These air fryer salmon bites with Bang Bang sauce are crispy outside, tender inside, and ready in just 8 minutes. Tossed with garlic, lemon pepper, and olive oil, they cook to golden perfection and finish with a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce for an easy, flavor-packed dinner or appetizer.
I’ve tested these salmon bites in the air fryer to get the timing just right, so they stay juicy inside while turning perfectly crispy outside. With just a few simple ingredients, this method makes a quick, flavorful dinner anyone can master.
Jump to:
- Why you’ll Love these Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer
- Salmon Bites Ingredients
- How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- How Long to Cook Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer
- How to Store, Reheat and Freeze this Air fryer Salmon Recipe
- Tips & Substitutions
- Flavor Variations for Tender Salmon Bites
- What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Bowls, Tacos & More)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Recipes:
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
These crispy salmon bites in the air fryer are so easy and delicious. I'm predicting there soon to become a new family favorite recipe.
If you enjoy this air fryer salmon recipe you should try my Mini Salmon Cakes, Baked Lemo Pepper Salmon, and my semi-homemade Bang Bang Fish Tacos next!
Why you’ll Love these Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer
- Quick + Easy – These salmon bites are perfect for busy weeknights. They are ready in under 15 minutes, including prep and cook time. It literally takes longer to preheat my oven than to make these bites in the air fryer.
- Flavor-Packed + Bang Bang Sauce – The garlic lemon seasoning adds some amazing flavor to these salmon bites. And tossing them in the creamy, spicy-sweet sauce takes these bites to the next level. They're finger-licking good! (Adjust the amount of heat by using more or less of the hot sauce.)
- Kid-Friendly + Crowd-Pleaser – These are great for the kiddos or a group of friend. You gotta love anything bites-size - right? Serve them as an appetizer, main, or a fun party snack.
- Healthy + Nutritious – These salmon bites are packed with protein and omega-3s. And since they are airfried you only need a little oil to prepare them. Plus, their gluten free. Nutritious and delicious!
- Crispy Outside + Tender Inside – The air fryer gives you a golden, crispy finish without deep frying.
- Versatile – Serve them in salmon bowls, tacos, wraps, salads, over rice or cauliflower rice — there's so many ways to enjoy!
- No Mess, No Fuss – You gotta love easy cleanup! There's no oil splatter or greasy clean-up - the air fryer keeps it simple and clean.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make several batches and reheat for meal prep, quick lunches, dinners or snacks all week long.
Salmon Bites Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- Fresh salmon fillets – Skinless salmon cut into 1 to 1½-inch cubes cooks evenly in the air fryer and stays tender and flaky inside while the edges turn lightly crisp.
- Garlic powder – Adds even, savory flavor that coats every salmon bite without burning during air frying.
- Lemon pepper seasoning – Brings bright citrus flavor and gentle heat that pairs perfectly with salmon. (I only use Lawry’s brand. It adds the best flavor.)
- Salt + black pepper – Enhances the natural richness of the salmon and helps the seasoning stand out.
- Fresh garlic – Adds fresh, bold flavor and deepens the overall taste of the salmon.
- Olive oil – Helps the salmon bites crisp up in the air fryer and prevents sticking to the fryer basket.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise – Creates a creamy, smooth base that clings perfectly to the warm salmon bites.
- Sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness with a mild kick, giving the sauce its signature flavor.
- Sriracha – Brings heat and a little tang to balance the sauce.
- Lemon juice – Brightens and balances the sauce and keeps it from tasting too heavy or sweet.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below for these salmon bites in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C)or (390°F if that is the highest temp your air fryer heats to). You can also cook them in the oven - preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Prep the Salmon Fillets: If there is skin on the salmon remove it gently with a very thin filleting knife or chef's knife. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Cut it into bite-sized (1-1½ inch) cubes.
NOTE: If the fish has skin on you can ask the seafood associate at the grocery store to remove the skin for you.
Season: Add the garlic powder, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cut up salmon.
Mix the salmon and spices together.
Add the olive oil and fresh garlic and gently combine.
How Long to Cook Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer
Make sure the air fryer is preheated to 400°F (200°C) or (390°F if your air fryer does not reach 400°F). You can also cook them in the oven - preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the salmon in a single layer in the fryer basket. (Be sure to not over crowd.)
Air fry the salmon bites for 7–9 minutes until golden and cooked through. (Cook for 10-12 minutes if using the oven.)
Salmon bites should be cooked to an internal temperature of 135°F to 145°F when probed with a digital meat thermomter. Salmon bites are done when they're opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lemon juice.
Toss & Serve: Once the salmon is done, toss it in the sauce or serve it with the sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Store, Reheat and Freeze this Air fryer Salmon Recipe
Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Pop them back in the preheated air fryer at 400°F (or 390°F) for 2-3 minutes to heat them up again and bring back some of the crisp texture while keeping the inside moist. You can also microwave the salmon bites, but they won't have much crispiness.
Freezing: Let them cool completely, then freeze the air fryer salmon bites (without the Bang Bang sauce) on a tray, then transfer to an air tight freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen in a pre-heated air fryer at 400°F (or 390°F) for 3-4 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
- Use skinless salmon for this recipe. If the skin is on the salmon, ask the seafood department to remove it for you. Or remove it yourself with a very thin chef's knife or a filleting knife.
- Pat the salmon dry before air frying for the crispiest results.
- Preheat the air fryer. This creates a crispy, browned outside while keeping the inside moist and preventing the fish from sticking to the basket.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – Air needs to circulate around each fish bite so leave space between them. Cook them in 2 batches unless your air fryer has space to accommodate all of the fish bites.
- Shake the air fryer basket about halfway through cooking. This helps with even cooking, and prevents them from burning.
- Substitute some or all of the mayo in the recipe with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Make the sauce dairy-free by using vegan mayo.
- Use shrimp as a protein alternative. (Note: The cooktime will vary.)
Flavor Variations for Tender Salmon Bites
- Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to the seasoning for an umami kick.
- Swap out the sweet chili sauce with buffalo sauce for a more savory flavored sauce. Or add some cayenne pepper for more spice.
- Toss salmon in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and butter for a sweet-and-savory glaze. Add ginger or rice vinegar for depth.
- Marinade salmon in a mixture of teriyaki sauce - soy sauce, garlic, and honey, then air-fry. Top with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Season salmon with olive oil, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika to create a spicy, blackened crust. Serve with a spicy garlic mayo.
- Air fry salmon with olive oil, then toss in a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon Bites (Bowls, Tacos & More)
- Layer tender salmon bites on steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Serve over rice noodles, zoodles or lo mein.
- Add the fish bites to an Asian cuccumber salad or Asian-style slaw.
- Serve along side Roasted Parmesan Broccoli or Garlic Green Beans.
- Use as a salmon bites appetizer with bang bang dipping sauce on the side.
- Serve crispy salmon bites in lettuce wraps with Bang Bang Sauce.
- Use taco shells, corn or flour tortillas for salmon bite tacos.
- Make salmon bite bowls by adding your favorite add-ons... rice, noodles, veggies, sauce etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook salmon in the air fryer?
Cook the salmon cubes for 7–9 minutes in a preheated air fryer at 400°F (or 390°F if your air fryer does not reach 400°F). Smaller pieces cook faster, while thicker pieces may need an extra minute. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internally.
Can I make salmon bites in the oven if I don't have an air fryer?
Yes, for sure! Cook them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, until crispy and golden.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw it completely first and pat it dry with a paper towel - it needs to be as dry as possible. So the bites crisp up properly in the air fryer.
Can I freeze salmon bites?
Freeze the cooked salmon bites (without the Bang Bang sauce) on a tray, then transfer to an air tight freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen in a pre-heated air fryer at 400°F (or 390°F) for 3-4 minutes.
Is the Bang Bang sauce spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can reduce or skip the sriracha to make it less spicy. Or if you want more heat add more sririacha.
Can I make Air Fryer Salmon Bites ahead of time?
Yes - there are two options for making ahead...
You can cook the salmon bites ahead and reheat them in a preheated air fryer for meal prep, quick lunches, dinners and snacks.
Another alternative is to prep the salmon, seasonings and the sauce separate ahead of time. Then pat the salmon dry, toss it in the seasonings and cook just before serving. This provides the best texture.
What’s the best salmon to use?
Use a thicker cut of salmon, at least 1 inch thick. Skinless salmon is the best. You can have the seafood associate remove the skin for you. Or you do it yourself - be sure to use a very sharp knife with a thin blade.
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are the ultimate mix of crispy, tender, sweet, and spicy.
With just a few simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of cook time, you get juicy salmon bites in the air fryer that feel special but are easy enough for any night of the week. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, tuck them into tacos, or build a salmon bowl, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
More Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Recipes:
- Italian Meatballs in the Air Fryer
- Greek Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
- Air Fryer Buffalo Brussels Sprouts
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If you’ve made this Salmon Bite Recipe, tap the stars below to leave a recipe rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments!
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
These air fryer salmon bites are crispy on the outside, tenderon the inside, and ready in just 8 minutes. They're tossed with garlic, lemon pepper, and olive oil, then air fried until golden and finished with a creamy Bang Bang sauce for bold, sweet-spicy flavor.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds skinless salmon (1 inch thick)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper (Lawry's brand is the only one I use)
- ½ teaspoon salt & pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: A pinch or more of cayenne pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayo (or greek yogurt or a combination of them)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespooons sriracha or other hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (or 390°F) (See note about cooking in the oven.)
- Prep the Salmon Fillets: If there is skin on the salmon remove it gently with a very thin filleting knife or chef's knife. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Cut it into bite-sized (1-1½ inch) cubes.
- Add the garlic powder, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cut up salmon. and mix together.
- Add the olive oil and fresh garlic and gently combine.
- Make sure the air fryer has been preheated to 400°F (or 390°F). Arrange salmon in a single layer in the basket. (Be sure to not over crowd. Cook in two batches if necessary.)
- Air fry for 7–9 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lemon juice.
- Once salmon is cooked, drizzle or toss it with the sauce. Or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
You can cook these salmon bites in the oven if I don't have an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) . Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until crispy and golden.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’ve made this Salmon Bite Recipe, tap the stars above in the recipe to leave a recipe rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments!
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