These quick and easy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce are a family favorite. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re crispy and golden on the outside, tender and flaky inside, and packed with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or an appetizer.
I fell in love with my air fryer quickly, and while I’ve tried many recipes, these salmon bites might be my favorite. They develop a golden brown crust while staying moist inside. The bang bang sauce finishes them perfectly.
Why You Will Love These Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Quick and easy to prepare.
- A savory marinade combined with a sweet-spicy bang bang sauce for a unique flavor.
- Great for weekly meal prep or packed lunches.
- Perfect as the protein in a salmon bowl with your favorite toppings.
- Works as an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredient Notes
See the recipe card below for exact measurements. Key ingredient notes:
- Salmon: Use center-cut fillets for the thickest pieces. Skinless fillets make preparation easier—ask the fish counter to remove the skin if needed.
- Oil: Olive oil works well and is commonly available; toasted sesame oil adds extra depth if you prefer.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is recommended; garlic powder can be used in a pinch (about 1/2–1 tsp).
Recipe Variations
- Add minced fresh ginger to the marinade for extra brightness.
- Increase sriracha or add cayenne for more heat.
- Turn these into salmon bowls with toppings like avocado, pickled onions, shaved carrots, cabbage, sesame seeds, edamame, jalapeño, cucumbers, lime, and rice.
- Swap honey for maple syrup or agave, or use a bit of brown sugar as the sweetener.
- Add lime or orange zest to the bang bang sauce for a citrus boost.
How To Make This Recipe
Step 1: Whisk together the salmon marinade ingredients in a small bowl.
Step 2: Cut salmon into roughly 1-inch cubes, keeping pieces uniform so they cook evenly. Toss with the marinade to coat and marinate for up to 30 minutes. Do not exceed 30 minutes—acidic lemon juice can change the texture if left too long.
Step 3: Arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary. (Preheating is optional.)
Step 4: Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 7–10 minutes. Turning or shaking halfway is optional. Salmon is done when the exterior is brown and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 145°F or your preferred doneness.
Step 5: While the salmon cooks, whisk the bang bang sauce ingredients together and adjust the spice level to taste.
Step 6: Let the salmon rest 3–5 minutes after cooking, then serve with a generous drizzle of bang bang sauce. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Cut salmon into uniform pieces. Evenly sized pieces cook at the same rate. Remove smaller pieces early if needed.
Preheating is optional. Not preheating makes it easier to place every piece into the basket without overcooking those added first.
Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes. Acidic marinades can break down salmon’s texture if left too long.
Watch the cook time closely. Air fryers vary; stay nearby and adjust time based on your appliance and piece size.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Bang bang sauce keeps for about a week. Reheat briefly in the air fryer for best texture.
To freeze, cool completely, wrap in foil, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze up to 3 months.
Common Questions
Yes. Bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, or pan-sear over medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes per side.
That white substance is albumin, a protein that solidifies as the salmon cooks. It’s harmless and tasteless; you can remove it if you prefer.
Other Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
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Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
For the salmon
- 1 ½–2 lb center cut salmon filets, skin removed and cut into approx. 1-inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
For the bang bang sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
- ½–1 Tbsp sriracha, to taste
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Cut salmon into approximately 1-inch cubes and add to a medium bowl.
- Combine all salmon marinade ingredients and whisk.
- Toss salmon with the marinade to coat. Marinate up to 30 minutes; do not exceed 30 minutes.
- Place salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 400°F for 7–10 minutes, turning halfway if desired, until exterior is brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Whisk bang bang sauce ingredients while salmon cooks and adjust spice as desired.
- Let salmon rest 3–5 minutes, then serve with sauce.
Notes
Tip: Keep salmon pieces uniform for even cooking. Adjust air fryer time to your appliance and piece size.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 39 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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