Effortless Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Featured in: Exquisite Seafood Dishes for Every Occasion

Air fry salmon pieces coated in honey and spice, serve on a platter, top them with homemade sauce, then sprinkle scallions and sesame for the finish.

Lily chef cooking Cookingwithmee blog.
Updated on Thu, 05 Jun 2025 14:46:10 GMT
Chunks of grilled salmon topped with creamy sauce and fresh scallions. Pin it
Chunks of grilled salmon topped with creamy sauce and fresh scallions. | cookingwithmee.com

One night I was craving takeout but spotted some salmon hiding in the fridge. I tossed together a few ingredients for the sauce and boom—my family went wild. The kids now actually get excited for salmon nights. Even my usually picky teen wolfs these down. And my mother-in-law? She’s now all about these too!

Why Everyone Loves These

Here’s why these rock—they’re lightning fast for those crazy evenings. Outside is crisp while the inside stays super tender. That sauce? The whole crew wants more every single time. My neighbor keeps asking for a heads up next time I’m cooking them. She says she dreams about it!

Things You Need

  • Honey: Adds a sticky touch to bind everything nicely
  • Seasonings: Grab some salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper
  • Salmon: Find a fresh fillet if you can, skip the frozen stuff
  • Garnishes: Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds before serving
  • Sauce Goodies: Mayo, rice vinegar, hot sauce (I use Sriracha), a clove of garlic, soy sauce, and a squirt of ketchup
A glass bowl filled with marinated salmon cubes is surrounded by lime wedges, a small bowl of mayonnaise, and a dish of dipping sauce. Pin it
A glass bowl filled with marinated salmon cubes is surrounded by lime wedges, a small bowl of mayonnaise, and a dish of dipping sauce. | cookingwithmee.com

Time To Get Cooking

Get Started
Dice up your salmon into little cubes. Dry them off so they’ll crisp up. Whisk the seasonings, honey, and some olive oil together.
Cooking Time
Air fryer works great or use the oven—air fryer is my pick for bonus crunch on the edges.
Sauce Magic
While the salmon cooks, mix up all those sauce ingredients. Have a taste—crank up the heat if you want!
Bring It All Together
When the salmon’s cooked, pour the sauce on, toss on some green onions and sesame seeds, then serve. Watch them vanish fast!
A bowl of diced, cooked salmon pieces garnished with herbs and a sprinkle of cheese, served in a light sauce, with a lemon half nearby. Pin it
A bowl of diced, cooked salmon pieces garnished with herbs and a sprinkle of cheese, served in a light sauce, with a lemon half nearby. | cookingwithmee.com

Tips From My Kitchen

Give your salmon space so it can crisp up nicely. Oven folks—bake them on the top oven rack for more caramelization. Oh, and double that sauce—folks always dip more than they think!

Try New Twists

I sometimes add lots more hot sauce if I’m feeling bold. My buddy swaps in Cajun spices—they’re awesome that way. Not in a salmon mood? Do it with shrimp. That sauce is so good, I put it on almost everything!

Serving Ideas

We pile these on rice with steamed broccoli. My kids make salmon tacos—sounds odd but oh man, so tasty! These work for get-togethers too, just poke a toothpick in each one. Last time I brought them somewhere, people wouldn’t leave the platter alone!

A plate of grilled salmon cubes garnished with parsley and served with a small bowl of sauce and a lime wedge. Pin it
A plate of grilled salmon cubes garnished with parsley and served with a small bowl of sauce and a lime wedge. | cookingwithmee.com

Stash Extras For Later

Honestly these rarely last, but if you end up with leftovers keep the sauce on the side and stash them in the fridge. To warm up, pop ’em back in the air fryer—super crispy all over again. Skip the microwave unless you want rubbery salmon, trust me!

Great Any Night

These bites have bailed us out of dinner stress so many times. They’re fast for a weeknight but they feel special enough for guests. My own kid requested these for her birthday dinner instead of pizza—if that’s not a win, I don’t know what is!

A close-up of grilled salmon bites drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with chopped green onions and lime wedges. Pin it
A close-up of grilled salmon bites drizzled with a creamy sauce and garnished with chopped green onions and lime wedges. | cookingwithmee.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep salmon from getting stuck in the basket?

That happens because of all its oils. Just spray a bit of oil and let it sit a few minutes after cooking—the cooler air helps. You could also grab parchment liners for easy lifting.

→ Which salmon should I grab?

Go for center pieces like Atlantic or king fillets—they’re easy to cook and taste great. Steelhead trout is another tasty pick.

→ Can these be baked in the oven too?

Absolutely, just pop them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes on the top shelf. Throw down some parchment so they don't stick.

→ Is resting the salmon needed?

Yep, a short wait helps the salmon shrink just a bit, so it lets go from the pan. Keeps the bites in one piece, too.

→ Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?

Totally—the sauce actually gets tastier after chilling in the fridge. Whip it up before and stash it until ready!

Effortless Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Juicy salmon pieces lightly spiced and crisped up in the air fryer. Dollop with creamy, fiery sauce for a quick crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
18 Minutes
By: Lily

Category: Seafood Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 lb salmon from the center, cut into chunks about 1 inch each.
02 1/2 tsp salt with big crystals.
03 1/2 tsp powdered garlic.
04 1/4 tsp paprika, choose sweet or smoked.
05 1/8 tsp ground black pepper.
06 1-2 tsp honey, optional if you like sweetness.
07 1 tbsp olive oil.
08 1/2 cup mayo.
09 3 tbsp vinegar made from rice.
10 1/2 to 1 tsp of your favorite spicy sauce.
11 1 big clove of garlic, grated finely.
12 1 tbsp coconut aminos.
13 1.5 tbsp ketchup.
14 Top with sesame seeds and scallions for some crunch and color.

Instructions

Step 01

Peel off skin and dice into cubes about 1 inch each. Drizzle with oil and season with salt, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and honey.

Step 02

Coat the air fryer basket lightly with oil spray. Spread salmon pieces out in a single layer and air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes. Cook in batches if needed.

Step 03

Whisk mayo, vinegar, spicy sauce, grated garlic, coconut aminos, ketchup, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

Step 04

Once done, let the salmon sit for about 10 seconds before pulling it out of the air fryer.

Step 05

Move to a dish, sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds, and dip into the sauce to eat.

Notes

  1. You can bake it in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes instead.
  2. Salmon from the center part gives the best outcome.
  3. Giving the salmon a quick break after cooking keeps it from sticking to the basket.

Tools You'll Need

  • An air fryer.
  • A big mixing bowl.
  • You might want some parchment paper (optional).

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish.
  • Mayonnaise includes eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 292
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 23 g