Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Air Fryer Magic!)

Created on September 17th, 2025 at 07:36 pm

A spicy-sweet salmon dish ready in 20 minutes

If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful fish dinner, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a total weeknight win! Tender chunks of salmon are tossed in a bold homemade bang bang sauce and crisped up perfectly in the air fryer — no deep frying, no mess. They’re sweet, spicy, and seriously addictive. Serve them over rice, lettuce cups, or as a fun party appetizer. This recipe is a fantastic way to shake up your usual salmon routine and bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table in under 25 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you need something exciting but easy! 🍽️✨

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a keeper because it’s fast, flavorful, and family-friendly. You only need a handful of ingredients — most of them pantry staples — and the cooking time is lightning fast thanks to the air fryer. No air fryer? No problem — oven instructions are included! Whether you’re making it for a light dinner, a seafood appetizer, or a meal prep protein for your bowls, this bang bang salmon delivers serious flavor with minimal cleanup. And it’s easy to customize the spice level too, making it perfect for kids or spice lovers alike!

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⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 people

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📝 Ingredients List

For the Salmon:

• ▢ 1½ pounds salmon (about 4 fillets), skin removed, cut into 1-inch chunks
• ▢ 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ▢ 1 cup mayonnaise
• ▢ ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• ▢ 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more to taste)
• ▢ 2 tablespoons honey
• ▢ Chives, for garnish

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✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

• Large skillet or air fryer basket
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet + parchment paper (if baking instead of air frying)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add salmon chunks and gently toss to coat evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth.
5. Divide the sauce: set aside half for later. Toss the salmon in the remaining sauce.
6. Arrange salmon in air fryer basket in a single layer. (Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.)
7. Air fry for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 4–5 minutes — until crispy and salmon reaches 140–145°F. 🔥
8. Drizzle with reserved sauce and sprinkle with chopped chives before serving. 😋

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🔥 Oven Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange seasoned salmon bites on the sheet (don’t add sauce yet).
3. Bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Toss baked salmon in bang bang sauce. Garnish and serve!

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💡 Pro Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer for 2–3 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Sauce Swap: Try Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version of bang bang sauce.
• Serving Ideas: Serve over jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist.
• Meal Prep Tip: Make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days!

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📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	821	40g	23g	62g	2g	15g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.