Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Thai Mayo Recipe
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.
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
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.
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Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Thai Mayo Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe features crispy, bite-sized salmon pieces perfectly seasoned and air-fried to perfection. Tossed in a creamy, tangy, and spicy homemade Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice, this dish is a flavorful and vibrant appetizer or main course that comes together quickly and easily.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 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)
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
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Season the Salmon Bites: In a large bowl, combine the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking the salmon bites evenly.
- Cook the Salmon Bites: Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure proper crisping. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and has crispy edges.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Serve additional sauce on the side for dipping, making this dish both flavorful and interactive.
Notes
- You can adjust the sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang sauce to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to get the best crispy texture on the salmon.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be adapted by baking the salmon bites at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- For a lower-calorie option, reduce the amount of mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American with Asian fusion
Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, air fryer salmon, crispy salmon bites, spicy salmon appetizer, Thai sweet chili sauce, quick salmon recipe
