Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the salmon. Remove skin if needed and cut salmon into bite-size cubes.
- Dry the salmon. Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels so they crisp better.
- Season the bites. Toss salmon with oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne.
- Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, honey, and salt until smooth.
- Air fryer method: Air fry salmon at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
- Skillet method: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon bites for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Oven method: Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once if desired.
- Check doneness. Salmon should be cooked through, tender, and flaky. For food safety, cook salmon to 145°F.
- Sauce the salmon. Drizzle bang bang sauce over the crispy salmon or gently toss the bites in a bowl.
- Garnish and serve. Top with sesame seeds, green onions, lime juice, and extra sauce.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest texture, drizzle the sauce on top instead of fully tossing all the salmon. This keeps the edges crisp longer.
Pro Tip: Do not overcrowd the air fryer or skillet. Cook in batches if needed so the salmon browns instead of steaming.
Healthy Tips & Daily Wellness
These crispy bang bang salmon bites are rich, flavorful, and protein-packed. You can keep the meal balanced by serving them with fresh vegetables, rice, herbs, and a lighter amount of sauce.
For a lighter sauce, use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt. You still get creamy texture, but the sauce feels fresher and a little tangier.
For a balanced bowl, serve salmon bites with rice, cucumber, shredded cabbage, avocado, carrots, edamame, green onions, sesame seeds, and lime.
For a low-carb meal, serve the salmon bites in lettuce cups or over cabbage slaw with cucumber, avocado, herbs, and a drizzle of bang bang sauce.
