If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed appetizer that will wow your friends and family, look no further than the Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe. These succulent salmon bites deliver a perfect blend of smoky spices and a touch of heat, all beautifully balanced by a creamy, tangy, and sweet chili mayonnaise sauce. The combination is addictively good, striking the right chord between crispy, tender, and spicy, making it an irresistible dish to add to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on simple yet bold ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays its part: fresh salmon for richness, spices for warmth and depth, and a luscious sauce to tie it all together.
- 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces: The star ingredient, fresh and flaky for perfect bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and crisps the salmon beautifully in the air fryer.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory base note to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky richness that complements the salmon.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for drawing out natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild but necessary kick.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love an extra hint of heat.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce.
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Provides sweetness and a little tang, balancing the spice.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Powers up the heat and flavor—adjust to your liking.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds natural sweetness to mellow the spiciness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens up the sauce with a fresh citrus zing.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe
Step 1: Make Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish—creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy all at once. Set it aside so the flavors meld while you prepare the salmon.
Step 2: Season Salmon
In a large bowl, toss the salmon bites with olive oil until they are well-coated. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Each seasoning layer builds depth and character, complementing the natural richness of the salmon perfectly.
Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon Bites
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket—make sure not to overcrowd so they crisp evenly. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to keep the bites turning and browning beautifully. The air fryer does magic here, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Step 4: Serve with Bang Bang Sauce
Transfer your golden, crispy salmon bites to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the irresistible Bang Bang sauce. For a more interactive dining experience, serve extra sauce on the side for dipping. Get ready for compliments because these bites are sure to impress!
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the presentation by sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onions on top. A few sesame seeds add a lovely crunch and visual appeal. The bright herbs add freshness and contrast that balances the richness of the salmon and sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair these salmon bites with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice for a fulfilling meal. Light vegetable slaws with a hint of acidity work beautifully to cut through the richness. For a casual vibe, serve alongside crunchy sweet potato fries for an irresistible combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Make these bites the star of a party platter with an assortment of dipping sauces, including creamy avocado dip and tangy ponzu. Alternatively, skewer the salmon bites on cocktail sticks topped with a dollop of the Bang Bang sauce and a sprig of fresh herb for elegant finger foods. Serving them inside mini lettuce cups also creates a fun, bite-sized experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain flavorful for up to two days, though there’s a good chance they won’t last that long!
Freezing
While the salmon bites are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness, you can freeze uncooked seasoned salmon bites on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking, but avoid freezing the Bang Bang sauce as it can separate.
Reheating
To reheat, place the salmon bites in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to bring back their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. Add fresh Bang Bang sauce after reheating to keep the flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before seasoning to help the spices stick and the air fryer to crisp them up nicely.
Is it possible to make the Bang Bang sauce vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo alternative and check that the Thai sweet chili sauce is vegan-friendly, and you’re all set to enjoy a plant-based version.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe?
It has a pleasant kick that balances heat with sweetness and creaminess. You can easily adjust the sriracha and cayenne pepper amounts up or down depending on your heat tolerance.
Can I bake the salmon bites instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through, but the air fryer will give you that extra crispy edge.
What can I use if I don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce?
Try substituting with a mixture of honey, rice vinegar, and a bit of chili garlic sauce to mimic the sweet and spicy flavor profile as closely as possible.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe—it’s that perfect harmony of bold spices, fresh salmon, and luscious sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight treat or as a show-stopping appetizer, these salmon bites bring delight to every bite. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe features crispy air-fried salmon bites tossed in a flavorful and tangy homemade Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as a fun appetizer or a light meal, these tender salmon pieces are seasoned with bold spices and complemented by a creamy, spicy sauce that combines mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Ready in just under 30 minutes, this dish delivers a delightful balance of heat, sweetness, and zest.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld.
- Season Salmon: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want extra heat. Toss everything carefully to ensure the salmon is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding. Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness and thorough cooking.
- Serve: Once crispy and cooked through, transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top, and serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispy salmon bites, avoid stacking or overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha and cayenne pepper in the recipe to control the heat level to your preference.
- Make sure to use fresh salmon fillets with the skin removed for best texture and flavor.
- The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Side options like steamed rice, greens, or a fresh salad pair well with this dish.
