Bang Bang Air Fryer Salmon Bites

25 minutes
Crispy salmon bites with a spicy-sweet kick are made lighter and healthier with the help of the air fryer. These flavorful bites offer a satisfying crunch without sacrificing taste or texture. Paired with our zesty bang bang sauce, they’re perfect as an appetizer or a protein-packed main when served with rice and vegetables.

Ingredients Featured in Our Bang Bang Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Close-up of crispy air fryer salmon bites with bang bang sauce
Crispy air fryer salmon bites drizzled with tangy bang bang sauce, offering a spicy, flavorful bite.

Recipe Overview

Bang Bang Air Fryer Salmon Bites reimagine the classic seafood appetizer, combining the rich flavor of fresh salmon with a bold, homemade bang bang sauce. The air fryer gives the bites a crispy exterior while keeping the salmon tender inside.

The air fryer technique is key. It creates a delicate crust that seals in moisture and enhances the fish’s natural richness. Paired with our bang bang sauce, which balances heat and sweetness, these bites are perfect as an appetizer or served with rice and broccoli for a nourishing meal.

About Our
Bang Bang Air Fryer Salmon Bites

These salmon bites are more than just a flavorful recipe. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. The air fryer method reduces the need for added fats, making this a lighter yet satisfying dish. It’s an elegant option for those looking to balance indulgence with mindful eating.

Air fryer salmon bites arranged on a plate with bang bang sauce
A plate of air fryer salmon bites ready to serve with a side of spicy bang bang sauce.

Cycle hacking with jihi

The Bang Bang Air Fryer Salmon Bites are an ideal Cycle Hack™ for the follicular and ovulating phases of the menstrual cycle. During these phases, your body needs nutrient-dense foods that support hormonal balance, energy production, and brain health.

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and support for cognitive function. Combined with the healthy fats in olive oil and the spices that enhance metabolism, this recipe helps nourish your body and provide sustained energy, making it perfect for these active phases of the cycle.

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What You'll Need

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A heart-healthy fat packed with antioxidants, olive oil aids hormone production. Avocado oil can also be used in place of extra virgin olive oil.

Greek Yogurt

A lighter alternative to mayonnaise, Greek yogurt adds creaminess while packing in protein. If using yogurt, add 1 to 2 additional teaspoons of honey to balance the tanginess in the sauce.

Green Onion

Green onions provide a mild onion taste and can aid in nutrient absorption. It is optional and used for garnish.

Honey

A natural sweetener rich in antioxidants, honey supports immune function. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives.

Salmon

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon supports brain health and reduces inflammation. It provides high-quality protein for hormone balance and skin health. Be sure to remove the skin and check for any pin bones in the filets.

Spices

You will need a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper is optional depending on how much heat you like.

Sriracha

Made from chili peppers, sriracha contains capsaicin which may aid circulation and stimulate metabolism.

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

This sauce combines sweet and spicy flavors, potentially boosting metabolism. You can find it easily in the Asian food aisle of your local grocery store.

Overhead shot of ingredients for bang bang salmon bites including salmon, seasoning, and sauce ingredients
An overhead view of the fresh ingredients needed to make bang bang air fryer salmon bites.

How to Make
Bang Bang Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Step-by-step process of preparing bang bang salmon bites in the air fryer
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to make crispy bang bang salmon bites in the air fryer.

Prepare Ingredients

Prepare the salmon by removing the skin and cutting the flesh into 1-inch bites.
Measure out all of the ingredients as listed in the ingredients list.
Preheat the air fryer to 390˚F.

Season the Salmon

Add olive oil for the salmon with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to a large bowl. Toss the salmon bites in the spice mixture. Set aside.

Make Sauce

Whisk together the ingredients for the bang bang sauce until combined. Add half of the sauce to the bowl with the salmon, tossing to coat.
Reserve the remaining sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Air Fry Salmon

Add salmon bites in a single layer to your air fryer basket. Note that you may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the salmon bites for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip, then cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.

Serve

Transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle with remaining sauce. Garnish with sliced green onion and serve as desired.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the sauce?

Yes, you can also use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you do use yogurt, make sure to add an additional 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey to counter the tang of the Greek yogurt.

How long should I air fry salmon bites?

Salmon bites should be air fried for 8 to 10 minutes in total. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140˚F to 145˚F.

How do I cook salmon bites in an air fryer?

To cook salmon bites in an air fryer, season the salmon, place the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook at 390˚F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Make sure to air fry until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140˚F to 145˚F.

How should I serve these salmon bites?

You can serve these crispy salmon bites as an appetizer on their own, or as a meal paired with rice and steamed vegetables.

How do I make salmon bites?

To make salmon bites, cut fresh salmon into 1-inch pieces, season them with spices and olive oil, and toss with your sauce of choice. Air fry or cook them using your preferred method, then serve with your favorite sides.

Still hungry?

Bang Bang Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a smart choice for supporting your body’s needs while also being rich and bold in flavor. The salmon provides high-quality protein and omega-3s, crucial for brain health and mood regulation. This preparation method offers a lighter alternative to traditional frying, supporting your wellness goals without sacrificing flavor.

If you are interested in more salmon recipes, see below for some of our favorites:

Miso glazed salmon mushroom risotto harnesses the hormone-healing properties of salmon paired with grounding mushrooms for an umami-packed dinner.

Enjoy salmon for breakfast with our smoked salmon breakfast benedict, a combination of homemade latkes, smoked salmon, and a homemade hollandaise sauce.

Honey glazed sriracha salmon is a weekday meal that is both flavorful and healthy. You’ll love the spicy kick of the Sriracha glaze.

Healthy Salmon Risotto with Miso Glaze
This healthy salmon risotto with miso glaze is a great recipe for women's health, featuring arborio rice and mushrooms.
Crispy Bang Bang air fryer salmon bites on a plate

Bang Bang Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Crispy salmon bites with a spicy-sweet kick are made lighter and healthier with the help of the air fryer. These flavorful bites offer a satisfying crunch without sacrificing taste or texture. Paired with our zesty bang bang sauce, they're perfect as an appetizer or a protein-packed main when served with rice and vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine American, Thai
Servings 4
Calories 422 kcal

Ingredients
  

Salmon

  • 1 1/2 lbs salmon filets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt plain
  • 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha or more to taste
  • 1 1/2 tbsp honey

Garnish

  • green onion sliced

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the salmon by removing the skin and cutting the flesh into 1-inch bites.
    1 1/2 lbs salmon filets
  • Preheat the air fryer to 390˚F.
  • In a large bowl, add olive oil for the salmon with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using. Add salmon bites to the bowl and toss to coat.
    2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • In a separate small bowl, add Greek yogurt, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk to combine.
    1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 1/2 tbsp honey
  • Add half of the bang bang sauce to the bowl with the salmon bites. Toss to coat. Reserve the remaining sauce.
  • Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches to cook all of the bites. Add the salmon bites in an even layer in the basket of your air fryer. Air fry for 4 to 5 minutes, flip and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140˚F to 145˚F.
  • Transfer salmon to a serving plate and drizzle with remaining bang bang sauce.
  • Garnish with green onion and serve with rice, vegetables, etc.
    green onion

Notes

You can also use an avocado oil based mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt. If you do, use only 1 Tbsp honey in the sauce recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 422kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 39gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 1074mgPotassium: 940mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 375IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 2mg
Note: Nutrition facts are only estimates and actual amounts may vary.
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