Bang Bang Salmon Bites in Air Fryer Easy, Healthy, Flavorful

Bang bang salmon is the ultimate fusion of spicy, sweet, and creamy—all delivered in crispy, bite-sized pieces that cook in just minutes. Using the air fryer, this recipe creates golden, tender salmon with a bold bang bang sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re prepping for the week or whipping up a fast dinner, these salmon bites hit every mark: high protein, low mess, and tons of flavor. Pair them with rice, wrap them in lettuce, or serve them slider-style. One batch, endless options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 25 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• High in protein and omega-3s
• Perfect for air fryer lovers
• Great for meal prep or party apps
• Sauce can be adjusted from mild to fiery

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 1½ lbs fresh salmon, skin removed and cubed (1-inch pieces)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise (light or regular)
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp honey

Garnish (Optional)

• Chopped chives or green onions
• Lemon wedges
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F while prepping the salmon.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the salmon cubes and gently toss to coat evenly.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth.
4. Set aside half of the sauce for drizzling later. Coat the salmon bites in the remaining sauce.
5. Arrange the coated salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4–5 minutes, flip, then cook another 4–5 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 140–145°F.
6. Plate the bites, drizzle with reserved sauce, and garnish with chives or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~820
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 62g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 940mg

Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients.

Tips & Variations

For Less Heat

• Reduce Sriracha to 1 tsp or skip it entirely
• Add more honey for a milder, sweeter flavor

To Make it Lighter

• Use Greek yogurt or light mayo
• Serve with cauliflower rice or over mixed greens

Flavor Variations

• Swap bang bang sauce with a honey-soy glaze
• Add sesame oil for depth
• Toss with noodles for a spicy salmon bowl

Protein Swaps

• Try this recipe with shrimp, tofu, or boneless chicken
• Adjust cooking time based on protein size and thickness

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning to ensure crispy edges.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake at 400°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss with sauce after baking.

Can I meal prep this?
Definitely. Store cooked salmon bites and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Is the bang bang sauce spicy?
It’s moderately spicy. Adjust the Sriracha to fit your taste.

What sides go well with this?
Steamed rice, cucumber salad, roasted broccoli, or soba noodles.

Bang Bang Salmon

Crispy, spicy-sweet salmon bites cooked in the air fryer and coated in homemade bang bang sauce. Perfect for fast dinners or weekly meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Course dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 820 kcal

Equipment

• Air fryer
• – Mixing bowls
• – Tongs
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

• Salmon
• 1½ lbs salmon cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Bang Bang Sauce
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 tsp Sriracha
• 2 tbsp honey
• Optional Garnish
• Chopped chives or green onions
• Lemon wedges
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

 

• Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
• Mix oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss with salmon cubes.
• Combine all sauce ingredients. Reserve half.
• Toss salmon with remaining sauce.
• Air fry in a single layer for 4–5 minutes per side, until 140–145°F internal temp.
• Drizzle with reserved sauce, garnish, and serve.

Notes

Bake option: 400°F for 16 minutes, flip halfway

Greek yogurt can sub for mayo

Pairs well with rice or lettuce wraps

Keyword bang bang salmon

Conclusion

Bang bang salmon is everything a great recipe should be: quick, flavorful, and flexible. Whether it’s dinner on the fly or lunch for the next few days, these spicy-sweet salmon bites satisfy every time. With bold flavor and easy cleanup, they’re bound to become a go-to in your weekly rotation.