Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

You know the drill. It’s 5 PM. Everyone’s hungry. You’re staring at a salmon fillet with zero inspiration.

You want something fast, but you also want something fantastic. No bland, boring dinners allowed.

I’ve got your solution. These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are your weeknight superhero. They’re crispy, spicy, creamy, and ready in under 20 minutes. They’re perfect as a main dish or, much like our crispy air fryer shrimp scampi bites, they make an incredible snack-ready appetizer. Let’s get your dinner back on track.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American Fusion
• Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2-3

Ultimate Guide to Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

This is the only recipe you need. Why? Because it hits every mark for a busy cook.

We get maximum flavor for minimum effort. The air fryer gives us a crispy exterior without deep frying. The bang bang sauce is a 3-ingredient wonder.

It’s a keto-friendly dinner, a killer party appetizer, and a family meal all in one. This guide cuts the fluff and gets you straight to the good stuff: a delicious plate of food, fast.

The Simple Ingredients

I bet you have half of this in your kitchen right now. That’s the beauty of this recipe. It’s built on pantry staples.

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch or almond flour (for keto)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to your heat level!)
• 1 tsp lime juice

Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)

Ready? The clock starts now. This process is so simple, you’ll have it memorized after one try.

Recipe

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: [email protected]

Prep: 10 min | Cook: - | Total: 20 min

Serves: - 4 + bites

★ Rate 🖨 Print

The Simple Ingredients

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch or almond flour (for keto)

Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)

1

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 3 minutes and is key for a crispy start.

2

Pat your salmon cubes very dry with paper towels. This is a non-negotiable step for the best crust.

3

In a medium bowl, toss the dry salmon cubes with oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4

Sprinkle the cornstarch or almond flour over the salmon. Toss again until everything is lightly and evenly coated.

5

Arrange the salmon bites in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Give them a little space so the air can circulate.

6

Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’re done when golden and crispy on the outside.

7

While the salmon cooks, make the sauce. Just whisk all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.

8

Toss the hot, crispy salmon bites in the bang bang sauce. Or, serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Dinner is served!

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe!

Nutrition Information

Calories: ~350

Protein: 23g

Fat: 25g

Net Carbs: 8g (using cornstarch)

Fiber: 0.5g

Did You Make This?

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1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 3 minutes and is key for a crispy start.
2. Pat your salmon cubes very dry with paper towels. This is a non-negotiable step for the best crust.
3. In a medium bowl, toss the dry salmon cubes with oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Sprinkle the cornstarch or almond flour over the salmon. Toss again until everything is lightly and evenly coated.
5. Arrange the salmon bites in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Give them a little space so the air can circulate.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’re done when golden and crispy on the outside.
7. While the salmon cooks, make the sauce. Just whisk all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
8. Toss the hot, crispy salmon bites in the bang bang sauce. Or, serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Dinner is served!

What to Serve With This Dish

Turn these bites into a full meal in minutes. You don’t need to overcomplicate it.

For a keto dinner, pile them on a bed of cauliflower rice or a simple green salad. The creamy sauce acts as a dressing.

If carbs are welcome, instant pot rice or quick-cooking couscous are perfect. Roast some broccoli florets in the air fryer right after the salmon for an easy side.

As party food, stick a toothpick in each bite and serve with extra sauce. They will disappear instantly. For another crowd-pleasing, crispy option that’s just as quick, try our crispy air fryer ranch chicken tenders.

Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)

Make this recipe work for you. Use what you have and love.

No salmon? Use firm white fish like cod or halibut. Chicken breast cubes work amazingly well, too. Just add a minute or two to the cook time.

Out of sweet chili sauce? Use a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup mixed with an extra squeeze of lime. The goal is that sweet-spicy kick.

Want it extra crispy? Use panko breadcrumbs for coating instead of just cornstarch. It adds a fantastic crunch.

How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

These are best fresh, but leftovers keep well. Let them cool completely first.

Store sauced bites in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the crispiest reheat, use the air fryer again at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

I recommend storing the sauce separately if you can. This keeps the salmon bites from getting soggy.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 25g
• Net Carbs: 8g (using cornstarch)
• Fiber: 0.5g

*This is an estimate for 1/3 of the recipe. Using almond flour reduces carbs significantly for a keto meal.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make these in the oven?

Yes! Bake at 425°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 12-15 minutes. You won’t get the same super-crispy air fryer texture, but it’s still delicious.

Is the bang bang sauce very spicy?

You control the heat! Start with 1 tbsp of sriracha. You can always add more. The mayo and sweet chili sauce really mellow it out.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely. Thaw it completely in the fridge first. Then, pat it extra dry. This step is crucial for the coating to stick.

See? I told you we could do it. In the time it takes to decide on takeout, you made a restaurant-worthy meal.

You saved the night. You used that air fryer like a pro. And you have a new go-to recipe for any night of the week. If you’re looking for more tangy, snack-perfection ideas, you have to try our crispy air fryer fried pickles next!

Now, I need to hear from you. Go try this and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!