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

Bang bang salmon is your new go-to when you want a dish that’s crispy, spicy-sweet, and incredibly satisfying. These salmon bites come together in just 25 minutes using an air fryer or oven, and they’re perfect for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or crowd-pleasing appetizers. Coated in a creamy homemade bang bang sauce with just the right amount of heat, this recipe balances convenience and bold flavor beautifully.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• Quick and easy (25 minutes from start to finish)
• Air fryer + oven friendly
• Family-approved with adjustable spice level
• Great for meal prep or weeknight dinners
• Naturally gluten-free and protein-packed

📝 Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 1½ lbs fresh salmon, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 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 (regular or light)
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp honey

Garnish (Optional)

• Chopped chives or green onions
• Lemon wedges

🔪 Instructions

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss salmon cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
4. Reserve half the sauce for serving. Toss the salmon bites in the remaining sauce to coat.
5. Arrange salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd.
6. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side or until salmon reaches 140–145°F internal temperature.
7. Transfer to a plate, drizzle with reserved sauce, and garnish with chives or lemon.

Oven Option

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Bake seasoned salmon cubes (without sauce) for 16 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Toss in bang bang sauce after baking to avoid burning.

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 820
Protein: 38g
Fat: 62g
Carbs: 20g
Sugar: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Tip: Use light mayo or Greek yogurt to lower fat and calories.

💡 Tips & Variations

Tips

• Pat salmon dry for crispier texture
• Sauce can be made ahead (lasts 5 days in fridge)
• Leave sauce off salmon before baking to avoid burning

Variations

• Mild Version: Skip or reduce Sriracha
• Extra Heat: Add chili flakes or more Sriracha
• Lighter Sauce: Use Greek yogurt or light mayo
• Different Proteins: Works with shrimp, tofu, or chicken
• Glaze Swap: Try a honey-soy glaze for a new twist

❓ FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Use the oven method—bake at 400°F for 16 minutes.

How spicy is this?
Moderate. Use less Sriracha for a milder taste or more for heat lovers.

Is it meal-prep friendly?
Absolutely! Store salmon and sauce separately. Reheat in air fryer for crispness.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! The sauce is mayo-based, not dairy.

Bang Bang Salmon

Crispy, spicy-sweet bang bang salmon bites made in the air fryer or oven. A quick and flavorful meal or snack ready in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 820

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• **For the Salmon**
• – 1½ lbs salmon skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• – 1 tsp paprika
• – 1 tsp garlic powder
• – 1 tsp kosher salt
• – ½ tsp black pepper
• **For the Sauce**
• – 1 cup mayonnaise
• – ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• – 2 tsp Sriracha
• – 2 tbsp honey
• **Garnish**
• – Chopped chives
• – Lemon wedges

Equipment

• – Air fryer or oven
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• – Baking sheet (if using oven)

Method

 

1. Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
2. Toss salmon with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
4. Reserve half of sauce. Toss salmon bites in the rest.
5. Place salmon in air fryer basket, spaced apart.
6. Cook 4–5 mins per side until internal temp hits 140–145°F.
7. Drizzle with reserved sauce and garnish.
8. **Oven Option**:
9. Preheat oven to 400°F.
10. Bake plain-seasoned salmon on parchment-lined tray for 16 mins, flipping halfway.
11. Toss with sauce after baking.

Notes

– For less spice, reduce Sriracha
– For a lighter sauce, use Greek yogurt
– Best served fresh, but reheats well in air fryer

🍽️ Conclusion

Bang bang salmon brings together the best of bold flavor, easy cooking, and versatility. Whether you’re whipping up dinner after work, prepping lunches for the week, or impressing guests, these spicy-sweet bites hit the mark every time. Adjust the heat, pair it with rice or wraps, and enjoy every crispy, saucy bite.