Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce are a quick and tasty meal that packs a punch. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also healthy and full of flavor. The air fryer helps to keep the salmon tender inside while giving it a nice, crispy outside. Paired with the creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce, these bites make a perfect appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb center cut Atlantic salmon fillet, skin removed and diced into 1-inch chunks
- 0.5 tsp coarse sea salt
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 to 2 tsp honey (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Olive oil spray for the air fryer basket
- 1/2 cup kewpie mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 to 1 tsp hot sauce or sriracha
- 0.2 oz garlic, grated or crushed (about 1 large clove)
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1.5 tbsp ketchup
- 2 pinches coarse sea salt
- 1 bulb scallion, chopped or chive
- Toasted white and black sesame seeds or furikake
Directions
- Remove the skin from the salmon. Cut the fillet into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
- Add coarse sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, honey (if using), and olive oil to the salmon. Toss everything well to coat.
- For air frying: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the salmon in batches and cook at 350°F (177°C) for 8 minutes.
- For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and space the salmon chunks apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- To make the Bang Bang sauce, mix together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, hot sauce, grated garlic, coconut aminos, ketchup, and sea salt in a bowl.
- Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve warm, with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce
Serve these delicious salmon bites hot, as a stand-alone dish or as an appetizer. You can also pair them with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a more complete meal. The extra Bang Bang sauce is great for dipping!
How to Store Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce
If you have leftovers, store the salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The Bang Bang sauce can also be kept in a separate container. Reheat the salmon bites in the air fryer for a few minutes before enjoying them again.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce
- Make sure to dice the salmon into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- You can adjust the level of spice in the Bang Bang sauce by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste.
- For extra crispiness, you can air fry the salmon for a couple of extra minutes but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Variation
You can switch up the sauces by using a honey mustard or teriyaki sauce instead of Bang Bang sauce for a different flavor. If you want to add more crunch, consider tossing in some crushed nuts or panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cutting and seasoning.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure that the sauces you use, like ketchup and coconut aminos, are gluten-free. Substitute any ingredients that may contain gluten.
3. Can I bake these salmon bites instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Follow the baking directions provided above for a tasty oven-baked version.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Remove the skin from the salmon. Cut the fillet into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
- Add coarse sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, honey (if using), and olive oil to the salmon. Toss everything well to coat.
- For air frying: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the salmon in batches and cook at 350°F (177°C) for 8 minutes.
- For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and space the salmon chunks apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Mix together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, hot sauce, grated garlic, coconut aminos, ketchup, and sea salt in a bowl.
- Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve warm, with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side.