If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts bold, creamy, and downright addictive, you’re in for a treat with this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe. Bite-sized pieces of tender salmon get tossed in a punchy spice blend, air-fried until perfectly crisp, and then drenched in a sweet, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang sauce that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe so special is how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create a showstopping dish. Each component adds its own flair, from juicy salmon to the vibrant sauce, making every bite pop with color and taste.
- Salmon Fillets: The star of the show! Opt for fresh, skinless salmon for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps the spices stick and ensures a beautiful, crisp finish in the air fryer.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and aroma to the salmon bites.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavor profile with a subtle sweetness.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses the salmon with a smoky, slightly peppery kick.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and enhances the salmon’s natural taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra heat, this gives the salmon a spicy edge.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce—rich and luscious.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings sweetness and just the right touch of heat to the sauce.
- Sriracha Sauce: Kicks things up with its spicy, garlicky flavor. Adjust to your preferred spice level!
- Honey: Adds a balancing sweetness that makes the sauce totally crave-worthy.
- Lime Juice: Brightens everything up with a hint of tang—and a squeeze really wakes up the sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. This Bang Bang sauce is the real flavor bomb—zippy, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet and heat. Give it a good stir until everything’s smooth and well combined, then set it aside so the flavors can mingle while you prep the salmon.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Next, grab your fresh salmon fillets and cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling spicy. This blend ensures every little piece is coated with bold, smoky flavor, and the olive oil helps everything stick while creating that irresistible crispy exterior.
Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the basket—don’t crowd them, so they crisp up beautifully. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to get even browning on all sides. The salmon should be golden, crispy on the outside, and perfectly tender inside.
Step 4: Serve with Sauce
Once your salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with that glorious Bang Bang sauce, saving a little extra on the side for dipping. The creamy, spicy sauce clings to each salmon piece, making every bite a flavor explosion. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Bang Bang Salmon Recipe really pop, finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or even a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. These garnishes add freshness, color, and a little extra crunch—plus, they make the dish look downright irresistible!
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice, crisp cucumber salad, or even some simple steamed veggies. If you want to keep things low-carb, serve the salmon bites over lettuce cups or alongside cauliflower rice for a lighter, yet still satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, skewer the salmon bites and serve them as party appetizers, or tuck them into warm tortillas for Bang Bang Salmon tacos. You can also pile them atop a fresh salad, or serve them over noodles with extra sauce for a heartier, fusion-inspired dinner. The options are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Bang Bang Salmon Recipe (it’s rare, but possible!), store the salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon will keep for up to 2 days, and the sauce can last up to a week.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze it in a pinch—just give it a good stir after thawing.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the salmon bites in the air fryer or oven until warmed through and crispy—about 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the salmon a bit soggy. Serve with fresh sauce for that just-made flavor!
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your salmon completely and pat it dry before seasoning. This helps the spices stick and ensures the salmon cooks up perfectly crisp.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce?
If you’re not a fan of mayo, try using Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative. It will still give you a creamy consistency, with a slightly tangier twist.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem at all! You can bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still get deliciously crisp, just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
How spicy is the sauce in this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe?
The sauce has a pleasant kick thanks to sriracha and sweet chili sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha. For extra fire, don’t shy away from a pinch of cayenne in the salmon seasoning as well.
Can I make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and season the salmon bites a few hours ahead—just keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. Cook the salmon just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Ready to shake up your weeknight dinners or impress guests at your next get-together? Give this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe a try—you’ll love how easy, flavorful, and fun it is to make. I can’t wait for you to experience the crispy bites and creamy sauce for yourself!
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Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe features crispy, flavorful salmon bites coated in a spicy and sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this quick and easy recipe uses an air fryer for a healthier, mess-free cooking method with bold and exciting flavors.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and 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)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld.
- Season Salmon: In a large mixing bowl, add the bite-sized salmon pieces. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss gently to evenly coat the salmon pieces with the seasoning.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote crispiness and prevent sticking, until the salmon is cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Carefully transfer the crispy salmon bites to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared Bang Bang sauce and accompany with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- For extra heat, adjust the cayenne pepper and sriracha sauce to your spice preference.
- Ensure salmon pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4 ounces salmon and sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
