If there’s one recipe that always gets rave reviews when I share it with friends and family, it’s these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites. They’re the perfect balance of crispy, tender salmon coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s utterly addictive. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party snack, or a main dish with a side of rice or veggies, these little bites pack a big punch of flavor. And the best part? Thanks to the air fryer, they’re ready in just minutes with hardly any cleanup!

I first made this recipe for a casual get-together with friends. I had been experimenting with the classic Bang Bang sauce (which I’ve always loved on shrimp) and decided to try it on salmon instead. The result was a game-changer. I can still hear my friend saying, “Okay, I need this recipe ASAP!” There’s just something magical about the way the sauce clings to the salmon, creating a sticky, saucy coating that’s perfect for anyone who loves a little spice with their seafood.

A brief history of Bang Bang sauce

Bang Bang sauce has its roots in Asian-inspired cuisine, where sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors often come together in perfect harmony. While it gained massive popularity in the U.S. as the signature sauce for Bang Bang shrimp at a certain seafood restaurant, the concept has been embraced and adapted for all kinds of dishes. Over the years, creative cooks have taken this sauce and paired it with chicken, tofu, and now—salmon! What makes it special is its versatility and the way it hits all the right flavor notes: creamy from the mayo, sweet from the chili sauce and honey, and spicy from Sriracha.

Let’s talk ingredients: flavor-packed staples

The salmon

Salmon is the star here, and its natural richness pairs beautifully with the bold Bang Bang sauce. Look for skinless fillets for ease, but if you have salmon with the skin on, you can remove it yourself (or ask the fishmonger to do it for you). When selecting salmon, go for fresh, firm fillets with a bright orange-pink hue. If fresh isn’t an option, frozen works too—just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Substitutions: If you’re out of salmon, you can try this recipe with a sturdy fish like cod or mahi-mahi. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

The spices

Paprika and garlic powder create a flavorful base for seasoning the salmon. Paprika adds a subtle smokiness, while garlic powder infuses that irresistible savory aroma. Kosher salt and black pepper round it all out. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap the paprika for smoked paprika for an even deeper flavor.

The Bang Bang sauce

This sauce is a flavor bomb, thanks to a few simple ingredients. Mayonnaise makes it creamy, Thai sweet chili sauce gives it sweetness and a touch of heat, Sriracha turns up the spice, and honey balances everything out. Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or less Sriracha based on your preference.

Pro tip: Use a good-quality mayonnaise for the best results. If you prefer a lighter version, try Greek yogurt as a substitute—it works like a charm and adds a tangy twist!

Essential kitchen gear: what you need (and don’t!)

An air fryer is the key player here, and it’s a total game-changer. It crisps up the salmon bites beautifully without the need for deep frying. If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry—you can bake these in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

You’ll also need:

A mixing bowl (or two) for tossing the salmon with spices and sauce.
A spatula or tongs for flipping the salmon bites.
A meat thermometer is super handy to check that the salmon is cooked to perfection (140-145°F).

That’s it! No fancy gadgets or tools—just a few basics you probably already have.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method

1. Preheat the air fryer

Set your air fryer to 390°F. Preheating is key to getting that perfect crispy texture on the salmon.

2. Season the salmon

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the salmon bites gently until they’re evenly coated. You’ll want them to be lightly glistening with the seasoning mixture.

Tip: Don’t skip the olive oil—it helps the seasoning stick and adds a touch of richness.

3. Make the Bang Bang sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking. Pro tip: Reserve half the sauce in a separate bowl for drizzling later.

4. Coat the salmon bites

Add the seasoned salmon bites to the bowl with the sauce (the half you didn’t reserve) and toss to coat. Be gentle to avoid breaking apart the salmon pieces.

5. Cook in the air fryer

Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip them and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through.

Tip: Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 140-145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.

6. Finish and garnish

Once the salmon bites are done, transfer them to a plate, drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce, and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Variations and twists to try

Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your sweet chili sauce to make sure it’s gluten-free.
Spicier version: Add extra Sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for more heat.
Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free mayo for a completely dairy-free dish.
Asian-inspired twist: Sprinkle sesame seeds and a splash of soy sauce over the finished bites.
Kid-friendly version: Reduce the Sriracha or leave it out entirely to make the sauce milder.

How to serve and make it look stunning

Serve these salmon bites as the ultimate appetizer on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. For a main dish, pair them with steamed jasmine rice, roasted veggies, or even a crisp green salad. Garnish with extra chives or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright, zesty finish. Want to impress? Arrange them on a bed of lettuce leaves for an elegant touch!

Perfect pairings

For a refreshing beverage, a chilled sparkling water with a slice of lime works beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, try a mango or pineapple mocktail—the tropical flavors complement the sweet and spicy sauce. Green tea (iced or hot) is another fantastic pairing, as its earthy notes balance out the richness of the salmon.

Storing and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F to bring back their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you can—it’ll soften the texture.

Pro tip: Store the sauce separately and drizzle it fresh when serving. This keeps the salmon from getting soggy.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe serves about 4 as an appetizer or 2-3 as a main dish. If you’re cooking for a crowd, double or triple the recipe as needed, but cook the salmon in batches to maintain that perfect crispy texture. When scaling up, you might want to mix the sauce in a larger batch to save time.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Just thaw it completely before cutting into bites and seasoning.

2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem! You can bake the salmon bites in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The Bang Bang sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using.

4. How do I make it less spicy?

Simply reduce the amount of Sriracha or skip it altogether for a milder sauce.

5. Can I freeze the cooked salmon bites?

You can, but they’re best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze them, reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.