Dinner

Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Thai Mayo Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful and quick dish that combines crispy, seasoned salmon bites with a creamy, spicy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress with its bold flavors and easy preparation.

A round white plate filled with two layers of golden-brown grilled salmon chunks, each piece covered in a creamy light orange sauce with specks of black and white sesame seeds. The salmon pieces are garnished with small green onion slices, scattered across the dish, and accompanied by four lime wedges placed evenly around the edge of the plate. The textured salmon pieces have a slightly crispy outer skin visible beneath the sauce. The whole plate is set on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth partially visible in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, 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)
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the salmon bites, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss until the salmon pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Place the salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches.
Step 5: Air fry the salmon bites for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the edges.
Step 6: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the sriracha. To add crunch, garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon bites at 425°F (220°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor, and adjust honey to balance the heat from the chili sauces.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon bites and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon bites gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a round white plate filled with several small, cubed pieces of salmon that are grilled and covered in a creamy, light orange sauce. The salmon pieces are stacked loosely in the center of the plate, and the sauce looks smooth and shiny, coating each piece. Bright green chopped scallions and white and black sesame seeds are sprinkled evenly over the salmon, adding texture and color. Around the edge of the plate, there are four lime wedges with bright green skin and juicy, light green flesh. The plate is on a white marbled surface with some scattered red chili flakes and chopped scallions nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before seasoning to ensure it crisps up nicely in the air fryer.

Is the Bang Bang sauce spicy?

The sauce has a balanced spicy-sweet flavor. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha or skipping the cayenne pepper altogether if you prefer it mild.