Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a mouthwatering, crispy, and tender dish that is sure to impress your taste buds! Perfectly cooked pieces of salmon are tossed in a vibrant, sweet ‘n’ spicy sauce that combines a kick of heat with a creamy finish. This dish works wonderfully as a delightful appetizer or a main course for dinner. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to something special, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites offer bold flavors and satisfying texture in every bite.
The crispy, golden salmon bites are lightly coated with a seasoned mix, then air-fried or baked to perfection. Each piece is then tossed in a delicious homemade Bang Bang sauce, made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. This sauce brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, which enhances the flavor of the salmon while adding an irresistible creamy texture. It’s a flavorful treat you won’t be able to resist!
These salmon bites are a healthy yet indulgent dish that’s also easy to prepare. Whether you choose the air fryer method for a quick, crisp result, or bake them in the oven for a more traditional approach, you’ll be treated to salmon that is both flavorful and tender. Don’t forget to serve with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping – it’s the perfect accompaniment to this delicious bite-sized seafood sensation.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or a pinch of chili flakes, optional)
- 1 1⁄2 pounds salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1⁄2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Bites: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth. Add the salmon cubes to the bowl and gently toss them to coat evenly in the seasoning. Set aside.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level by adding more Sriracha if desired.
- Coat the Salmon: Scoop about half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce into the bowl with the seasoned salmon. Gently stir until the salmon pieces are evenly coated. Set the remaining sauce aside for dipping.
- Cooking Methods:
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 390–400°F (200°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140–145°F and is golden and crispy.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the salmon cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 140–145°F.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer or oven. Serve immediately with the reserved Bang Bang sauce for dipping and enjoy this flavorful treat!
This recipe for Bang Bang Salmon Bites is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite and a deliciously spicy kick. Perfect for any occasion, these bites are both easy to make and incredibly flavorful!
