Bite-sized, crispy, spicy, and a little sweet—these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are my go-to whenever I want a fuss-free, flavor-packed dish that feels special but comes together fast. Whether it’s a weeknight craving or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these nuggets of salmon goodness never disappoint. What makes them especially great is how they deliver restaurant-style flavor without deep frying—thanks to the air fryer.

I’ve always loved bang bang shrimp, but adapting that bold, creamy, chili-laced sauce to salmon felt like a lightbulb moment. The salmon turns out juicy on the inside with a golden, crunchy coating that practically begs to be dipped. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why these salmon bites are now a regular in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

These salmon bites check all the boxes: crispy texture, bold flavor, and guilt-free cooking. The air fryer makes it healthier without sacrificing crunch, while the creamy bang bang sauce adds a signature zing that keeps you coming back for more. It’s fast, easy, and endlessly satisfying—whether you serve them as dinner, a snack, or a game day star.

What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor in these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites, I always recommend using skinless salmon fillets—preferably fresh, not previously frozen. Atlantic salmon or sockeye both work well. The key is to cut the salmon into uniform bite-sized chunks so they cook evenly and develop a nice crust in the air fryer. If you only have frozen salmon on hand, make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry to reduce excess moisture before coating.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re dealing with dietary needs or just want to switch things up, there are a few easy swaps you can make:

Protein: Swap salmon for shrimp, cod, or even tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for a gluten-free alternative.
Egg: If you’re avoiding eggs, a simple mixture of cornstarch and water can help the coating stick.
Sauce: Try a honey sriracha or spicy mayo if you don’t have the traditional bang bang sauce ingredients.
Greek Yogurt: Replace mayonnaise in the sauce with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist.

These substitutions let you tailor the dish to your taste or pantry without losing the essence of what makes these bites so irresistible.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role in creating flavor, texture, and that signature bang bang kick. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Salmon Fillets: The star of the show—tender, protein-rich, and perfect for absorbing the sauce’s bold flavors.
Egg: Acts as a binder to help the breadcrumbs stick to the salmon, ensuring a crisp coating.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Gives the salmon bites a light, crunchy texture when air-fried.
Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory depth to the breading.
Paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and color to the coating.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the flavor of the salmon and the crust.
Olive Oil Spray: Lightly coats the bites to promote golden browning in the air fryer without deep frying.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Delivers sweetness and heat in the sauce, balancing the richness of the mayo.
Sriracha: Adds a spicy edge to the sauce for that signature bang bang kick.
Lime Juice (optional): A splash brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness.

Each element combines to create crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside bites with a sweet-spicy punch in every dip.

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then cut them into even bite-sized cubes—roughly 1 to 1½ inches each. This ensures uniform cooking and crispy edges all around.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, whisk an egg until smooth. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoned mix will create the crispy coating.

Step 3: Bread the Salmon Bites

Dip each salmon piece into the egg, letting the excess drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press to make sure the coating sticks well. Place each coated bite on a plate or tray while you finish the batch.

Step 4: Preheat and Arrange in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Once hot, lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray and arrange the salmon bites in a single layer—no overlapping. Work in batches if needed.

Step 5: Air Fry Until Crispy

Cook the salmon bites for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is golden and the salmon is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if unsure—internal temp should reach 145°F (63°C).

Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon cooks, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and optional lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the spice to your preference.

Step 7: Serve and Drizzle

Once the salmon bites are done, either toss them in the sauce for a bold finish or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

How Long to Cook Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Cooking these salmon bites in the air fryer is quick and easy. Here’s the timing breakdown:

Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Cook Time: 7 to 9 minutes
Flip: Halfway through cooking (around the 4-minute mark)

You’ll know they’re ready when the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the salmon flakes easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) confirms they’re cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon tender and juicy inside.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Here are some tips to help your salmon bites turn out restaurant-quality every time:

Dry the Salmon Well: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat your salmon dry before breading.
Cut Evenly: Uniform bite-size pieces cook more evenly and crisp better.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Give each bite some space in the air fryer. Overlapping leads to uneven cooking.
Use Panko, Not Regular Breadcrumbs: Panko delivers a superior crunch and lightness.
Spray Generously but Lightly: A fine mist of olive oil spray is enough to give you that golden, fried-like finish.
Customize the Sauce: Adjust sriracha and lime to your spice and tang preferences for a perfectly balanced bang bang sauce.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Starting with a hot air fryer helps crisp the coating from the get-go.
Serve Immediately: These bites are best enjoyed hot and fresh to preserve their crunch.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites is pretty straightforward, but a few common slip-ups can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch for:

Skipping the Preheat: Starting with a cold air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy coating.
Overcrowding the Basket: This traps steam and prevents that golden crunch—cook in batches if necessary.
Using Wet Salmon: Failing to dry the salmon before breading results in a mushy texture and poor coating adhesion.
Not Pressing the Coating Firmly: Lightly pressing the breadcrumbs onto each piece helps the crust stick better and crisp up beautifully.
Overcooking: Even a few extra minutes can dry out the salmon. Keep a close eye and use a thermometer if needed.
Under-seasoning: Don’t forget to season both the salmon and the breadcrumb mixture for full flavor.
Inconsistent Cutting: Uneven sizes mean some bites will be overcooked while others are underdone.
Letting It Sit Too Long: These bites are best served hot and crispy—don’t let them sit out too long before serving.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

Pair these bold, spicy bites with sides that complement their flavor and add variety to your plate.

Asian Slaw

A crunchy cabbage-based slaw with a sesame dressing adds freshness and texture.

Coconut Rice

Slightly sweet and creamy rice balances the heat of the bang bang sauce perfectly.

Pickled Cucumbers

Quick pickles add a refreshing tangy crunch that cuts through the richness.

Steamed Dumplings

Serve alongside to create a delicious Asian-inspired appetizer platter.

Sweet Potato Fries

Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the spice of the salmon.

Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Lightly garlicky and tender, it brings a healthy green balance to the plate.

Noodle Salad

Chilled rice noodles tossed with veggies and a light vinaigrette make a complete, cooling contrast.

Mini Bao Buns

Use the salmon bites as a filling for soft bao buns—drizzle with sauce and add pickled veggies.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare in my house!), storing your Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites properly will keep them tasting great the next day.

Refrigerator: Place cooled salmon bites in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy.
Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them. Flash freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes.

Note: Store the bang bang sauce separately in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving again.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming about 4 servings total and not accounting for exact variations in sauce portions or specific brands):

Calories: ~340
Protein: 26g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: ~580mg

These values are estimates and can vary based on portion size and ingredient brands used. If you’re following a strict diet, I recommend using a nutrition calculator with your exact inputs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of salmon is best for air frying?

Fresh, skinless fillets like Atlantic or sockeye salmon work best. Make sure it’s firm and not too oily for better texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes! Bake the salmon bites at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a wire rack for better air circulation and crispiness.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

It’s mildly spicy with a sweet edge. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha based on your preference.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before breading and cooking. Excess moisture will affect crispiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but it can be! Use gluten-free panko and ensure your sauces are certified gluten-free.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and cut the salmon in advance. However, for the crispiest texture, bread and air fry the salmon right before serving.

What if I don’t like mayonnaise?

Swap the mayo in the sauce with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo alternatives. You’ll get similar creaminess with a different flavor profile.

Can I make the bites smaller for appetizers?

Absolutely! Just cut the salmon into smaller cubes and reduce cooking time slightly. They’re perfect for skewering with toothpicks and serving at parties.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the kind of dish that hits every note: crunchy, tender, spicy, and sweet—all with a healthier twist. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining. Once you taste that crisp salmon with the creamy bang bang drizzle, you’ll be hooked. Whether you’re looking for a fresh dinner idea, an easy party snack, or something bold and delicious, this recipe delivers every time.