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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Air Fryer or Oven)

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ½salmon skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp –2Cajun seasoning or garlic powder + smoked paprika + salt + pepper
  • cup Optional crisp: 1–2 tbsp cornstarch + ½panko + oil spray
  • Bang Bang Sauce
  • cup ½mayo (or half mayo half Greek yogurt)
  • cup ⅓Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp lime juice optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer. This step feels skippable. It’s not. A hot basket helps the salmon start browning right away.
  2. Pat the salmon dry. This is the secret handshake of crispy salmon bites. Moisture is the enemy of browning.
  3. Cut into even cubes (about 1 inch). Even pieces cook evenly. Uneven pieces turn into a mix of dry bits and underdone bits, and nobody wants that.
  4. Season the salmon. Toss salmon cubes with oil and your seasoning. Make sure every piece has a light sheen.
  5. Add crisping (optional). For cornstarch: sprinkle lightly and toss until it disappears into a thin coating. For panko: add panko next and toss gently. You want a light coating, not a thick breaded shell.
  6. Arrange in a single layer with space. If pieces touch too much, they steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed. It’s worth it.
  7. Cook until browned and done. Most air fryers do well at 400°F for about 5–8 minutes, depending on cube size and your machine. Check early the first time. How to tell it’s done: Salmon should look opaque. It should flake easily. If you use a thermometer, aim for 145°F in the thickest piece.
  8. Sauce time. Drizzle sauce over the salmon or serve it on the side for dipping (which keeps things crisp longer).