Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites – Crispy, Creamy, Spicy & Addicting
If you’re looking for a quick seafood recipe that’s packed with flavor, insanely easy, and guaranteed to impress, Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are your new obsession. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and tossed in the iconic sweet-heat bang bang sauce that makes everything taste like restaurant-level perfection.
These salmon bites cook in under 10 minutes thanks to the air fryer, making them a weeknight hero, high-protein snack, or meal prep favorite. Whether eaten on their own, tucked into tacos, served over rice, or turned into a bowl, they deliver bold flavor in every bite.
Bang bang sauce, traditionally made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, is the ideal finishing touch — creamy, tangy, and spicy with just the right amount of sweetness. When it melts over hot salmon, it transforms into a glossy, irresistible glaze.
Let’s break down what makes this recipe so good and how to make it perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Bites
🔥 Super fast and super easy
From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 15 minutes.
🐟 The perfect texture
Crispy edges + tender flaky center = perfection.
🌶 Bang bang sauce = flavor explosion
Sweet, spicy, creamy, tangy — it hits all the notes.
🍣 Great for bowls, tacos, salads
It’s an ultra-versatile recipe that fits everywhere.
🧼 Minimal cleanup
Just one bowl and the air fryer — no mess.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Salmon is the star, and the ingredients are simple:
- Fresh salmon – cut into chunks
- Oil – helps crisp the edges
- Cornstarch – optional, but creates a light crunch
- Salt & pepper – seasoning essentials
- Bang bang sauce – mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha
You’ll get restaurant-style flavor from just a few pantry staples.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 1 lb salmon, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional but adds crispiness)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- ¼ cup mayo
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust for heat)
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional)
Garnish
- Green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the salmon: Toss salmon cubes with oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry: Arrange salmon cubes in a single layer and cook 6–9 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Make bang bang sauce: Stir together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice.
- Serve or toss: Drizzle sauce over salmon or toss to coat completely.
- Garnish: Add green onions or sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss salmon cubes with olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon in a single layer in the air fryer and cook 6–9 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Stir together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to make bang bang sauce.
- Toss or drizzle sauce over cooked salmon bites.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Salmon Bites
✔ Don’t overcrowd
Space in the air fryer = maximum crisp.
✔ Keep salmon pieces the same size
Ensures even cooking.
✔ Add cornstarch for crispiness
Creates lightly crunchy edges.
✔ Sauce after cooking
Keeps salmon from getting soggy.
✔ Use skinless salmon
Makes cutting and coating easier.
Variations
🌶 Extra spicy
Add more sriracha or chili flakes.
🍋 Lemon version
Swap lime for lemon and add zest to sauce.
🍯 Sweet version
Add a teaspoon of honey to the sauce.
🥥 Coconut bang bang
Mix in coconut milk to make sauce tropical.
What to Serve With Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These bites work with so many meals:
- Rice bowls
- Quinoa
- Slaw
- Tacos
- Noodles
- Green salads
- Roasted veggies
They’re also amazing as an appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes — thaw fully first.
Can I use salmon with skin on?
Yes — remove skin before cutting.
Can I bake instead?
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–14 minutes.
How spicy is bang bang sauce?
Medium. Reduce sriracha for milder heat.
