Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe for Quick Crispy Snacks

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and speed, making it a go-to option for anyone craving a quick meal without sacrificing flavor. Air fryer bang bang salmon brings together tender salmon pieces with a spicy-sweet sauce that bursts with taste in every bite. It’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, perfect for satisfying hunger in just about 20 minutes total time.

One reason you’ll adore this dish is its ease of preparation, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal steps to get those crispy salmon bites ready. Health benefits abound, as salmon offers omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health and provide quality protein. Plus, the air frying method keeps things light by using less oil than traditional frying.

Beyond that, the recipe’s versatility lets you tweak it for various diets, like going gluten-free or making it vegan-friendly with simple swaps. The bang bang sauce delivers a fun mix of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors that make every mouthful exciting and different from standard air fried meals. This combination turns a simple weeknight dinner into something special that everyone can enjoy.

Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

Let’s dive into what makes this recipe tick, starting with the key ingredients that bring all the flavors to life. These items are straightforward and easy to find, ensuring you can whip up this dish without a trip to a specialty store. Remember, fresh ingredients lead to the best results, so grab the highest quality you can.

Salmon and Coating Ingredients

• 1½ pounds (680 grams) of skinless salmon filets, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for coating
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• ½ cup of sweet chili sauce
• 2 teaspoons (or more to taste) of hot chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons of honey

This list covers everything needed for a full batch that serves 4 people, with each serving clocking in at about 6 ounces (170 grams) and around 821 calories. For special dietary needs, you can swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, which keeps the creaminess while cutting calories.

How to Prepare the Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with air fryer bang bang salmon is straightforward and fun, turning simple ingredients into a crispy delight in no time. First, prepare your salmon by cutting 1½ pounds of skinless filets into 1-inch pieces and coating them with a mix of 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt, plus ½ teaspoon black pepper. This step adds a flavorful base that makes every bite pop.

Next, whip up the bang bang sauce by combining 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 teaspoons hot chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons honey in a bowl. Reserve half for later drizzling and use the other half to toss the salmon pieces evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for even cooking, then place the coated salmon in a single layer in the basket.

Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the salmon hits an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C), resulting in tender, flaky bites. Once done, drizzle with the reserved sauce and garnish with chopped chives for a fresh finish. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking runs roughly 15 minutes, so you can have this on the table in under 20 minutes total.

For those without an air fryer, try the alternative baking method: lay the salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (204°C) for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through until they reach 145°F (63°C). Then toss in the sauce and garnish. Explore similar salmon recipes on our site for more ideas.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

Making air fryer bang bang salmon fit your lifestyle is easy with a few tweaks to the ingredients. For instance, if you’re watching calories, switch out the mayonnaise in the sauce for Greek yogurt to keep it creamy without the extra fat. This change not only lightens the dish but also maintains that signature bang bang flavor you love.

Protein options can vary too; while the recipe uses salmon, firm tofu or tempeh works great for a vegan version. If you’re aiming for gluten-free, double-check the sweet chili sauce and hot chili sauce labels to ensure they’re free of gluten. These adjustments let you enjoy the crispy texture and spicy kick while meeting your dietary goals.

Remember, don’t apply the sauce before baking to avoid burning, which helps keep the dish’s texture intact. These swaps ensure air fryer bang bang salmon stays versatile and delicious for everyone.

Mastering Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your air fryer bang bang salmon to the next level involves a few smart techniques that enhance both flavor and ease. For the best results, remove the skin from the salmon before cutting it into pieces, as this improves texture and helps the coating stick better. You can also make the sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to a week, saving time on busy days.

Flavor and Cooking Tips

Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less hot chili sauce to suit your taste, creating a personalized kick in every bite. When cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to get that perfect crispy exterior. For serving, pair the salmon bites with rice, tuck them into wraps or sliders, or place them atop fresh salads for a balanced meal.

• Let salmon reach room temperature before cooking for even doneness.
• Experiment with smoked paprika in the coating for a smoky twist.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days to keep them fresh.
• Try pairing with other recipes like creamy pasta for a full meal.

These tips make the recipe even more flexible, and for healthier options, substituting Greek yogurt in the sauce works wonders without losing that creamy element.

How to Store Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your air fryer bang bang salmon tasty for later, so let’s cover the basics to maintain its quality. After cooking, let the salmon cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. This method helps preserve the crispy texture and prevents any sogginess from setting in.

If you want to freeze it, wrap the portions tightly to avoid freezer burn, and they can last up to 2 months. When reheating, use the air fryer at 300°F for 4-5 minutes to keep that crunch without drying out the fish. For meal prep, cook in batches and store with the sauce separate until you’re ready to eat, making it simple for quick lunches or dinners.

The key to great leftovers is gentle reheating, which ensures your bang bang salmon stays as delicious as the first day.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

🐟 Savor the crispy, flavorful delight of Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites, perfect for quick and satisfying snacks.
🌶️ This recipe combines a spicy creamy sauce with tender salmon, making it an ideal choice for busy days or flavorful appetizers.

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Ingredients

– 1½ pounds (680 grams) skinless salmon filets cut into 1-inch pieces

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for coating

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt

– ½ teaspoon black pepper

– 1 cup mayonnaise

– ½ cup sweet chili sauce

– 2 teaspoons (or more to taste) hot chili sauce

– 2 tablespoons honey

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Instructions

1-First, prepare your salmon by cutting 1½ pounds of skinless filets into 1-inch pieces and coating them with a mix of 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt, plus ½ teaspoon black pepper. This step adds a flavorful base that makes every bite pop.

2-Next, whip up the bang bang sauce by combining 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 teaspoons hot chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons honey in a bowl. Reserve half for later drizzling and use the other half to toss the salmon pieces evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for even cooking, then place the coated salmon in a single layer in the basket.

3-Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the salmon hits an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C), resulting in tender, flaky bites. Once done, drizzle with the reserved sauce and garnish with chopped chives for a fresh finish. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking runs roughly 15 minutes, so you can have this on the table in under 20 minutes total.

4-For those without an air fryer, try the alternative baking method: lay the salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (204°C) for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through until they reach 145°F (63°C). Then toss in the sauce and garnish.

Notes

🧂 Tip: Remove skin from salmon before cutting for a better texture.
🥶 Tip: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for up to one week.
🌶️ Tip: Adjust the amount of hot chili sauce to tailor the spiciness to your preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 ounces (170 grams)
• Calories: 821 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 60 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 45 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Air Fryer, Bang Bang, Salmon Bites, Quick Snacks