Cook the salmon bites at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes without preheating the air fryer and without flipping the pieces. The salmon is done when cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Plate the salmon bites with your choice of cooked rice, avocado slices, scallions, and plenty of bang bang sauce for a flavorful and complete meal or appetizer.
Notes
- You can leave the skin on the salmon for extra crispiness or remove it if preferred.
- If cooking in batches, keep cooked salmon warm in a low oven while the next batch cooks.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to taste or substitute with your favorite spice blends.
- Make the bang bang sauce ahead of time to streamline meal preparation.
- Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture.
