The Art of Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Perfection

Precision Cutting

Master the art of cutting uniform 1.5-inch salmon cubes to ensure even cooking and professional presentation, learning proper knife technique for clean cuts through delicate fish.

Dry Coating Method

Perfect the technique of coating salmon with cornstarch for maximum crispiness without batter, understanding how moisture control creates that coveted crispy crust.

High-Heat Searing

Learn the optimal temperature and timing for air frying or pan-searing salmon to achieve golden-brown exterior while maintaining tender, juicy interior.

Sauce Emulsification

Master the balance of creating creamy bang bang sauce with proper ratios of mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha for that signature flavor that makes this recipe unforgettable.

Timing and Assembly

Perfect the crucial final step of sauce application and garnishing while salmon is hot to ensure the crispy texture is preserved and flavors meld beautifully.

Secrets to Bang Bang Salmon Perfection

Salmon Selection: Choose fresh, sushi-grade salmon with bright color and firm texture for best results. Wild-caught salmon offers richer flavor while farm-raised provides more fat for extra juiciness.

Coating Technique: Ensure salmon is completely dry before coating with cornstarch to achieve maximum crispiness. The cornstarch creates a light, crispy crust without being heavy.

Temperature Control: Don't overcook the salmon - it should reach 145°F internally but remain slightly translucent in the very center for the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the bang bang sauce up to 3 days in advance and store refrigerated. Cut and season salmon cubes up to 4 hours ahead, keeping refrigerated until ready to cook.

Heat Customization: Adjust sriracha from 1-3 tablespoons based on your spice preference. Start with less and add more to the sauce - you can always increase heat but can't reduce it.

Common Mistake: Overcrowding the air fryer or pan causes steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if needed to maintain that essential crispy exterior.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce - Easy Air Fryer Appetizer

Name: Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce - Easy Air Fryer Appetizer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings (20-24 pieces)
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: For the Salmon:; 1.5 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; For the Bang Bang Sauce:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, adjust to taste; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; For Garnish:; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Sesame seeds, optional; For Special Equipment:; Air fryer or large skillet; Sharp knife for cubing salmon; Mixing bowls

The ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites featuring tender salmon cubes, golden seared crust, and addictive creamy bang bang sauce. This restaurant-quality appetizer combines the rich buttery texture of fresh salmon with the sweet-spicy-creamy flavor explosion of bang bang sauce, creating an unforgettable bite-sized experience that elevates simple salmon to extraordinary heights perfect for parties, game day spreads, weeknight dinners, or any time you crave the perfect balance of crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth seafood.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

12 Minutes

Total Time

22 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Salmon:

1.5 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, adjust to taste

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For Garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Sesame seeds, optional

For Special Equipment:

Air fryer or large skillet

Sharp knife for cubing salmon

Mixing bowls

Instructions

Pat the salmon fillet completely dry with paper towels, then cut into 1.5-inch cubes, discarding any remaining bones or silver skin.

In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, black pepper, and salt, then add the salmon cubes and toss gently until evenly coated.

Drizzle olive oil over the coated salmon cubes and toss again to ensure each piece is lightly coated with oil.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes, or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil.

Arrange salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until salmon is golden-brown and crispy on the outside with an internal temperature of 145°F. If pan-searing, cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

While salmon cooks, whisk together all bang bang sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy, adjusting sriracha for desired heat level.

Transfer the crispy salmon bites to a serving bowl, drizzle generously with bang bang sauce (reserve some for dipping), and garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce - Easy Air Fryer Appetizer

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Perfection

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce - Easy Air Fryer Appetizer

Ingredients

Instructions