Seafood · American
Crispy Air Fryer Cajun Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Tender salmon cubes get crisp Cajun-spiced edges in the air fryer, then a creamy sweet-spicy bang bang drizzle for bowls, tacos or appetisers.
These Cajun bang bang salmon bites are built for fast air-fryer cooking: a dry spice coating helps the cubes brown, while the creamy chilli-lime sauce keeps each bite punchy and juicy.
Ingredients
Instructions
Air fryer:200°C / 392°F
Pat the salmon cubes dry with kitchen paper. Place them in a bowl with the olive oil and toss gently to coat.
Mix the cornflour, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the salmon and fold gently until every piece is lightly coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the basket if your model tends to stick.
Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer with a little space between pieces. Cook in batches if needed; crowded salmon will steam instead of brown.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning or shaking gently after 4 minutes, until the edges are browned and the largest piece reaches 63°C internally. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily.
While the salmon cooks, whisk the mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha, lime juice, rice vinegar and honey until smooth.
Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a clean bowl or serving plate. Drizzle with bang bang sauce, or toss very gently with just enough sauce to coat.
Scatter with sliced spring onions and serve with lime wedges. Add to rice bowls, tacos, salads or serve with extra sauce for dipping.
Tips & tricks
- Cut the salmon into even 2.5 cm cubes so the pieces cook at the same rate.
- Add the mayo-based bang bang sauce after air frying; cooking it in the basket can split or scorch it.
- For less heat, reduce the sriracha to 5 g. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the spice mix.
- Check the largest salmon cube for doneness so the smaller pieces do not overcook while waiting.
Air fryer cooking guides
Exact times & temperatures for the ingredients in this recipe.
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