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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon arranged in air fryer basket

Bang Bang Salmon

Crispy air fried salmon bites coated in savory spices and drizzled with sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds salmon fillets skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise Japanese mayo preferred
  • 0.25 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce adjust to taste, start with 1 teaspoon if heat sensitive
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice fresh squeezed

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for sauce
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. The sauce should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Set aside at room temperature.
  2. Pat salmon pieces completely dry with paper towels - this is crucial for getting crispy edges. In a large bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated. Handle gently to keep pieces intact.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
  4. Arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between pieces. Depending on air fryer size, you'll fit about 12-15 pieces per batch. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking basket gently at the 5-minute mark, until edges are golden and crispy and salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature.
  5. Transfer hot salmon bites to serving platter immediately. Drizzle with half the Bang Bang sauce and serve remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

For oven method: Bake on parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Store leftovers in airtight container (sauce separate) for up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 2-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Can freeze cooked salmon bites without sauce for up to 2 months.