– **Title**: Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
– Chopped green onions for garnish
– Lemon wedges for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Salmon**: Cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
2. **Set Up Breading Station**: In one bowl, place the flour mixed with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In another bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
3. **Bread the Salmon**: Dip each salmon piece into the flour mixture first, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. **Preheat the Air Fryer**: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. **Cook the Salmon Bites**: Place the breaded salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with cooking spray or olive oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. **Make the Bang Bang Sauce**: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the sriracha amount to reach your desired spice level.
7. **Serve**: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked salmon bites, or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions and lemon wedges.
Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets work best for this recipe. If you can’t find salmon, try using trout or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Both still deliver great flavor!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a light, crispy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will do, but they won’t be as crunchy. You can also crush some crackers if needed.
Mayonnaise: A key ingredient in the Bang Bang sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider Greek yogurt or avocado for creaminess without the calories. Both options taste delicious!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings a hint of sweetness. You might substitute it with a mix of honey and hot sauce for a similar flavor profile, though it will be thicker.
Sriracha: Adjust the amount to control the heat. For a milder kick, use sweet chili sauce alone or opt for a different hot sauce that suits your taste.
How Do I Ensure My Salmon Bites Get Extra Crispy?
Getting crispy salmon bites can be tricky if you rush it. Start by coating each salmon cube properly—this layering of flour, egg, and panko is key. The flour helps the egg stick, and panko provides that crunchy texture.
- Preheat your air fryer so it’s hot when you add the salmon bites. This helps them crisp quicker!
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if you need. Each piece should have space to fry evenly.
- Lightly spray or brush olive oil over the coated salmon. This extra fat is what contributes to that beautiful crunch.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- Squeeze of lemon juice
For Garnishing:
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, in under half an hour, you can enjoy these crispy, flavorful salmon bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will help get your salmon bites nice and crispy when they cook.
2. Prepare the Coatings:
In one bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, place the beaten egg. And in a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. This setup will help you coat the salmon bites evenly!
3. Coat the Salmon Bites:
Take each salmon cube and first dip it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Arrange all the coated salmon bits in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
4. Spray for Crispiness:
Lightly spray the salmon bites with olive oil or cooking spray. This will help them turn a pretty golden brown and become nice and crispy while they cook.
5. Air Fry the Salmon Bites:
Air fry the salmon bites for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them; you want them golden brown and crispy on the outside!
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the salmon is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Give it a taste and adjust the sriracha if you’d like more heat!
7. Toss the Salmon Bites:
Once the salmon bites are done, take them out of the air fryer. You can either drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over them or toss them gently to coat.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your tasty salmon bites with chopped green onions or chives and serve them alongside lemon wedges. Enjoy your flavorful and crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites!
## FAQ for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to fully thaw it first. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, place the sealed salmon in cold water for about 30 minutes to thaw it quickly.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Bang Bang Sauce?
If you prefer a healthier option, Greek yogurt works great as a mayonnaise substitute. It will give you a similar creaminess with added protein. You can also use avocado or even a vegan mayo if you’re looking for a plant-based alternative!
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again.
Can I Make These Salmon Bites in the Oven Instead of an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden brown and crispy. You might need to spray a little oil on top to help with crispiness!
