Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These Bang Bang Salmon Bites have become my absolute favorite dish to serve at home. The salmon turns out incredibly juicy inside with this beautiful caramelized exterior that makes everyone ask for seconds. I love serving them as appetizers when friends come over or adding them to my salads for lunch. The best part? They're ready in under 30 minutes and that creamy bang bang sauce just brings everything together perfectly. Trust me the crispy edges are absolutely addictive.

A No-Fuss Family Favorite

Every time I make this recipe I'm amazed at how something so simple can taste this good. The salmon bites come out tender and flaky with these gorgeous crispy edges that everyone loves. I originally created this recipe when I needed quick dinner ideas and now it's become my go-to for everything from casual dinners to fancy gatherings. The bang bang sauce adds this perfect balance of creaminess and tang that makes the whole dish sing.

What You'll Need

• Salmon chunks: I usually grab center-cut Atlantic salmon from my local fish market but King or wild-caught work beautifully too. Cut them into nice 1-inch chunks so they cook evenly and stay super moist.
• Seasonings: My perfect blend includes coarse salt garlic powder smoked paprika and black pepper. Sometimes I add a touch of honey for extra caramelization.
• Bang bang sauce: The magic happens with Japanese kewpie mayo rice vinegar hot sauce fresh garlic coconut aminos and a bit of ketchup. Play around with the spice level until it's perfect for you.
• Garnish: Fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds give that finishing touch of freshness and nutty crunch.

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Let's Make It Together

First prep your salmon:

Cut your salmon into chunks about an inch big and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps get that amazing crispy exterior we want.

Season with love:

Drizzle some olive oil over your salmon chunks then sprinkle with salt garlic powder paprika and black pepper. Add a touch of honey if you want that extra caramelization. Just toss everything gently so the salmon stays intact.

Time to cook:

If you're using an air fryer set it to 350°F and cook for about 8 minutes. Make sure to leave some space between pieces. For oven lovers preheat to 400°F and cook on a lined baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes.

Whip up that sauce:

Mix your mayo rice vinegar hot sauce fresh garlic coconut aminos and ketchup until smooth. I often make extra because it disappears fast.

Final touches:

Once your salmon is done drizzle that beautiful sauce over top scatter some green onions and sesame seeds and watch it disappear.

My Secret Tips

After making this recipe hundreds of times in my kitchen I've learned a few tricks. Always start with good quality center-cut salmon it really makes a difference in the final texture. Getting those pieces nice and dry before seasoning is crucial for that golden exterior we all love. Don't crowd your cooking surface whether it's the air fryer basket or baking sheet. I always keep my meat thermometer handy and aim for 145°F inside. A few minutes of rest at the end lets all those lovely juices settle back into the meat.

Ways to Serve

In my house these salmon bites never last long. They're perfect for everything from casual snacking to dinner parties. I love throwing them on top of a fresh salad for lunch or serving them over fluffy rice with some sautéed veggies for dinner. When I'm watching my carbs I pair them with Shirataki rice and steamed bok choy. That bang bang sauce works with practically everything so I always make extra.

Storage and Warming Up

In my experience these bites taste best fresh off the heat but life happens and leftovers are inevitable. Store them in your fridge in an airtight container and they'll keep nicely for about 4 days. I always keep the sauce separate to maintain that perfect texture. When it's time to reheat pop them in your air fryer at 360°F for around 6 minutes or under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes on low. Skip the microwave unless you want dry salmon no one enjoys that.

Mix It Up Your Way

My family loves when I switch up the flavors. Sometimes I'll use Cajun seasoning when we want some heat or extra smoked paprika for deeper flavor. If salmon isn't your thing try steelhead trout it's milder but still delicious. The sauce is super versatile too. I've used Thai sweet chili sauce when I'm out of ingredients for bang bang sauce and it's amazing. Lately I've been sprinkling furikake on top for extra texture and sometimes I mix Greek yogurt into the sauce to lighten things up.

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Fresh Ideas for Every Meal

My kitchen is always a place for experimenting and this recipe gives you so much room to play. Try serving these bites alongside a spicy cucumber salad or top them with creamy avocado slices. One of my favorite weekend brunches includes these salmon bites with crispy rice and a perfectly poached egg. For casual gatherings I'll stuff them into mini brioche buns for the most amazing sliders. The possibilities are endless and that's what makes cooking so fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make bang bang salmon bites without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for best results.

→ What's the best type of salmon to use?

Center-cut salmon fillets like Atlantic, king, or wild-caught salmon work best. Steelhead trout is also a good option for the right texture.

→ How do I prevent the salmon from sticking?

Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or use a parchment liner. If using a liner, add it after preheating and place salmon on top to weigh it down.

→ Can I make the bang bang sauce less spicy?

You can adjust the spiciness by reducing the amount of hot sauce or using sweet chili sauce instead. The sauce is easy to customize to your taste.

→ How do I store leftover salmon bites?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate and add it just before serving for the best taste.