Name: Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat); ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice

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If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight dinner that delivers on flavor, texture, and speed, look no further than Bang Bang Salmon. This dish takes tender, juicy salmon bites and gives them a crisp, golden exterior before drenching them in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce with an irresistibly zesty kick. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself, Bang Bang Salmon is always a sure-fire way to impress without any complicated steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Bang Bang Salmon so special is its perfect balance of straightforward ingredients—each one playing a starring role. From the succulent salmon itself to the punchy sauce, every component is thoughtfully chosen, giving you mouthwatering flavor with minimal effort.

Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, skinless salmon—cut into bite-sized pieces for maximum crispiness in every bite.
Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and promotes even browning in the air fryer.
Garlic powder: Lends a warm, savory depth with every mouthful.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and extra aroma to the salmon coating.
Smoked paprika: A touch of smokiness both boosts flavor and gives gorgeous color.
Salt: Brightens the flavors and balances the sweet and spicy sauce.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that complements the other spices.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Kick up the heat for a fiery finish, or skip it for a milder experience.
Mayonnaise: The rich, creamy base for that dreamy Bang Bang sauce.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings tang, sweetness, and a gentle chili pop to the table.
Sriracha sauce: For that spicy zing—adjust as you like for more or less heat.
Honey: Softens the spicy notes and rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Lime juice: Adds a dash of freshness and contrast, keeping the flavors lively.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by gathering all the ingredients for the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. The result should be luxuriously smooth and beautifully balanced, blending spicy, sweet, tangy, and creamy into one spoon-licking sauce. Once it’s ready, simply set it aside while you focus on prepping the salmon.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites

Toss your bite-sized pieces of salmon in a large mixing bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne if you want extra spice. This is your chance to get every edge coated—think of it as prepping each bite to be as tasty and bold as possible in the air fryer.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before cooking, make sure your air fryer is nice and hot by letting it preheat to 400°F (200°C) for three minutes. This will help your salmon bites turn out golden and crisp, sealing in the moisture while giving the outside that irresistible texture.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon Bites

Carefully layer your seasoned salmon pieces in the air fryer basket, giving them space to breathe and crisp up. You might need to do this in two rounds depending on your air fryer size. Cook for 8–10 minutes, giving the basket a shake at the halfway mark for even browning. When the salmon is cooked through, and the edges are just turning crisp, you’re ready for assembly!

Step 5: Serve and Sauce

With the salmon hot out of the air fryer, arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce, and leave the rest on the side for dipping. The creamy, spicy-sweet sauce soaks into every nook and cranny—this is the moment your Bang Bang Salmon truly comes to life!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Garnishes

A joyful Bang Bang Salmon feast is all about the finishing touches. Try sprinkling with thinly sliced green onions, a handful of sesame seeds, or even a scattering of chopped fresh cilantro to add color and vibrancy. These simple garnishes offer a fresh counterpoint to the creamy, spicy sauce.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Salmon pairs perfectly with a mound of steamed jasmine rice, a delicate cucumber salad, or garlicky stir-fried veggies. Think about sides that add crunch, help soak up the luscious sauce, or bring cooling freshness to balance the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun with your presentation! Pile Bang Bang Salmon into lettuce wraps for handheld bites, tuck them into tacos for a fusion twist, or serve them atop a grain bowl loaded with greens, roasted vegetables, and spicy mayo drizzle. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Bang Bang Salmon, let it cool down and then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For the best texture, keep any leftover sauce separate until you’re ready to eat.

Freezing

While you can freeze Bang Bang Salmon, keep in mind that the texture may soften a bit on thawing. Freeze the cooked salmon bites in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can whip it up in seconds!

Reheating

To recapture crisp edges, reheat the salmon bites in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Microwave reheating is quick but will soften the exterior. Add the sauce right before serving for the freshest flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I bake the salmon instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Spread the seasoned salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes or until cooked through and lightly crisped. Give them a quick broil for extra color if desired.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to mayonnaise?

Yes! Try using a good-quality vegan mayo or even Greek-style coconut yogurt as a base for your Bang Bang sauce. Both options maintain the creamy texture while keeping your dish dairy-free.

How spicy is Bang Bang Salmon?

It’s as spicy as you want it to be! The sriracha and optional cayenne pepper provide heat, but you can adjust these to your preference. For milder palates, reduce or omit the spicy ingredients—the dish will still be delicious.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Definitely! Just thaw the salmon completely and pat dry before cutting and seasoning. Removing extra moisture ensures the bites crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

What else can I use the Bang Bang sauce for?

The creamy, spicy sauce is a superstar with just about anything: drizzle over shrimp, use with crispy chicken, dunk roasted veggies, or slather on sandwiches—it’s incredibly versatile!

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Salmon is one of those recipes that never fails to wow—quick enough for a busy night but special enough for guests. Even if you’re new to cooking salmon, this method is foolproof and guaranteed to deliver flavor. Give it a try, add your own flair, and watch everyone reach for seconds!

Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Bang Bang Salmon is a delicious and spicy air-fried salmon dish that’s perfect for a flavorful and quick dinner. The crispy salmon is coated in a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Instructions

Prepare The Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside.
Prepare The Salmon Bites: In a large bowl, combine the salmon bites, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss until the salmon bites are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Cook The Salmon Bites: Place the salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry the salmon bites for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the edges.
Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: Asian