I recently whipped up these Bang Bang Salmon bites and was pleasantly surprised by the burst of flavors. The salmon, lightly dusted with flour and panko breadcrumbs, pairs perfectly with Thai sweet chili and a hint of sriracha. It quickly became one of my favorite Easy Salmon Meals.

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I always get excited about trying a twist on my usual salmon recipes, and this Bang Bang Salmon Air Fryer is one of those dishes that really grabs me. I start with 1 lb of salmon fillets which I cut into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.

Then, I lightly coat them in all-purpose flour, dip in a beaten egg and toss in panko breadcrumbs before popping them into the air fryer with a quick spray of cooking spray. The real magic happens when I dress the crispy bites with a tangy sauce made from Thai sweet chili sauce, a bit of sriracha for the kick, and a dash of fresh lime juice.

I’ve made so many meals with salmon that are easy, healthy, and fun, but this one takes it up a notch with bold flavors that really surprise your taste buds. Enjoy the zing!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it makes the salmon super crispy and crunchy in the air fryer which gives it the perfect texture i cant get enough of. I also really like how the tangy sauce with Thai sweet chili, sriracha and lime brings a burst of flavor that makes every bite addictive. Plus its really simple to prep the salmon, coat it in flour, egg and panko so even on a busy day i can whip up something tasty without too much hassle. Another thing i really enjoy is how each salmon bite is perfectly sized and easy to share with friends or family when we get together for a meal.

Ingredients

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Salmon fillets: Packed with protein and omega 3 fatty acids, they’re super healthy and tasty.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings a sweet and tangy kick, balancing heat with a delightful sugar snap.
Sriracha sauce: Adds fiery spice, elevating the flavor with a bold kick that you can adjust.
Fresh lime juice: Offers a zesty sour note that brightens up the dish perfectly.
Panko breadcrumbs: Contributes a light crunch and carbs that give a satisfying texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds a bit of extra protein and richness.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb salmon fillets, skinless and cut into bite-size pieces

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Cooking spray

½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust if you like it hotter)

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F while you prep the salmon pieces by cutting the 1 lb of skinless salmon into bite-sized chunks and season them with salt and black pepper.

2. Put the ½ cup of all-purpose flour into one bowl, then in another bowl, lightly beat the large egg.

3. Put 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs into a third bowl.

4. Dip each salmon piece first in the flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally coat them well with panko breadcrumbs.

5. Lightly spray the salmon pieces with cooking spray so they get a nice crisp edge in the air fryer.

6. Place the coated salmon pieces in the air fryer basket and cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes or until golden, shaking them halfway through.

7. While the salmon cooks, mix together the ½ cup of Thai sweet chili sauce, the 2 tbsp of sriracha sauce (or more if you like it hotter), and the 1 tbsp of fresh lime juice in a bowl.

8. Once the salmon bites are done, transfer them to a serving bowl and pour the sauce over them.

9. Gently toss the salmon so each piece is well-coated with the tangy sauce.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy Bang Bang Salmon bites for a delicious meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer – You’ll need this to cook the salmon bites at 400°F.
2. Knife and cutting board – Use these to cut the 1 lb of salmon into bite-sized chunks.
3. Three mixing bowls – One for the ½ cup all-purpose flour, another for the lightly beaten large egg, and a third for the 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs.
4. Measuring cups and spoons – These will help measure out the flour, chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice accurately.
5. Small bowl – To mix the Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and fresh lime juice into a tangy sauce.
6. Cooking spray bottle – To lightly coat the salmon pieces before air frying.
7. Tongs or spatula – For shaking the salmon pieces halfway through cooking and transferring them to a serving bowl.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

A: Yeah you can use frozen salmon but make sure you defrost it completely and pat it dry so the coating can stick better.

Q: Do I really need an air fryer, or can I bake or pan fry instead?

A: The air fryer gives you that extra crispy texture, but if you don't have one, you ca bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Just be ready to adjust the time.

Q: How can I control the spice level in the sauce?

A: If like it less spicy, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or mix in a bit more Thai sweet chili sauce. If you want it hotter, add extra sriracha to taste.

Q: Should I season the salmon before coating it in flour?

A: Yes, its best to season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper before dipping into the flour so you get a more balanced flavor throughout.

Q: Can I prepare the coating and sauce ahead of time?

A: Sure, you can prep the coating station and mix the sauce in advance. Just keep the prepared salmon separate until youre ready to air fry it for best results.

Bang Bang Salmon {Air Fryer} Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Salmon: Try using cod or tilapia instead, though keep in mind that these might cook a bit different.
All-purpose flour: You can swap it with rice flour if you want a gluten-free twist.
Panko breadcrumbs: Crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs can work as a substitute to add a nice crunch.
Thai sweet chili sauce: You can mix equal parts of mild chili sauce and honey in a pinch.
Sriracha sauce: If you don’t like it too hot, try using a less spicy chili garlic sauce instead.

Pro Tips

1. Try patting the salmon pieces dry with a paper towel before you season them so that the flour sticks better and you get that extra crispy bite.
2. When coating the salmon make sure you fully submerge each piece in the egg and then in the panko, this helps creating a uniform and crunchy crust every time.
3. Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket to give the heat room to work, even if it means working in batches.
4. Adjust the sauce off the main mix by tasting it as you go and adding extra lime if you need more tang or more sriracha if you’re into that extra heat vibe.