Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites – Crispy, Creamy, & Addictively Delicious

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If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and wildly crave-worthy seafood dish, these air fryer bang bang salmon bites are about to become a weekly staple. They’re crispy on the outside, buttery-tender on the inside, and coated (or drizzled) with a creamy, sweet-heat bang bang sauce that makes every bite unforgettable.

This recipe takes the classic “bang bang” flavor profile—creamy, spicy, slightly sweet—and pairs it with rich, flaky salmon. The contrast is unreal. The air fryer cooks the salmon in minutes, giving it a golden, lightly crisp exterior without overcooking. You get restaurant-style salmon bites with almost zero effort.

Whether you want a quick dinner, an easy appetizer, or protein for rice bowls, salads, tacos, and meal prep, these salmon bites check every box. They’re high-protein, omega-3 rich, air-fried instead of deep-fried, and absolutely bursting with flavor.

Let’s get into everything that makes this recipe a knockout.

Why These Salmon Bites Hit So Hard

✔ Crispy edges, juicy center

The air fryer is the BEST way to cook salmon cubes evenly and quickly.

✔ Bang bang sauce = sweet + spicy + creamy perfection

Mayo + sweet chili sauce + sriracha. Only 3 ingredients, huge flavor.

✔ Ready in under 15 minutes

Perfect for last-minute meals.

✔ Customizable heat level

More sriracha for spicy lovers, less for mild.

✔ Versatile

Serve on rice bowls, salads, tacos, wraps, or as a snack.

What Is Bang Bang Sauce?

Bang bang sauce originated as a creamy, spicy dipping sauce used for fried shrimp. Its addictive flavor comes from the combination of:

  • Mayonnaise (rich + creamy)
  • Sweet chili sauce (sweet + tangy)
  • Sriracha (heat + garlic)

It pairs beautifully with salmon because the creamy heat balances the salmon’s richness.

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites

  • 1 ½ pounds fresh salmon, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1–2 tablespoons sriracha, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional but recommended)

For Garnish

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Extra sauce

Instructions

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, toss salmon cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
  4. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway, until edges are golden and salmon is cooked through but still tender.
  5. Meanwhile, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl.
  6. Once salmon is done, transfer to a bowl and drizzle generously with bang bang sauce. Toss lightly or serve the sauce on the side.
  7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
  8. Serve immediately over rice, in bowls, or as an appetizer.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Crispy, tender air-fried salmon bites tossed in a creamy, sweet-heat bang bang sauce. A fast, flavor-packed dinner or appetizer ready in minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Salmon Bites
  • 1.5 lb salmon cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1-2 tbsp sriracha to taste
  • 1 tsp lime juice optional
Garnish
  • green onions sliced
  • sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season salmon cubes with oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Air fry salmon in a single layer for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway.
  4. Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce.
  5. Drizzle salmon with sauce, garnish, and serve warm.

Notes

Add 1–2 teaspoons cornstarch to the salmon seasoning for extra crispiness.

Tips for Perfect Salmon Bites

Don’t overcook the salmon

Air fryer salmon cooks FAST. Pull it out when it’s just cooked through.

Cut salmon into evenly sized pieces

Ensures even cooking and perfect texture.

Make extra sauce

Trust me—you will want more.

For extra crispiness

Add 1–2 teaspoons cornstarch to the seasoning mix.

Variations

Honey Bang Bang Salmon

Add 1 tablespoon honey to the sauce.

Low-Cal Sauce

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.

Extra Spicy

Add chili crisp or crushed red pepper.

Bang Bang Salmon Bowl

Serve salmon over rice with:

  • Cucumber
  • Avocado
  • Carrots
  • Edamame
  • Extra sauce

What to Serve With Bang Bang Salmon Bites

  • Rice or quinoa bowls
  • Mixed greens or slaw salads
  • Tacos or lettuce wraps
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Garlic noodles
  • Air fryer potatoes

These salmon bites pair with almost EVERYTHING.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: up to 3 days
Freezer: not recommended—texture changes
Reheat: air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes

Refrigerate sauce separately.

Fun Fact

“Bang bang” refers to the double flavor punch—sweet + spicy—and not the cooking method. And salmon might just be the BEST protein to pair with it.

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