Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, spicy, and totally delicious little pieces of salmon that cook up perfectly in the air fryer. These bites have a nice crunchy outside with tender, flaky salmon inside, all coated in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that really makes the flavors pop.
I love making these salmon bites because they’re super quick and easy, especially when I want something tasty but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The air fryer does all the hard work, giving the salmon a great crispy texture without extra oil. The bang bang sauce adds just the right amount of kick, but you can always make it milder or spicier depending on what you like.
My favorite way to serve these is with a simple side of rice or a fresh salad, which balances out the spicy bites nicely. They’re great for a fun snack or a casual dinner, and everyone who tries them always asks for the recipe. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing because they’re bite-sized and super addictive!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this recipe because they stay tender and flaky. If salmon isn’t available, try using firm white fish like cod or halibut as a substitute. Just cut them into bite-size pieces similar to salmon.
Panko Breadcrumbs & Parmesan: Panko gives a light, crispy coating that holds up well in the air fryer. If you don’t have Parmesan or want a dairy-free option, you can skip it or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Bang Bang Sauce: The mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha creates a creamy and spicy dip. For a lighter option, swap mayo for Greek yogurt. Adjust sriracha to make the sauce mild or fiery, depending on your taste.
How Do I Get the Salmon Crispy but Not Dry in the Air Fryer?
Salmon can easily overcook and dry out, so timing and prep matter. Here’s how to nail tender but crunchy bites every time:
- Pat the salmon dry before coating to help the crumbs stick and crisp up better.
- Cut pieces evenly into 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to jump-start crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—leave space between pieces to let air circulate.
- Flip the salmon halfway through cooking to brown all sides evenly.
- Watch the time carefully; salmon cooks fast, and 7-9 minutes is usually perfect.
With these tips, you’ll get a golden crust and juicy inside every time. Serve quickly with the bang bang sauce for the best taste and texture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – it crisps the salmon bites perfectly without extra oil.
- Mixing bowls – for coating the salmon and whisking the sauce.
- Sharp knife – to cut the salmon into even, bite-sized pieces.
- Tongs or a spatula – help flip the salmon halfway through cooking.
- Small whisk or fork – for blending the bang bang sauce smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use shrimp instead of salmon for a quick seafood twist that cooks even faster.
- Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or cilantro into the coating for extra freshness.
- Add a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning to the panko mix for a spicier, smoky flavor.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey or a sweet mango salsa on top for a sweet-heat balance.
How to Make 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 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (adjust for desired sweetness/spice)
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lime juice
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions
- Lime wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 7-9 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. So, expect a total time of roughly 22-25 minutes from start to serving. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon Bites:
Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the breadcrumb coating stick better and makes the bites crispier when air fried.
2. Make the Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
3. Coat the Salmon:
Lightly drizzle or brush olive oil over the salmon cubes. Then toss them gently in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the coating so it sticks evenly to every side of the salmon pieces.
4. Preheat and Cook in Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Arrange the coated salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 7-9 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through at around 4 minutes, until the outside is golden and crispy, and the salmon is cooked through.
5. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the heat levels by adding more sriracha or chili sauce if you prefer it spicier.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the crispy salmon bites to a serving plate. Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with the bang bang sauce on the side for dipping. Add lime wedges if you like an extra zest!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before cutting it into cubes. Pat it dry well to ensure the coating sticks and the bites get crispy in the air fryer.
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore 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. Just give it a quick stir before serving to blend the flavors again.
What Can I Serve with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
These bites go great with steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or roasted veggies. They also work well as an appetizer with extra sauce for dipping!
