Name: Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486085H6M48S
Total time: PT-486085H6M48S
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: Salmon fillets, cut into bite-size pieces; Extra virgin olive oil; Paprika; Garlic powder; Kosher salt; Black pepper; Mayonnaise; Thai sweet chili sauce; Sriracha; Honey; Optional: chopped chives or green onions for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and versatile this recipe is. The air fryer creates perfectly crisp salmon on the outside while the flesh stays juicy inside. The homemade bang bang sauce—made with mayo, Thai sweet chili, sriracha, and honey—brings balanced heat and sweetness. It’s crowd-pleasing, easy to adapt, and perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or protein topping for bowls or sliders.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Salmon fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Mayonnaise
• Thai sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey
• Optional: chives or green onions for garnish

Directions

I toss salmon bites with oil and a seasoning blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well-coated
I mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the sauce, then reserve half for drizzling later
I preheat the air fryer to around 390 °F. Working in batches, I cook the salmon bites in a single layer for about 4–6 minutes per side (total ~8–10 minutes), until crispy on the edges and cooked through (around 140–145 °F internal)
I transfer the salmon to a plate, drizzle with the reserved sauce, and garnish with chopped chives or green onions

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 people
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~10–15 minutes
Total time: ~20–25 minutes

Variations

Oven option: Bake at 400 °F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway—then toss in sauce
Light sauce swap: I use Greek yogurt combined with mayo for a lighter version
Fish swap: I’ve also used white fish like cod or halibut with great results
Spice adjustment: I tweak the sriracha to control the heat—more for a kick, less for mild.
Serving ideas: I serve them over rice with pickled cucumbers, in lettuce wraps, tacos, or on salad bowls

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, I crisp them back up in the air fryer for just a few minutes—this helps bring back the crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes—I often make the sauce up to a week ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using .

2. Will the salmon bites get crispy?

Definitely—if spaced in a single layer in the air fryer at around 390 °F, they crisp beautifully in about 8–10 minutes

3. Is this recipe spicy?

It has moderate heat, thanks to sriracha. I adjust it to suit my taste by adding more or less

4. Can I use another fish?

Absolutely—I’ve tested it with cod and halibut, and it works lovely with those firm white fish

5. What’s the best side?

I love serving these bites over rice with pickled cucumbers or in tacos or bowls. They also shine as an appetizer with toothpicks

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon Bites have quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes. They’re fast, flavorful, and versatile—equally great as a quick dinner, party appetizer, or protein boost for grain bowls. I can’t wait to see how you make them your own!