Name: Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites – Sweet and Spicy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489296H57M34S
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless salmon filets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons granulated garlic; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1.5 teaspoons Diamond Crystal Kosher salt (reduce to 0.75 teaspoons if using Morton’s kosher salt); 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Nonstick cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket; 1 batch of bang bang sauce (homemade or store-bought, creamy, sweet and spicy sauce)

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Introduction

These Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delightful mix of sweet and spicy flavors with a perfectly crispy exterior. Quick to prepare and bursting with taste, they make an excellent snack or a tasty addition to any meal.

This image shows a black cast iron pan filled with many pieces of grilled chicken, all golden brown with some dark char marks, covered in a shiny glaze and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. Two lemon wedges rest on the upper right edge of the pan. Surrounding the pan are small bowls, one with chopped green herbs and one with a light orange sauce, both on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, part of a white plate with plain white rice and grilled chicken pieces is visible, along with a bit of a beige cloth in the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless salmon filets
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1.5 teaspoons kosher salt (reduce by half if using Morton’s salt)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 batch bang bang sauce recipe
Nonstick cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF.
Step 2: Cut the salmon filets into 1-inch cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add olive oil, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the salmon cubes. Gently stir to coat evenly. Add half of the bang bang sauce and stir again to distribute gently.
Step 4: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer, leaving space between pieces to allow even air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Cook for 8 minutes without turning the salmon, ensuring they crisp up nicely.
Step 6: Serve the salmon bites drizzled with the remaining bang bang sauce. They pair wonderfully with rice, greens, or an Asian-style pasta salad.

Tips & Variations

Use Diamond Crystal kosher salt for the best seasoning balance; if using Morton’s, halve the salt amount to prevent oversalting.
For extra crispiness, pat the salmon cubes dry before seasoning.
If you don’t have an air fryer, baking at 425ºF on a lined sheet pan for 10-12 minutes works well.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the salmon bites before serving to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a black round bowl filled with white fluffy rice as the base layer, topped with a generous layer of glazed grilled chicken pieces that are golden brown with charred edges and shiny with sauce. The chicken pieces have a slightly sticky texture and are sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. Next to the bowl is a small round cup filled with a creamy orange-colored dipping sauce with small red specks in it. The setting sits on a white marbled surface with part of a foil fork visible on the left side and a beige napkin on the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Fresh or thawed salmon works best for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cutting and seasoning to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

What is bang bang sauce?

Bang bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It adds a flavorful kick to these salmon bites and can often be found pre-made or quickly prepared at home.