Name: Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 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

Bang Bang Salmon is a game-changing dinner you’ll want to make on repeat. Imagine juicy, bite-sized salmon with shatteringly crisp edges, all tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that sings with Thai sweet chili, sriracha, and a pop of lime. This easy air fryer recipe is not just quick and convenient—it’s downright addictive, balancing bold flavor with tender texture in every bite. Whether you serve it as a weeknight star or party appetizer, Bang Bang Salmon promises to wow your taste buds and become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of Bang Bang Salmon is how it transforms a handful of everyday staples into something unforgettable. Every ingredient is chosen for its impact, creating a harmony of crunchy, creamy, fiery, and fresh. Here’s what you’ll need to pull off this flavor explosion:

Salmon Fillets: Fresh, skinless salmon cut into bite-sized pieces cooks evenly and absorbs the marinade beautifully.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon helps crisp up the salmon and makes the seasonings stick.
Garlic Powder: For savory depth and irresistible aroma in each bite.
Onion Powder: Adds mellow sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness that elevates the salmon’s natural flavors.
Salt: Essential for enhancing the taste of both the salmon and the seasonings.
Black Pepper: Brings gentle heat and a bit of bite to the party.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): If you crave extra spice, this is your secret weapon.
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the Bang Bang sauce, helping it cling to the salmon.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Gives the sauce its signature sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy kick.
Sriracha Sauce: For smoky heat that you can ramp up or down to taste.
Honey: Adds balance and a touch of glossy sweetness to offset the spice.
Lime Juice: Wakes up all the flavors with its zesty brightness.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Stir Together the Bang Bang Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until you’ve got a creamy, dreamy pink sauce. Give it a quick taste—add more sriracha if you’re a heat-seeker, or dial it back for a gentler kick. Set the sauce aside; you’ll want to have it ready for your piping-hot salmon bites.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

In a big bowl, toss your salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re craving extra spice. Make sure every surface gets coated in those seasonings—this is where all that irresistible flavor gets locked in.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Turn your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about three minutes. This step helps guarantee you’ll get that golden, crispy exterior right from the start, so don’t skip it!

Step 4: Cook the Salmon Bites

Place the salmon in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll know the Bang Bang Salmon is done when it’s cooked through, flaking easily and sporting crispy edges that beg to be dunked in sauce.

Step 5: Finish With the Bang Bang Sauce

Carefully transfer the hot salmon bites to a serving platter. Now for the fun part—drizzle the magic Bang Bang sauce all over, giving it a glossy, irresistible finish. Keep some sauce on the side for dipping, because trust me, you’ll want more.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Garnishes

Serve Bang Bang Salmon with a handful of sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for color and freshness. Toasted sesame seeds add a fun nutty crunch, or go bold with a scattering of thinly sliced red chili for even more zing.

Side Dishes

This salmon is fantastic with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even fluffy quinoa. Try it with crisp cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or a tangy Asian slaw to balance the richness of the sauce and keep your meal vibrant and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, pile Bang Bang Salmon onto skewers for party-friendly nibbles or tuck the bites into lettuce cups for a fresh, finger food twist. For a main course, spoon the salmon over rice bowls loaded with pickled veggies and avocado, then finish with extra sauce drizzled on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Bang Bang Salmon leftovers can be a lifesaver! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salmon stays moist, and any extra sauce will keep just as well—perfect for topping tomorrow’s salad or sandwich.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This step prevents sticking and helps maintain the crispy edges when you reheat. The salmon will keep its best flavor and texture for up to two months in the freezer.

Reheating

The air fryer is your best friend for reheating Bang Bang Salmon. A few minutes at 350°F will bring back the crispiness without drying out the fish. Avoid microwaving if you can—it’s fast, but your salmon will lose that perfect bite and may get soggy.

FAQs

Can I bake the salmon instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Simply bake the salmon bites on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway for even crisping. You’ll still get great results and all the Bang Bang Salmon flavor you love.

What type of salmon is best for Bang Bang Salmon?

King or Atlantic salmon are delicious choices for their richness and firm texture, but sockeye or coho also work well. The key is using skinless fillets in bite-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly and soaks up the sauce.

Is Bang Bang Salmon spicy?

It has a mild-to-medium kick, thanks to sriracha and Thai sweet chili sauce. You control the heat: reduce sriracha for a gentler flavor, or add extra cayenne in the seasoning blend if you like things fiery.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bang Bang sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good stir before using—making it ahead actually allows those flavors to meld and intensify.

Is it possible to use frozen salmon?

Yes, but be sure to thaw completely and pat it dry first. Excess moisture can prevent the salmon from getting crispy and dilute the bold flavors of Bang Bang Salmon.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to break the dinner routine and treat yourself to something both effortless and extraordinary, give Bang Bang Salmon a whirl. With bright flavors, fun textures, and a recipe that couldn’t be simpler, this is one dish you’ll want to keep coming back to—friends and family will rave! Happy cooking!

Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon