Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, tender little pieces of salmon with a spicy, creamy sauce that packs a punch. These bites are cooked in the air fryer, which makes them perfectly golden and flaky without a lot of oil or fuss. The sauce has just the right kick to make every bite exciting but not overwhelming.
I love making this recipe when I want a quick but tasty dinner or a fun appetizer to share. The air fryer makes it so easy to get a crispy texture without deep frying, which means less mess and healthier bites. I always make a little extra sauce because dipping is half the fun for me!
Serving these salmon bites with simple sides like steamed veggies or a fresh salad works great, but I also enjoy tossing them into tacos or over a bed of rice for a quick meal. They’re a real crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a casual weeknight or a small get-together. Bang Bang Salmon Bites quickly became one of my go-to recipes whenever I’m craving something flavorful and crunchy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh, skinless salmon works best to create juicy, tender bites. If you prefer, use frozen salmon—just thaw fully and pat dry before coating.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the bites a crispy crunch. For a gluten-free option, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Bang Bang Sauce: The combo of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha creates a spicy, creamy kick. You can swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce, or adjust sriracha level to suit your spice tolerance.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and smoked paprika add flavor depth. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne if you like it hotter.
How Do You Get Crispy, Perfectly Cooked Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer?
Air frying salmon bites can be tricky if they’re crowded or coated unevenly. Here’s how to get that golden crust without drying out the fish:
- Pat the salmon cubes dry before dredging; moisture prevents crispiness.
- Use two bowls for the coating—one with egg, one with dry mix—for even coverage.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; leave space so hot air circulates.
- Spray the bites lightly with oil to help browning and crunch.
- Shake or turn the bites halfway through cooking for even color.
- Check doneness at 8 minutes—salmon cooks quickly and can dry out if overdone.
Following these steps ensures crisp, flavorful bites with tender salmon inside every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – cooks the salmon bites quickly and makes them crispy without extra oil.
- Two shallow bowls – one for the egg wash and one for the breadcrumb coating to keep things neat.
- Tongs or a fork – helps you dip and turn each salmon bite easily without breaking them.
- Whisk – perfect for mixing the bang bang sauce smooth and for beating the eggs.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get your seasoning and sauce ingredients just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon with firm white fish like cod or tilapia for a milder flavor and similar texture.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mix for a cheesy, crispy crust.
- Mix diced bell peppers or jalapeños into the bang bang sauce to add a fresh crunch or extra heat.
- Try dipping the bites in a honey mustard or garlic aioli instead of the bang bang sauce for a different twist.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites – Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for balance)
- 1/2 tsp lime juice or rice vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and coat the salmon, plus 8-10 minutes to air fry. While the salmon cooks, you can quickly whisk together the bang bang sauce. So, overall, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon Bites:
Pat the salmon cubes dry using paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and ensures crisp bites.
2. Set Up the Coating Stations:
In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Salmon:
Dip each salmon cube first into the egg, letting any extra drip off. Then, coat it well in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing so it sticks.
4. Preheat and Cook in the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated salmon bites in a single layer, leaving space between them so they cook evenly. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket or carefully turn the bites so they brown evenly. The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and be golden brown.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if you’re using it), and lime juice until smooth. Adjust spice to your liking.
6. Serve:
Arrange the salmon bites on a serving plate or board. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over them or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with sliced green onions and offer lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze before eating.
Enjoy these crispy, spicy, creamy Bang Bang Salmon Bites as a snack, appetizer, or part of your meal! They pair wonderfully with salads, steamed veggies, or rice dishes.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before coating to get the crispiest bites.
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before serving.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Sauce?
Definitely! Reduce or omit the sriracha for less heat, or add more if you like it spicy. The sweet chili sauce also adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
