Bang Bang Salmon is a delicious, quick, and flavorful dish featuring crispy salmon bites tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce. The combination of crispy salmon and the bold, sweet, and spicy sauce makes this dish a hit whether served as a main course, appetizer, or snack. Ready in just 27 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight or any meal when you want something simple but indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between crispy, tender salmon and a flavorful, spicy sauce. The air fryer makes the salmon perfectly crispy without the extra oil, and the Bang Bang sauce is the star—combining sweet chili, sriracha, and lime for a tangy, slightly spicy kick. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether I’m preparing it for a casual meal or a special treat, this dish never disappoints!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon Bites:

  • 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)

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

directions

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
I start by whisking together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. I make sure the sauce is well-combined and set it aside.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites
In a large bowl, I toss the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). I make sure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mix.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to make sure it’s ready for the salmon bites.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
Once the air fryer is preheated, I place the salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. I make sure not to overcrowd the basket, so I may need to cook in batches. I air fry the salmon for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the edges.

Step 5: Serve
After cooking, I transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter. I drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon and serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping. It’s ready to enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings and takes just 27 minutes to prepare and cook.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with flavors, so here are some variations I like:

  • More Heat: If I want a spicier kick, I increase the amount of sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

  • Vegetables: I sometimes add air-fried veggies like asparagus or bell peppers on the side for a complete meal.

  • Substitute Protein: While salmon is my go-to, I’ve made this with chicken breast or even tofu for a different twist.

storage/reheating

  • Refrigeration: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: To freeze, I place the cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

  • Reheating: I reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep the salmon crispy.

FAQs

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes! I can make this recipe in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! I adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to my preferred heat level. I can also add more cayenne to the salmon bites for extra spice.

Can I use frozen salmon?

I recommend using fresh salmon fillets for the best texture, but if I only have frozen salmon, I make sure to fully thaw it and remove excess moisture before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This gives the flavors even more time to meld together.

What else can I serve with Bang Bang Salmon?

I like serving this dish with rice, a light salad, or steamed vegetables. It pairs wonderfully with something that balances the richness of the sauce.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon is a delicious, quick, and flavorful dish that I can whip up in no time. The crispy salmon, combined with the tangy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, makes for an irresistible meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. The air fryer makes it easier than ever to cook perfectly crispy salmon without much fuss.

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Bang Bang Salmon: Crispy, Tangy, and Flavorful

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Bang Bang Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish featuring crispy salmon bites coated in a tangy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. The crispy salmon, paired with the sweet and spicy sauce, makes this dish perfect for any occasion.


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


Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice to make the Bang Bang sauce. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to coat evenly.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  4. Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if needed. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
  5. Transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter, drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce, and serve with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or add more cayenne to the salmon bites.

For a complete meal, serve with air-fried vegetables such as asparagus or bell peppers.

This recipe can also be made with chicken breast or tofu for a different protein option.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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