Bang Bang Salmon {Air Fryer} Recipe

I love experimenting in my kitchen and these Easy Dinner Salmon bites are a delightful addition. The mix of Thai sweet chili, sriracha, and fresh lime creates a balance of flavors in each crispy piece. Every bite is a reminder that innovative cooking with salmon can be both fun and satisfying.

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I’m excited to share my take on Bang Bang Salmon Air Fryer style. This recipe is all about enjoying crispy salmon bites tossed in a tangy sauce with Thai sweet chili, sriracha and lime.

I start with 1 lb salmon fillets cut into bite-size pieces (skin and bones removed) seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. I then coat them with 2 tbsp cornstarch that gives an awesome crunch when air fried.

The star of this dish is the sauce, a mix of 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1/4 cup sriracha and the juice of one lime. These flavors come together to create a spicy yet tangy bite thats perfect for any meal.

I love how easy this recipe is to whip up and its unique twist on recipes using salmon, making it perfect for dinner or a fun lunch option. Enjoy cooking and let me know what you think!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it gives me that perfect crispy finish from the air fryer and the sauce is drizzled over the salmon evenly. I love how the mix of Thai sweet chili with sriracha and lime hits that perfect balance between spicy, tangy and a little sweet. I also appreciate that its really easy to make so I can whip it up even on a busy weeknight without a lot of fuss. Another thing i like is that it feels a bit healthy with the salmon but at the same time it tastes like a treat, making every bite exciting.

Ingredients

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Salmon: It’s full of protein and healthy omega-3 fats for a nourishing bite.
Salt: Adds a bit of flavor, balancing the dish even in small amounts.
Black Pepper: Brings a mild heat that enhances the natural taste of the salmon.
Cornstarch: Gives a light, crunchy coating that keeps the fish crispy.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Offers a sweet tang paired with subtle heat for richness.
Sriracha Sauce: Delivers an extra kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
Lime Juice: Brightens the recipe with a refreshing, tangy sour burst.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb salmon fillets, cut into bite size pieces (skin and bones removed)

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp cornstarch

1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce

1/4 cup sriracha sauce

Juice of one lime (about 2 tbsp)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 F for about 5 minutes so it’s nice and hot.

2. In a bowl, mix the salmon bites with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 2 tbsp cornstarch until they’re all evenly coated.

3. Arrange the salmon pieces in your air fryer basket in a single layer; you might need to do this in a couple of batches if they dont all fit.

4. Cook the salmon in the air fryer for around 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they get crispy on all sides.

5. While the salmon is cooking, stir together 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1/4 cup sriracha, and the juice of one lime (about 2 tbsp) in a small bowl.

6. Once the salmon bites are done and crispy, transfer them to a serving dish.

7. Drizzle the tangy sauce over the salmon and toss them gently so every bite gets coated.

8. Serve immediately with your favorite side or enjoy them as an appetizer.

Enjoy your Bang Bang Salmon bites!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Small bowl for the sauce
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Tongs or spatula
6. Serving dish

FAQ

Q: Can i use these ingredients for other fish or is it only for salmon?

A: You can defnitely try it on other fish like tilapia or cod if you dont have salmon, but the flavor and texture may change a bit.

Q: Do i need to preheat the air fryer before cooking?

A: Yes, it is a good idea to preheat your air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes so your salmon cooks even.

Q: Can i make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Sure, you can mix up the sauce ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, just give it a good stir before tossin with the salmon.

Q: What’s a good side dish to serve with Bang Bang Salmon?

A: I’d pair it with a simple salad or some steamed rice; both complement the spicy and tangy flavors perfectly.

Q: How do i know when the salmon is cooked through?

A: The salmon should look opaque and flake easily with a fork after it cooks in the air fryer, usually in about 8-10 minutes.

Bang Bang Salmon {Air Fryer} Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have salmon, try using tilapia or cod fillets instead for a similar texture and taste
If you’re out of cornstarch, arrowroot powder works pretty well for thickening the sauce
If Thai sweet chili sauce is running low, you can mix up some regular sweet chili sauce with a bit of garlic and a squeeze of honey
Don’t worry if sriracha isn’t available, a couple dashes of your favorite hot sauce like Texas Pete or even some chili garlic sauce can do the trick
For a bit of variety, if lime juice isn’t at hand, lemon juice can be used though it will give a slightly different tang

Pro Tips

1. Always make sure your air fryer is fully heated before putting in the salmon cuz if it’s not hot enough, your pieces might get soggy instead of nice and crispy.
2. Dont overcrowd the basket even if you have to cook in batches. Keeping the salmon in a single layer helps them crisp up better instead of steamin the fish.
3. Give the basket a good shake halfway through the cook time; it might seem like a hassle but trust me, it really makes a difference in how evenly they get cooked.
4. Before drizzling the sauce on, taste it to see if it needs more lime or maybe a bit of extra chilli. Adjusting the flavor to your taste can make the dish even better.