If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to prepare, and irresistibly crispy, then you’re going to fall in love with this Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic and Spicy Mayonnaise Recipe. These salmon bites are perfectly tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, beautifully infused with zesty lemon garlic, and generously coated in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that hits just the right balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re a salmon lover or someone looking to shake up the dinner routine, this recipe promises a delicious meal that feels fancy without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so fantastic is how simple yet thoughtfully selected the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, giving the dish its characteristic brightness, spice, and richness. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start.
- Salmon (1 ½ pounds, skinless and 1 inch thick): Fresh, firm salmon makes for tender bites that hold up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds an earthy depth to the salmon seasoning, balancing the fresh garlic in the marinade.
- Lemon pepper (1 teaspoon): Brings a vibrant, citrusy pepper flavor; Lawry’s is our trusted choice for consistency.
- Salt & pepper (½ teaspoon): Simple but essential for seasoning to enhance the salmon’s natural taste.
- Fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a bold punch of flavor, infusing the marinade with a fragrant garlicky zing.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the seasonings cling to the salmon and promotes a crispy air-fried finish.
- Cayenne pepper (optional, pinch or more): Adds a kick if you like a little extra heat in your bites.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce; Greek yogurt can be swapped in for a lighter twist.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides the signature sweet-heat balance essential to Bang Bang sauce.
- Sriracha or hot sauce (1-2 tablespoons): Perfect for adjusting the spiciness level to your taste.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Adds a bright, tangy kick that lifts both the salmon and the sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic and Spicy Mayonnaise Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Begin by cutting your skinless salmon into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches. These bites are perfect for quick cooking and snacking. Once cut, toss them gently with olive oil, minced fresh garlic, garlic powder, lemon pepper, salt, pepper, and if you like, a pinch of cayenne for heat. The marinade is simple yet impactful, making every bite flavorful even before adding the signature sauce.
Step 2: Air Fry the Salmon Bites
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the salmon bites in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Air fry for about 8 minutes. In this short time, the salmon develops a golden crust on the outside while staying moist and flaky inside. The air fryer truly elevates the texture in a way conventional baking can’t match.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon cooks, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (adjust the amount to your preferred spice level), and fresh lemon juice in a bowl. This sauce is luscious and creamy with the perfect zing and heat combo that makes this recipe unforgettable. Don’t worry if you’re new to mixing sauces — just taste and tweak as you go!
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Once the salmon bites are cooked, immediately toss them in the Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each piece is coated generously. The residual heat helps the sauce meld beautifully into the bites, providing a glossy, irresistible finish. Now you’re ready to dig in or get creative with your presentation!
How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic and Spicy Mayonnaise Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can make this dish truly pop. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro adds a fresh herbal brightness. A few lemon wedges on the side encourage everyone to add an extra squeeze of sunshine. For some extra texture, toasted sesame seeds scattered on top are a great finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These salmon bites shine as the star of the plate but love company. Serve alongside a crisp Asian slaw for some crunch and acidity or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up every drop of the Bang Bang sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas complement the flavors while keeping the meal light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Skewer the salmon bites with fresh veggies for a fun and easy appetizer or lay them over a bed of mixed greens for an elevated salad. For dinner parties, serve the bites in small bowls with a dollop of sauce and a crisp cracker on the side for dipping. The Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic and Spicy Mayonnaise Recipe is versatile enough to shine in casual meals or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The salmon will still be delicious but best enjoyed cold or gently reheated to preserve its tender flakiness.
Freezing
While air-fried salmon bites are best fresh, you can freeze cooked bites by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, they keep for up to a month but note the texture may change slightly once thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, use the air fryer at a lower temperature (around 350°F) for 3–4 minutes to regain crispiness without drying out the salmon. Avoid microwaving to keep that perfect texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?
Yes, but skinless salmon is recommended because it crisps up evenly in the air fryer and is easier to eat as bite-sized pieces.
Is it possible to make the Bang Bang sauce dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free mayo alternative or a creamy avocado base and adjust the seasoning for a dairy-free version that’s just as flavorful.
Can I bake these salmon bites instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes, but the air fryer ensures crispier bites with less cooking time, which is why it’s our top pick.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat level?
The spice level is easily adjustable by varying the amount of sriracha and cayenne pepper. Start with less and add more to suit your palette without overwhelming the other flavors.
What other fish could I use if I don’t have salmon?
Firm, skinless fish like cod, tilapia, or even shrimp in similar-sized pieces work well with this recipe and absorb the lemon garlic and Bang Bang sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic and Spicy Mayonnaise Recipe enough for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special bite for guests, it combines the best of ease and elegance with flavors that excite every time. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to salmon dishes.
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Lemon Garlic and Spicy Mayonnaise Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender, flavorful chunks of salmon tossed in a lemony garlic mixture, air-fried to perfection in just 8 minutes, and finished with a creamy, zesty Bang Bang Sauce. This easy and quick recipe makes a delicious salmon dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds skinless salmon (1 inch thick)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper (Lawry’s brand recommended)
- ½ teaspoon salt & pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: A pinch or more of cayenne pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt or a combination of both)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha or other hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Bite Marinade: In a bowl, combine the garlic powder, lemon pepper, salt, pepper, minced garlic, olive oil, and optional cayenne pepper. Toss the salmon chunks in this lemony garlic mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure the salmon bites cook evenly and get a nice crisp exterior.
- Air Fry the Salmon Bites: Place the marinated salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The salmon should be tender and slightly crispy on the edges when done.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon cooks, in a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sweet chili sauce, sriracha or other hot sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Adjust the heat with sriracha according to your taste preference.
- Serve: Once the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate and drizzle generously with the Bang Bang Sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to make the sauce lighter and healthier.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Salmon bites are best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these salmon bites can be baked in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, but air frying provides superior texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
