Description
Crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites feature tender salmon cubes coated in a crunchy seasoned panko crust, quickly air fried to golden perfection and served with a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. This easy yet impressive appetizer or snack is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a deliciously quick recipe with a punch of flavor.
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, which helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispy crust.
- Set up a dredging station – Flour: Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl for the first coating step.
- Beaten Eggs: In a second bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly to create an egg wash for binding the coating to the salmon.
- Seasoned Panko Breadcrumbs: In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to evenly season the coating.
- Coat the Salmon: Dredge each salmon cube first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes, ensuring an even cooking temperature for the bites.
- Arrange the Salmon Bites: Place the coated salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping to allow hot air to circulate freely.
- Spray with Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the top of the bites with cooking spray to help them crisp up beautifully.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping the salmon bites halfway through the cooking time, until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined, adjusting the spice level to your preference.
- Serve: Drizzle the prepared bang bang sauce over the salmon bites, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy finish and added visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure salmon cubes are evenly sized to cook uniformly.
- Adjust sriracha amount in the sauce according to your spice tolerance.
- Preheating the air fryer is important for achieving a crispy crust.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for best crispiness; cook in batches if needed.
- The honey in the sauce is optional but adds a nice balance to the heat.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free varieties.
