Go Back
Close-up of crispy Bang Bang salmon bites in a ceramic bowl.

Easy Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 315

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salmon:
  • 600 g Salmon fillets skinless, cubed
  • 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or Mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp Sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Honey
  • Optional: Chopped chives or sesame seeds for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prep: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Coat: In a bowl, toss salmon with olive oil. Add cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
  3. Cook (Air Fryer): Place in air fryer basket at 200°C (400°F). Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.
  4. Cook (Oven): Alternatively, bake at 220°C (425°F) for 12-15 minutes on a lined tray.
  5. Sauce: Whisk yogurt, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl.
  6. Finish: Toss cooked salmon in the sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Dryness is Key: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Use multiple paper towels to ensure the salmon surface is completely bone-dry before adding oil or cornstarch.
     
  • Cornstarch Coating: Apply a light, even dusting. If the coating is too thick, it will turn pasty rather than crunchy.
  • Single Layer: Never stack or overlap cubes in the air fryer. Air must circulate around all sides of each piece to build a crust.
  • Internal Temperature: For the most succulent texture, aim for an internal temperature of 52°C to 55°C (125°F to 130°F) before saucing.
  • Immediate Service: These bites lose their crunch quickly once sauced. If preparing for a party, keep the salmon and sauce separate until the very moment of serving.
  • Yogurt Substitution: If using Greek yogurt instead of mayo, add a teaspoon of olive oil to the sauce to maintain a silky mouthfeel.