Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

Take regular salmon to the next level with these addictive Bang Bang Salmon chunks. The secret lies in how these perfectly cubed pieces of salmon react to the hot swirling air, giving you amazingly crunchy edges while keeping the middle juicy and tender. Then there's that knockout bang bang sauce - a velvety, sweet-with-heat topping that turns these bites from yummy to downright unforgettable. I've spent tons of time playing with my air fryer settings to nail down exactly how to get restaurant-worthy results in your kitchen.

After lots of testing, I've learned that cutting the salmon into same-sized pieces and spacing them correctly in the air fryer is what separates okay results from truly amazing ones.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

• Salmon: Go for middle-cut fillets with vibrant color and no grayish spots. Good fresh salmon shouldn't smell fishy but have a light ocean scent and feel firm. When using frozen, make sure it's completely thawed and dried thoroughly
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Try to grab Mae Ploy or another genuine Thai sweet chili sauce - it gives you just the right mix of sweetness and spice without going overboard on sugar
• Mayonnaise: Regular full-fat mayo makes the sauce texture perfect, though light versions can work in a pinch. You need that richness so the sauce sticks nicely to your salmon

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Getting The Salmon Ready:

Take salmon out 15 minutes before you start cooking. Dry it completely with paper towels. Pull out any pin bones you find. Cut into even 1-inch chunks. Make sure all pieces are about the same size so they cook evenly. Let them sit at room temp while you make the sauce.

Whipping Up Bang Bang Sauce:

Start with mayo that isn't cold from the fridge. Stir until it's silky smooth. Slowly mix in your sweet chili sauce. Add tiny amounts of honey as you go. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to your liking. Put in sriracha depending on how spicy you want it. Let everything sit together while handling the salmon. The sauce should be thick enough to stick to a spoon.

Adding Flavor:

Mix your dry spices in a bowl first. Start by combining paprika and brown sugar. Then add your garlic powder and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon chunks. Season them all over. Give the spices 5 minutes to stick. Check that all pieces look evenly coated.

Air Fryer Technique:

Heat your air fryer to 400°F exactly. Spray the basket well. Place salmon pieces with room between them. Don't pack them in too tight. Work in batches if needed. Gently shake halfway through cooking. Start checking the temperature after 5 minutes.

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Coming from a household that can't get enough salmon or spicy foods, I've figured out that perfect bang bang sauce needs just the right balance of heat and sweetness. My mom always told me, "Keep tasting as you mix - you can always add more heat but you can't take it away."

Mastering Temperature Control

Every air fryer heats a bit differently. I've noticed that putting the salmon pieces around the outer part of the basket, where the hot air moves the most, gives you the tastiest outcome.

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Perfecting Your Sauce

The bang bang sauce actually tastes better when made a little ahead of time, giving all those flavors a chance to mix together. I usually make twice as much, keeping some for other meals throughout the week.

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This approach has become my favorite way to turn everyday salmon into something special. Whether you put these bang bang salmon bites on rice, toss them in a salad, or just eat them as is, they show how healthy food can be both quick to make and insanely tasty.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I cook this without an air fryer?

Of course! Bake the salmon bites at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or toss them in a skillet on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

→ How can I tell if the salmon is ready?

The salmon chunks will flake easily with a fork and turn opaque. Don’t let them cook too long or they might dry out.

→ What if I want the sauce less spicy?

No problem! Just skip or use less sriracha. The sweet chili sauce alone will still make a great-tasting sauce.

→ How long will leftovers stay fresh?

Keep any extra salmon bites in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Warm them up in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes.

→ Could I use frozen salmon?

Sure thing, just thaw it completely first and pat it dry. You can defrost overnight in the fridge or in cold water for about half an hour.