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Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

  • Author: Martha
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Description

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavorful, crispy, and healthier twist on the classic Bang Bang shrimp, using tender chunks of salmon instead. The salmon is cut into bite-sized pieces, coated in a light batter or breadcrumbs, and cooked in the air fryer to achieve a crispy, golden exterior without the added oil of deep frying. After cooking, the salmon bites are tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, giving them a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. These bite-sized morsels are often served with a side of fresh veggies, rice, or in tacos, offering a delicious, quick, and healthy option for a seafood snack or meal. The crispy texture and bold flavors make them irresistibly good!

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites:

For the Salmon Bites:

  • 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
  • Pinch of salt (to taste)

Garnish:

  • Chopped green onions or parsley
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • A squeeze of lime juice (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Salmon: Salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health, brain function, and overall wellness. It’s a versatile fish that holds up well to different cooking methods, making it ideal for this dish.
  • Sriracha: Sriracha brings the signature spicy kick to the Bang Bang sauce. It’s a popular chili sauce made from chili, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt, providing a balanced heat and flavor.
  • Honey: Honey adds sweetness to the sauce and helps balance the spiciness of the sriracha. It also provides a lovely glossy finish to the salmon bites.
  • Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise gives the sauce a creamy texture, allowing it to coat the salmon pieces perfectly. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or even make it dairy-free by using vegan mayo.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites:

Prepare the Salmon Bites:

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Start by cutting the fresh salmon fillet into bite-sized pieces. Aim for roughly 1-inch chunks to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.
  2. Season the Salmon: In a bowl, toss the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the seasoning.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s nice and hot before adding the salmon.

Cook the Salmon:

  1. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket so that the pieces cook evenly. If needed, cook in batches.
  2. Air Fry the Salmon: Cook the salmon bites for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for an even crispy texture. The salmon should be golden on the outside and tender on the inside when done. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the pieces and the air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

  1. Prepare the Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, mix together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Taste and adjust the sauce by adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness, depending on your preferences.
  2. Optional Add-ins: If you like your sauce tangier, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar for an extra punch.

Coat the Salmon Bites:

  1. Toss in the Sauce: Once the salmon is cooked, transfer the pieces to a large mixing bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon and gently toss to coat each piece evenly in the creamy, spicy sauce.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Serve the Salmon Bites: Plate the sauced-up salmon bites on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
  2. Enjoy! Serve immediately while the salmon bites are crispy and hot. These are perfect on their own or with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauces.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300-350 kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Protein: 22g

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Find it online: https://quickerbites.com/air-fryer-bang-bang-salmon-bites/