1-First step: Prep the salmon and seasoning Start by patting the salmon dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and also helps the salmon brown better in the air fryer. Remove the skin if needed, then cut the salmon into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Try to keep the pieces close in size so they cook at the same pace. Place the salmon pieces in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss gently until every piece is coated. If you want a lighter taste, you can reduce the salt a little, but keep enough seasoning for the sauce to balance well.

2-Second step: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 2 teaspoons Sriracha, and 2 tablespoons honey. Taste it and adjust the Sriracha if you want more heat. The sauce should taste creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy. For the best texture, divide the sauce in half. Keep one half for tossing with the cooked salmon and save the other half for drizzling at the end. This gives you flavor in every bite without making the salmon too soft. The trick is to keep part of the Bang Bang Sauce on the side. That way, your salmon stays crisp while still getting that rich, saucy finish.

3-Third step: Preheat the air fryer Set your air fryer to 390°F and let it preheat for a few minutes. Preheating helps the salmon start cooking right away, which gives you better texture. If your air fryer runs hot, check the salmon a minute early so it does not overcook. Arrange the salmon in a single layer in the basket. Cook in batches if needed. Crowding the basket will trap steam, and that can soften the salmon instead of giving you those lightly crisp edges people love in Air Fryer Salmon.

4-Fourth step: Air fry until tender and cooked through Air fry the salmon bites for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn them once during cooking. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140 to 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. Because the pieces are small, they cook quickly. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes. If you are making this for kids or anyone who prefers milder food, you can keep the sauce light and serve extra on the side.

5-Fifth step: Coat with sauce and finish Place the cooked salmon in a bowl and toss it with the half of the Bang Bang Sauce you reserved for mixing. Do this gently so the bites stay intact. Then transfer the salmon to a serving plate and drizzle the remaining sauce on top. Finish with chopped chives for color and freshness. The final dish should look glossy, bright, and full of flavor. Serve right away while the salmon is warm.

6-Sixth step: Oven method if you do not have an air fryer To bake Bang Bang Salmon Bites, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the seasoned salmon pieces on the sheet in a single layer. Bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. For the oven version, keep the salmon unsauced while it bakes. Toss it in the Bang Bang Sauce after it comes out of the oven, then garnish with chives. This method gives you a similar result with very little effort and works well when you need a bigger batch.

7-Seventh step: Serve and enjoy Serve these Bang Bang Salmon Bites as an appetizer or as a main dish. They pair nicely with rice, salads, lettuce wraps, skewers, or sliders with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. The sauce also works well as a dip on the side if you want extra flavor.