This recipe for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites has become one of my quickest, most reliable weeknight wins. I first put it together on a busy week when I wanted something restaurant-style but without the fuss — tender salmon cubes coated in a bold, creamy sweet-chili sauce and finished with a bright sprinkle of chives. The contrast of a slightly crisp exterior and a silky interior is what makes these bites addictive, plus the homemade bang bang sauce is perfectly balanced with sweet chili, honey, and a touch of sriracha heat. I loved how fast it came together and how excited everyone was to grab bite-sized pieces straight from the platter.

I discovered this combination when I had a jar of Thai sweet chili sauce in the pantry and wanted to pair it with a simple homemade mayo-based sauce. The first time I served it, friends compared it to their favorite takeout and asked for the recipe. Since then I've tweaked the seasoning, cooking time, and portion sizes so the fish always finishes at a juicy 140–145°F internal temperature. These bites are ideal for casual dinners, appetizer spreads, or batch-cooking for meal prep—especially when you want a salmon-forward dish without long hands-on time.

Ingredients

• Salmon: 1 1/2 pounds salmon (about 4 filets), skin removed and cut into 1-inch bites. Look for wild-caught or sashimi-grade where possible for the best texture; if using farmed, choose a firm, bright fillet. Removing skin makes the bites easier to toss and eat for guests.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil to help seasonings adhere and promote a light exterior crisp in the air fryer. You can swap avocado oil for higher smoke point if you plan to push temps higher.
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper—simple spices that enhance salmon’s natural flavor without overpowering the sauce.
• Bang bang sauce: 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 2 teaspoons sriracha (or more to taste), and 2 tablespoons honey. Use a thick, high-quality mayo (olive oil mayo or full-fat jar mayo) for a silky texture. Thai sweet chili sauce brands like Mae Ploy or other trusted labels work well; check ingredient labels if you need gluten-free.
• Garnish: Fresh chives, thinly sliced, add color and a light onion note—scallions work too if you prefer a sharper finish.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. While it warms, pat the salmon dry with paper towels—dry fish browns better and helps the seasoning stick. Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly; uneven pieces will overcook at edges or remain underdone in the center. Season the fish: In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss the salmon cubes gently to coat, taking care not to break the flesh. Let the seasoned bites rest 5 minutes while you make the sauce—this brief rest helps flavors meld. Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste), and 2 tablespoons honey until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness—this is your primary flavor agent, so balance to your preference. Reserve half the sauce in a small bowl for drizzling after cooking. Coat and air fry: Toss the seasoned salmon bites in the remaining sauce so they’re lightly coated. Working in a single layer and in batches, place the bites in the air fryer basket without overcrowding; leave space for hot air circulation. Air fry at 390°F for 4–5 minutes, flip carefully, then cook another 4–5 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 140–145°F for tender, slightly translucent center—use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. Finish and serve: Transfer cooked bites to a serving plate and immediately drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped chives and serve hot. For oven cooking, follow the notes below to maintain texture and timing.

Storage Tips

Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the reserved bang bang sauce separate if possible; this prevents sogginess and preserves the sauce’s bright flavor. For freezing, flash-freeze single-layer salmon bites on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a labeled freezer bag for up to 1 month—note that texture may change after freezing. Reheat from chilled in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, or in a preheated 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes. Reapply fresh sauce after reheating to restore creaminess and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce, mix 1/2 cup ketchup with 2 tablespoons rice vinegar and 2 tablespoons honey to mimic the sweet-tangy backbone; add a pinch of chili flakes for heat. Swap sriracha for gochujang or a teaspoon of hot sauce if you prefer different spice profiles. Use Greek yogurt or a light mayo if you want a tangier, lower-fat sauce—note texture will be thinner. For those avoiding eggs, use a vegan mayonnaise and confirm the chili sauce is vegan-friendly. For higher smoke-point cooking, use avocado or grapeseed oil in place of olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bites over steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a balanced plate. For party service, arrange on a platter with toothpicks and a small bowl of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with crunchy pickled cucumbers or a quick slaw to cut through the richness. Garnish with sesame seeds or thinly sliced scallions if you want an Asian-inspired finish. These also make a great protein for grain bowls with edamame, shredded carrot, and sliced avocado.

Cultural Background

The term "bang bang" in modern food contexts generally refers to a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce popularized in casual American-Chinese and fusion dishes. It draws inspiration from Southeast Asian flavor elements such as Thai sweet chili sauce and chili pastes, blended here with Western mayonnaise to create a rich, mellow counterpoint to heat. While not traditional to a single cuisine, this combination plays on global pantry staples and demonstrates how simple cross-cultural swaps create memorably bold flavors.

Seasonal Adaptations

In warmer months, lighten the sauce by substituting half the mayo with plain yogurt and adding fresh lime juice for brightness; serve the bites chilled over a summer slaw. In cooler months, boost the honey to 3 tablespoons and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasoning to bring deeper, warming notes. For holiday gatherings, swap chives for finely chopped dill and serve atop roasted root vegetables to create a heartier main.

Meal Prep Tips

For meal-prep portions, cube and season salmon ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Mix the sauce and store separately in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, air fry batches fresh for best texture, then divide into meal containers with rice and steamed vegetables. Keep sauce in small mason jars on the side to prevent the salmon from becoming soggy; this keeps meals fresh and versatile throughout the week.

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a great blend of speed, flavor, and ease—perfect for cooks who want high-impact results with minimal effort. Try them this week and tweak the heat and sweetness until they feel like yours.