Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

There’s something about crispy, golden salmon bites paired with a creamy, tangy, slightly spicy sauce that feels like an instant win. Bang bang salmon is one of those dishes that balances bold flavors with comforting textures, and it’s shockingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish does it all. Plus, it’s made in the air fryer, so you get that irresistible crunch without deep frying. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself craving these salmon bites again and again!

this RECIPE

A little backstory: How I fell in love with bang bang salmon

The first time I made bang bang salmon, it was a happy accident. I was scrolling through my pantry, looking for something new to try with a few salmon fillets in the fridge. My kids had just discovered “bang bang chicken” at a local restaurant and couldn’t stop talking about the sweet-and-spicy sauce. So, I decided to experiment, using salmon instead of chicken. The results? Magical. The crispy salmon bites held onto the sauce beautifully, and every bite was a flavor explosion. My husband called it a “restaurant-quality meal,” and I knew I had stumbled upon something worth sharing.

Where did “bang bang” come from, anyway?

Bang bang sauce, popularized in Asian-inspired cuisine, gets its name from its bold, “bang!” flavor profile. It’s typically a combination of sweet chili, mayonnaise, and a kick of heat (hello, sriracha!) that creates an addictive balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy. While bang bang dishes traditionally feature chicken or shrimp, salmon is an equally delicious (and slightly healthier) option. Plus, air frying makes it lighter and quicker than ever before.

Let’s talk ingredients: Building the perfect bite

For this recipe, you’ll need two main components: salmon bites and the iconic bang bang sauce. Here’s why they work so well together:

• Salmon: The star of the show. Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with the skin removed. If fresh isn’t an option, frozen (thawed) salmon works, too. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has a naturally buttery texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating and bold sauce.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning in the air fryer. Avocado oil is a great alternative if you prefer.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper add layers of flavor. The smoked paprika brings a subtle smokiness that enhances the salmon, while cayenne pepper adds just a hint of heat (totally optional).
• Bang bang sauce: A creamy dream made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. The mayo adds richness, the sweet chili brings a tangy sweetness, sriracha gives a spicy kick, and the honey and lime balance everything with a touch of sweetness and acidity. Feel free to tweak the sriracha for your preferred heat level.

Kitchen gear: What you’ll need

This recipe doesn’t require much, but a few tools will make things easier:

• Air fryer: The MVP here! It ensures the salmon bites come out crispy without needing oil-heavy frying. No air fryer? No problem—bake them in a regular oven at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes.
• Mixing bowls: One for seasoning the salmon and another for whipping up the sauce. Nothing fancy, just practical.
• Tongs or a spatula: For turning the salmon bites, though shaking the air fryer basket works just as well.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the bang bang sauce into creamy perfection.

Step-by-step: Making bang bang salmon like a pro

1. Whisk up the sauce: Start by combining the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk it until smooth, then set it aside. Pro tip: Taste as you go! If you want more heat, add extra sriracha. If you like it sweeter, drizzle in a bit more honey.
2. Season the salmon: In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (if using). Mix well until every piece is evenly coated. I love how the spices bring out the natural richness of the salmon while adding just the right amount of kick.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the salmon cooks evenly and gets that beautiful crispy exterior.
4. Air fry the salmon: Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd! You want space for the air to circulate around each piece. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The salmon should be golden, slightly crispy on the edges, and cooked through.
5. Drizzle and serve: Transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter, drizzle with your bang bang sauce, and serve the rest of the sauce on the side for dipping. Get ready for compliments!

Variations and tweaks: Make it your own

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas:

• Make it gluten-free: Double-check your sweet chili sauce and sriracha labels, but most are naturally gluten-free.
• Try a keto version: Use a sugar-free sweet chili sauce and swap the honey for a low-carb sweetener.
• Spice it up: Add more cayenne to the salmon or increase the sriracha in the sauce for an extra fiery kick.
• Go dairy-free: Replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo for a dairy-free bang bang sauce.
• Seasonal variations: In summer, serve these salmon bites on a bed of greens for a fresh, light salad. In winter, pair them with roasted vegetables or mashed sweet potatoes for a cozy meal.
• International twist: Try adding a teaspoon of soy sauce to the bang bang sauce for an umami boost, or sprinkle sesame seeds over the finished dish for a touch of crunch.

Serving suggestions: Wow your dinner table

For a beautiful presentation, arrange the salmon bites on a platter, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with thinly sliced green onions or chopped cilantro. Serve alongside jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa for a hearty meal. Want to keep it light? Pair with a crisp cucumber salad or roasted asparagus. These bites also work wonderfully as an appetizer—just stick toothpicks in them for easy party snacking.

Drink pairings: Cheers to bang bang salmon!

A dish this bold deserves a great drink to match. For wine lovers, a chilled sauvignon blanc or rosé complements the tangy, spicy sauce beautifully. Prefer beer? A light, citrusy IPA or wheat beer cuts through the richness of the salmon. And if you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic, a sparkling limeade or iced green tea is refreshing and pairs perfectly.

Leftovers and storage tips

If you somehow end up with leftovers (unlikely!), store the salmon bites and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salmon will stay good for up to 2 days, while the sauce can last up to a week. To reheat, pop the salmon in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon soggy.

Scaling it up or down

Cooking for one? Halve the recipe and cook fewer salmon bites in a single batch. Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe, but remember to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. The sauce is easy to scale—just adjust the measurements proportionally.

Troubleshooting tips

• Overcrowded air fryer: If the salmon doesn’t crisp up, you probably crowded the basket. Give each piece space to breathe!
• Dry salmon: Cooking too long can dry it out, so stick to the recommended 8-10 minutes.
• Sauce too spicy? Add an extra dollop of mayo or a teaspoon of honey to mellow it out.

Give it a try!

This bang bang salmon recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a cheat code—easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether it’s your first time air frying salmon or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Don’t forget to tweak it to your taste and let me know how it turns out. I can’t wait to hear your spin on it!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes or pan-fry them over medium heat.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

4. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, but reduce the sriracha and cayenne if your little ones prefer milder flavors.

5. What other proteins can I use?
Shrimp, chicken, or tofu are great substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Print