Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Air Fryer Perfection with Ninja

Since discovering the ninja air fryer recipe for Bang Bang Salmon Bites I have not looked back at traditional deep frying methods. This healthier, easier approach produces incredibly crispy salmon bites with that perfect sweet and spicy bang bang sauce coating. The air fryer method not only reduces calories but also makes the cooking process virtually foolproof. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you my tried-and-tested method of creating restaurant-quality bang bang salmon bites right from your kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Air frying creates a healthier version without sacrificing crispiness
• The Ninja Air Fryer offers precise temperature control for perfect results
• Preparation time is reduced compared to traditional methods
• Clean-up is significantly easier with minimal oil usage
• The recipe can be easily scaled for different serving sizes
• Temperature and timing are crucial for perfectly cooked salmon
• The dish maintains its restaurant-quality taste with fewer calories

Recommended Ninja Appliances

For the best results, I recommend these Ninja appliances that have revolutionized how I prepare Bang Bang Salmon Bites:

Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer

Sale

Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer that Cooks, Crisps, Roasts, Bakes, Reheats and Dehydrates, with 5.5 Quart Capacity, and a High Gloss Finish, Grey

• LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
• MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers 450 degrees of superheated air to cook foods up to 30 % faster (Versus Ninja AF100) for hotter, crispier results with little to no oil for guilt free fried favorites.
• XL CAPACITY: The 5.5 QT ceramic coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 3 pounds of french fries or chicken wings.

$129.99

Buy on Amazon *Price incl. tax, excl. shipping..

The Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer is perfect for making Bang Bang Salmon Bites due to its high-performance features. Max Crisp Technology cooks your salmon bites quickly at 450°F, crispy, without traditional frying. It’s 5.5-quart capacity is great for larger batches for family dinners or gatherings.

The Air Fry function provides crispy results with up to 75% less fat than deep frying, so you don’t have to add more grease. 7-in-1 functionality includes frying, roasting and baking, so you can prepare multiple dishes easily. The nonstick ceramic basket is easy to clean, it is also dishwasher safe. It makes cooking Bang Bang Salmon Bites fast, easy, and healthier, crispy and flavorful every time.

Ninja DT201 Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro

Ninja Air Fryer and Toaster Oven, Foodi Series, XL Pro Air Oven Kitchen Countertop Convection, 10-in-1 Functions, Fits a 5-lb Chicken and Sheet Pan of Vegetables, 1800 Watts, Stainless Steel, DT201

• TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.Cord length (in.): 36..Special Features: ‎Programmable
• 10-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza all in one powerful, 1800-watt appliance
• FASTER COOKING: 90-second oven preheat time and up to 30% faster cooking than a traditional full-size convection oven

$299.95

Buy on Amazon *Price incl. tax, excl. shipping..

The Ninja DT201 Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Digital Countertop Convection Toaster Oven is the perfect appliance for Bang Bang Salmon Bites. With 1800 watts of power and True Surround Convection, it ensures even cooking and crispiness with little oil, reducing fat by up to 75% without compromising flavor.

This versatile 10-in-1 appliance can air fry, roast, bake, toast, broil, and more, making meal prep effortless. Its 21-liter capacity is ideal for family-sized portions, while the 90-second preheat and 30% faster cooking time compared to conventional ovens save time in the kitchen.

The easy-to-use digital display allows for quick function selection, ensuring a seamless cooking experience. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a small group or a crowd, the Ninja DT201 delivers crispy, delicious results every time—perfect for your Bang Bang Salmon Bites.

Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System

For preparing Bang Bang Salmon Bites, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System is perfect and has plenty of power and can do it all. This is because it has a 1400-watt motor and comes with Total Crushing Blades that can easily chop ingredients and crush ice for tea or even sriracha-honey sauce.

From chopping garlic to making marinades, the sharp blades provide an even result in just seconds. The 8-cup Precision Processor Bowl is perfect for mixing large quantities of sauce and will give you smooth, lump-free blends. The 72 oz pitcher enables you to make enough sauce to make a family-sized batch of salmon bites.

With 5 preset Auto-iQ programs, it takes the guesswork out of meal prep. It will chop, blend or mix for you and all you have to do is choose the function you need. Plus, the system includes two 24-oz to-go cups for smaller portions. Thus, it makes a Bang Bang Salmon Bites a lot easier and faster to make and you will be able to enjoy your crispy and delicious meal more often.

The Art of Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Selecting Quality Salmon

The foundation of great Bang Bang Salmon Bites starts with choosing the right salmon. As someone who’s experimented with various types and qualities of salmon, I can confidently say that this choice makes a significant difference in your final result:

What to Look For:

• Fresh, wild-caught salmon when possible (King or Sockeye preferred)
• Center-cut pieces for uniform cooking
• Bright, vibrant color ranging from deep orange to pink
• Firm texture that springs back when pressed
• Fresh, ocean-like smell without any fishiness
• No brown spots or discoloration
• Clear marbling throughout
• Skin that’s easy to remove

Shopping Tips:

• Build a relationship with your local fish monger
• Ask when the fish was delivered
• Check if the salmon has been previously frozen
• Look for sustainable certification labels
• Consider the salmon’s origin
• Compare prices between different varieties

Perfecting the Bang Bang Sauce

The signature sauce is crucial for this dish, and after countless iterations, I’ve perfected the ratio of ingredients:

Base Recipe:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Juice of half a lime
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• Pinch of salt

Optional Additions:

• Rice vinegar for tanginess
• Sesame oil for depth
• Fish sauce for umami
• Chili oil for extra heat
• Black pepper for spice

Blending Tips:

• Use the Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System for the smoothest results
• Start with mayonnaise as the base
• Add ingredients gradually while blending
• Taste and adjust seasonings
• Let sit for 30 minutes before serving
• Store in an airtight container

Detailed Air Fryer Preparation Method

1. Preparing the Salmon (15 minutes):
   
   • Remove skin carefully using a sharp knife
   • Cut salmon into exactly 1-inch cubes
   • Pat each piece dry with paper towels
   • Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
   • Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes
   • Pat dry again before breading
     
2. Setting Up the Breading Station (10 minutes): First Bowl (Seasoned Flour):
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
   Second Bowl (Egg Mixture):
   • 2 large eggs
   • 2 tablespoons water
   • 1/4 teaspoon salt
   • Whisk until completely combined
   Third Bowl (Seasoned Panko):
   • 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon paprika
   • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
     
3. Breading Process (20 minutes):
   
   • Keep one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet
   • Dredge salmon in flour mixture, shake off excess
   • Dip in egg mixture, let excess drip off
   • Roll in seasoned Panko, pressing gently
   • Place on a wire rack
   • Spray all sides with oil spray
   • Let rest for 5 minutes before cooking
     
4. Air Frying Technique (15-20 minutes): Preparation:
   • Preheat Ninja Air Fryer to 400°F
   • Spray basket with oil spray
   • Arrange salmon with space between pieces
   • Spray tops with oil spray
   Cooking Process:
   • First batch: 7-8 minutes total
   • Flip carefully at 4 minutes
   • Check temperature at 7 minutes
   • Adjust time if needed
   • Repeat with remaining batches

Advanced Temperature and Timing Guide

Ninja Air Fryer Settings for Different Scenarios:

Standard Cooking:

• Preheat: 400°F (3 minutes)
• Cooking temperature: 400°F
• First side: 4 minutes
• Second side: 3-4 minutes
• Target internal temperature: 145°F

Larger Pieces (1.5-inch cubes):

• Preheat: 380°F
• Cooking time: 9-10 minutes
• Flip at 5 minutes

Frozen Salmon Adjustment:

• Thaw completely before breading
• Pat dry thoroughly
• Add 1-2 minutes to cooking time

High Altitude Adjustments:

• Increase temperature by 15°F
• Add 1-2 minutes to cooking time
• Check internal temperature carefully

Creative Serving Suggestions

Immediate Serving Options:

As an Appetizer:

• On a bed of shredded Asian slaw
• With pickled vegetables
• Alongside wasabi mayonnaise
• With sweet chili dipping sauce

As a Main Course:

• Over steamed jasmine rice
• With stir-fried vegetables
• In lettuce wraps
• As part of a rice bowl
• With quinoa and roasted vegetables

Garnishing Ideas:

• Drizzle with extra bang bang sauce
• Sprinkle with black and white sesame seeds
• Add sliced green onions
• Serve with lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro or micro greens
• Crispy fried shallots
• Pickled red onions
• Spicy mayo drizzle

Comprehensive Storage and Reheating Guide

Storage Tips:

• Cool completely before refrigerating
• Store in airtight containers
• Keep sauce separate
• Use within 2 days
• Label containers with date
• Don’t stack pieces

Reheating in Ninja Air Fryer:

1. From Refrigerated:
   
   • Preheat to 350°F
   • Heat for 3-4 minutes
   • Flip halfway through
   • Check internal temperature
   • Add fresh sauce after reheating
     
2. From Room Temperature:
   
   • Preheat to 375°F
   • Heat for 2-3 minutes
   • Check crispiness
   • Add sauce as needed

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

Using the Ninja Air Fryer offers numerous advantages:

Reduced Fat Content:

• Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying
• No excess oil absorption
• Maintains salmon’s natural healthy fats

Nutritional Benefits:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
   
   • Heart health support
   • Brain function benefits
   • Anti-inflammatory properties
     
2. Protein Content:
   
   • 20-25g protein per serving
   • Complete amino acid profile
   • Muscle maintenance support
     
3. Essential Nutrients:
   
   • Vitamin D
   • Vitamin B12
   • Selenium
   • Potassium
   • Iron

Calorie Comparison:

• Traditional fried version: ~400 calories per serving
• Air fried version: ~250 calories per serving
• Reduction in fat calories: ~150 calories

Expert Troubleshooting Guide

1. Preventing Dry Salmon:
   
   • Monitor internal temperature closely
   • Don’t overcook beyond 145°F
   • Ensure uniform piece sizes
   • Use the right temperature setting
   • Consider brining for extra moisture
     
2. Achieving Maximum Crispiness:
   
   • Pat salmon completely dry
   • Don’t overcrowd the basket
   • Use adequate oil spray
   • Flip carefully during cooking
   • Let breading rest before cooking
     
3. Dealing with Common Issues:
   
   • Breading falling off
   • Uneven cooking
   • Temperature inconsistencies
   • Sauce texture problems
   • Reheating challenges

Conclusion

Ninja Air Fryer has changed the way we can make Bang Bang Salmon Bites at home. This method produces restaurant-quality results with less oil, less mess, and more consistent outcomes. The combination of crispy salmon, perfectly cooked in an addictive bang bang sauce, topped with a crunchy coating, is both healthy and crave-worthy. This air fryer version will become your new go to recipe whether you are cooking for your family or entertaining guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why use a Ninja Air Fryer instead of traditional frying?

Ninja Air Fryer delivers consistent results with reduced oil use, minimal mess, healthier cooking, and achieves that perfect crispy exterior. Additionally, it provides better temperature control and is simpler to clean.

2. Can I prepare the salmon bites in advance?

Yes, you can bread the salmon up to 4 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It tastes best when you bring it to room temperature for 10 minutes before air frying. The sauce can be prepared preserved for up to 3 days.

3. How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Make sure the salmon is dry, apply firm pressure to the Panko coating on the salmon, and spray with oil before air frying.

4. What’s the best way to check if the salmon is cooked?

Check with a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F. When you insert a fork into the salmon, it should be opaque all the way through and should flake easily.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but to prevent the air fryer basket from becoming overcrowded, cook in batches. Finish cooking the remaining batches while keeping the cooked pieces in a 200°F oven to keep them warm.

Last update on 2025-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API