Table of Contents
Table of Contents
If you’ve never tried air fryer salmon bites bang bang, this is your sign to get cookin’. These little bites of flavor are crispy, juicy, and coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that’s downright addictive. Whether you’re new to air frying or just looking for something fresh, these air fryer salmon bites bang bang are quick, easy, and family-approved. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have a bold dish with Southern comfort and modern flair. Today, I’m sharing exactly how to make this kitchen favorite — with tips to get it crispy outside, tender inside, and coated in flavor.
Why Air Fryer Salmon Bites Bang Bang Are My Go-To Weeknight Fix
A Southern Shortcut That Feels Fancy
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Air Fryer Salmon Bites Bang Bang: Crispy, Creamy, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 19 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These air fryer salmon bites bang bang are quick, crispy, and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. A perfect weeknight dish or party appetizer, they’re ready in under 20 minutes with bold Southern flavor.
Ingredients
Fresh Salmon Fillets – 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes
Cornstarch – 2 tbsp
Garlic Powder – 1 tsp
Smoked Paprika – 1/2 tsp
Salt & Cayenne – To taste
Olive Oil Spray – For air fryer basket
Bang Bang Sauce:
Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup
Sriracha – 2 tbsp
Honey – 1 tbsp
Rice Vinegar – 1 tsp
Lime Juice – Optional, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Pat salmon dry and cut into 1-inch cubes.
3. In a bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne.
4. Toss salmon in seasoning and cornstarch until evenly coated.
5. Spray air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange salmon in a single layer.
6. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. While cooking, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and vinegar to make sauce.
8. Toss cooked salmon bites in sauce or serve sauce on the side.
Notes
Add lime juice to the sauce for extra zing.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
Serve in rice bowls, tacos, or on skewers for appetizers.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 9 mins
- Category: Air Fryer Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
I’ll never forget my first bite of air fryer salmon bites bang bang—a crunchy coating, flaky fish, and that irresistible spicy-sweet drizzle. Back in the day, I used to make a mess deep-frying seafood. Now? I cube fresh salmon, coat it in seasoned cornstarch, and let the air fryer do the heavy lifting. In under 10 minutes, those salmon bites come out golden and crisp without oil splatter. Then comes the bang bang sauce: a simple mix of mayo, sriracha, honey, and a dash of rice vinegar. Toss the bites while they’re hot, and you’ve got a restaurant-style snack, Southern-style fast.
A Comfort Food Classic with a Modern Twist
What makes these air fryer salmon bites bang bang so special is the contrast — crunchy outside, buttery-soft inside, and that punchy sauce that hits every craving. This dish has become a weeknight hero in my kitchen. It’s low fuss, fast, and packed with flavor. Want to mix things up? Try serving them in tacos, over rice bowls, or on a bed of arugula with a drizzle of extra sauce. I love pairing this with my Grilled Salmon in Foil Guide for a full seafood spread or following up with a light dish like the Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe.
If you’re craving a bold bite that doesn’t skimp on ease, you’ll fall for these air fryer salmon bites bang bang just like I did.
If you’re in the mood for another air-fried favorite, try these Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer — they’re just as crispy and easy.
For another great sauce pairing, check out the Fish Taco Sauce Recipe, which brings big flavor to the table.
Mastering the Prep for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Bites Bang Bang
Start with Fresh, Firm Salmon
The heart of these air fryer salmon bites bang bang is good-quality salmon. I like to use skinless fillets—Atlantic or wild-caught both work well. Choose fillets with vibrant color and a clean, fresh smell. Cube the salmon into even, bite-sized pieces about one inch wide. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer.
Now, let’s talk seasoning. I keep it simple: garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and a tiny pinch of cayenne. Then I toss the cubes in a light cornstarch coating to get that signature crisp. The cornstarch helps form a golden crust without overpowering the flavor of the salmon itself.
For a lighter prep, you can also try seasoning without any coating—just know you’ll lose some of that crunch. If you’re in the mood for another air-fried favorite, try these Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer — they’re just as crispy and easy.
The Creamy Bang Bang Sauce You’ll Want on Everything
The magic of this dish lies in the sauce. To make authentic bang bang sauce, I use:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Optional: a squeeze of lime juice for brightness
Mix it up until smooth. That’s it. You’ve got a creamy, spicy, slightly sweet sauce that clings to each salmon bite and adds irresistible flavor.
Make a double batch — trust me. You’ll want to drizzle it over air fryer fries, rice bowls, and even roasted veggies. For another great sauce pairing, check out the Fish Taco Sauce Recipe, which brings big flavor to the table.
Once your salmon is cooked, toss the bites in warm sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Either way, your air fryer salmon bites bang bang are ready to impress.
Cooking & Serving Air Fryer Salmon Bites Bang Bang
Get That Perfect Air Fryer Texture Every Time
Air frying salmon isn’t just about speed — it’s about getting that irresistible golden crust without overcooking the delicate fish. For these air fryer salmon bites bang bang, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Don’t skip this step — it helps seal the surface and gives each cube that perfect sizzle as soon as it hits the basket.
Spray the basket lightly with oil and arrange the salmon bites in a single layer with a little space between them. This promotes airflow and even browning. Cook for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the outside is crisp and the inside is just flaky enough to break apart with a fork.
One tip I’ve learned: if you’re working with frozen fish or larger cubes, add 1–2 more minutes. And for those who love prepping ahead, these bites reheat beautifully. Use the reheat setting or pop them in for 2–3 minutes at 350°F.
Looking for another unique way to use your air fryer? These Air Fryer Tortilla Quiche ideas are just as clever.
Delicious Ways to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Now comes the fun part — serving. Of course, you can eat them straight from the basket (and we often do!), but I love dressing them up. Serve your air fryer salmon bites bang bang over jasmine rice with avocado and cucumber for a bowl-style meal. Or tuck them into taco shells with shredded cabbage and extra sauce. They even shine on skewers for party platters!
Pair them with something light like a Greek Pasta Salad Recipe or place them atop mixed greens for a spicy salmon salad that’s equal parts comfort and freshness.
Here’s a handy table of what you’ll need for this recipe:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh Salmon Fillets | 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp |
| Smoked Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt & Cayenne | To taste |
| Bang Bang Sauce (see above) | ~1/2 cup |
FAQs About Air Fryer Salmon Bites Bang Bang
How long does it take to air fry salmon bites?
Cooking air fryer salmon bites bang bang takes just 7–9 minutes at 400°F. If the salmon cubes are thicker or straight from the fridge, add 1–2 more minutes and shake the basket halfway through. For best results, preheat your air fryer before cooking.
How long should you cook salmon in the air fryer?
For fillets or cubes, air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. Smaller bites like in this air fryer salmon bites bang bang recipe need slightly less time but deliver the same flakey, tender inside and crispy outside. If you like easy seafood, check out my guide to Perfect Fried Catfish next.
How to cook salmon from frozen in an air fryer?
You can air fry frozen salmon too! Just rinse the fillets under cool water to remove ice glaze, pat them dry, and add seasoning. Increase cook time to 12–14 minutes at 400°F. While they won’t crisp up quite like fresh, they’re still juicy and flavorful. Pair them with something fresh like this Zucchini Lasagna Recipe.
What sauce do you put on air fried salmon?
For air fryer salmon bites bang bang, nothing beats homemade bang bang sauce — a mix of mayo, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. It’s creamy, spicy, and coats the salmon perfectly. Other good options include garlic aioli, chipotle sauce, or a lemon-dill yogurt drizzle.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to These Bang Bang Salmon Bites
From the first bite, air fryer salmon bites bang bang became a weeknight staple in my Southern kitchen. They’re fast, full of flavor, and just a little addictive. You can prep them in minutes, cook them without mess, and serve them a dozen delicious ways — bowls, tacos, salads, or straight from the basket.
This recipe brings together everything I love about cooking: tradition with a twist, flavor without fuss, and food that brings folks together. Whether you’re brand-new to air frying or looking to impress your family with something bold, give these salmon bites a try. You’ll be glad you did.
Now go on and get your air fryer humming. I’ll be right here when you’re ready for the next recipe.
If you love seafood like my Grilled Salmon in Foil Guide or the hearty Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe, then you’ll adore this twist.