Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, flavorful salmon cubes coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and air fried to perfection. Tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey, these bites make a quick and delicious appetizer or snack that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Bites
- 1 lb (450 g) salmon fillet, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Bites: Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring the coating sticks better.
- Set up a dredging station: Arrange three bowls: Bowl 1 with flour; Bowl 2 with beaten eggs; Bowl 3 with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Salmon: Dredge each salmon cube first in the flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes to get it ready for cooking.
- Air Fry the Salmon Bites: Place the coated salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook: Air fry for 7-10 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the cooked salmon bites or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your spice tolerance.
- Ensure the salmon cubes are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Using cooking spray helps achieve a crispy texture without frying in oil.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayo to make the sauce dairy-free.
- The honey in the sauce is optional but adds a nice balance to the heat and sweetness.
- Make sure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
