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Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites - Crispy & FlavorfulAir Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites - Crispy & Flavorful

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites – Crispy & Flavorful


Description

Welcome, food enthusiasts! Are you craving a delightful, savory dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites. This dish combines the rich taste of salmon with the bold, tangy flavors of homemade Bang Bang sauce, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. These tender salmon bites are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and drizzled with more bang bang sauce for that extra kick. Whether you’re a fan of salmon or just looking for a fresh, new recipe, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a must-try!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

  • 1 ½ pounds of salmon (about 4 filets), skins removed and cut into 1-inch bites
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more to taste, depending on your spice preference)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Chives for garnish

Optional substitutions: You can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option or adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha. If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium soy sauce instead of kosher salt. These adjustments allow the dish to cater to different dietary needs.


Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. Preheating ensures that the salmon bites cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon bites and gently toss them to ensure they are well-coated with the seasoning. This step enhances the flavor of the salmon and provides a subtle base before adding the bang bang sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix the ingredients until smooth and creamy. The balance between the sweetness of the honey and the spiciness of the Sriracha creates a perfect bang bang sauce.

Step 4: Coat the Salmon with Sauce

Pour half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce into a separate bowl and set it aside for later. Then, toss the seasoned salmon bites in the remaining sauce until they are fully coated. Make sure each piece of salmon gets an even layer of sauce for the best flavor.

Step 5: Air Fry the Salmon

Working in batches, place the salmon bites in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent proper cooking. Air fry the salmon for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the opposite side. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F, ensuring it’s both tender and juicy inside.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce for an extra layer of flavor, and garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking the salmon in small batches allows the air to circulate properly, resulting in evenly crispy bites.
  • Use fresh salmon. Freshly caught or purchased salmon will offer a much better texture and taste compared to frozen alternatives.
  • Adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more Sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the salmon before it softens.