Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something that’s bold, flavorful, and just a little bit addictive, this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how the crispy, perfectly seasoned salmon bites pair with that creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Bang Bang sauce—it just hits every spot! Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together, this dish never fails to deliver.

When I first tried this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together in such a fun way. You’ll find that the balance between the smoky spices on the salmon and the rich, zesty sauce makes every bite pop. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become one of those recipes that your family keeps asking for again and again.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to build layers of flavor while keeping it simple enough for any cook. Picking fresh salmon is your first step toward perfection.

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
• Olive Oil: Helps the salmon cook evenly and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: These spices create a smoky, savory base that really elevates the salmon.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Basic but essential to bring out the natural flavors of the fish.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): Adds a little heat if you want to spice things up.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy element in the Bang Bang sauce that balances heat and sweetness.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Gives that signature sweet, sticky, and mildly spicy flavor.
• Sriracha Sauce: Add more or less to suit your spice tolerance.
• Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to round out the sauce.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity for a fresh finish.

Variations

I love how flexible this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is—you can easily tweak flavor levels or swap out ingredients to fit your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to make it yours!

• Make it Spicier: I once doubled the sriracha and added extra cayenne for a fiery kick that my spice-loving friends adored.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap mayo for a vegan mayo or Greek yogurt if you want it lighter and still creamy.
• Grilling Instead of Air Frying: When the weather’s nice, I grill the salmon bites for a smoky char that pairs amazingly with the sauce.
• Fresh Herb Twist: Adding chopped cilantro or green onions to the sauce amps up freshness and color.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by combining mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the dish, so tasting and adjusting the sriracha here is key to match your preferred spice level.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites

In a large bowl, toss the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Make sure every bite is coated evenly—that’s where the flavor magic happens! I usually use my hands for an extra thorough mix.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket, making sure they’re not crowded—that’s important for getting that crispy edge. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to cook evenly. The salmon should be cooked through with a slightly crispy outside. If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches.

Step 4: Serve with Bang Bang Sauce

Transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle with your prepared Bang Bang sauce. I always like to serve extra sauce on the side—because you can never have too much! Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a few fresh cilantro leaves. It adds color, freshness, and a bit of crunch that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Sometimes, a wedge of lime on the side is great for an extra zing.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe are steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice, and a simple cucumber salad to cool down the heat. Roasted or air-fried veggies like asparagus or broccoli work beautifully for a balanced plate as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the salmon bites over a bed of crunchy shredded cabbage and carrots, kind of like a fresh slaw, then drizzle the Bang Bang sauce on top. It’s colorful, textural, and feels a bit elevated while still being super easy to put together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store the leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge, separated from the Bang Bang sauce if possible. This helps keep the salmon from getting soggy. They stay good for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, arrange the cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method prevents them from sticking together, and they last up to 2 months. I’ve done this, and it works well for a quick heat-and-eat meal later.

Reheating

For the best texture, I reheat leftover salmon bites in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes. This revives the crispiness much better than the microwave, which can make them mushy. Just drizzle fresh Bang Bang sauce on top after reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is one of those gems I keep coming back to because it’s quick, delicious, and always impresses. I love sharing it with friends who think salmon can be boring—this recipe totally changes the game. Give it a try and let me know how it becomes your new favorite too!

Print