Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts bold, creamy, and irresistibly crave-worthy, you have to make Bang Bang Salmon! These bite-sized salmon pieces are air fried to crispy perfection, then tossed in a dreamy, spicy-sweet sauce that balances Thai flavors with a zesty kick of heat. It’s a dish that feels playful yet impressive — a serious flavor bomb that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but will thrill at any dinner party. Trust me, once you’ve tried Bang Bang Salmon, you’ll want to make it on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bang Bang Salmon comes together with a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients — each one making a difference in taste, texture, and that visual wow factor. From the richness of fresh salmon to the zingy vibrance of the sauce, here’s what you’ll need:

• Salmon fillets (1 ½ pounds): Opt for skinless fillets cut into bite-sized cubes; super fresh salmon delivers the best texture and taste.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the spices stick and encourages an ultra crispy edge in the air fryer.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory layer that feels warm and comforting without overpowering the fish.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Brings mild sweetness and earthy depth to the coating.
• Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Lends a gentle smokiness and striking color.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Brightens and elevates every bite, making the salmon sing.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick and fragrance.
• Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): Perfect for those who crave an extra punch of heat — totally adjustable to taste.
• Mayonnaise (½ cup): The backbone of Bang Bang sauce, giving it that creamy, luscious mouthfeel.
• Thai sweet chili sauce (¼ cup): Delivers the signature sticky sweetness and gentle spice that makes the sauce addictive.
• Sriracha sauce (1 tablespoon, adjust to taste): For heat and complexity — start with a little, taste, and add more if you dare.
• Honey (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the flavors for a perfectly balanced sauce.
• Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Cuts through the richness with a pop of fresh acidity.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

Start your Bang Bang Salmon journey by whisking together all the sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Just combine them in a small bowl until the color is even and glossy. Set the sauce aside, and feel free to give it a quick taste — this is where you decide if you want it a bit spicier or sweeter based on your cravings.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites

Place your salmon cubes in a large bowl and drizzle them with a tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle over garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Toss everything together until each salmon piece is shimmering with spices — this ensures that every bite bursts with flavor once cooked.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about three minutes. This step helps the salmon bites get beautifully crispy on the outside while staying juicy within. If you’re using an oven-style air fryer, make sure the tray is also hot before adding the salmon.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon Bites

Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd, so work in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The goal is golden, slightly crispy edges and a tender, flaky center — watch for that mouthwatering color change!

Step 5: Plate and Sauce

Transfer your sizzling salmon bites onto a serving platter. Generously drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce, letting it cascade over the salmon, and serve any remaining sauce on the side for dipping. Admire how the sauce clings to those crispy edges — this is what makes Bang Bang Salmon so irresistible!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Garnishes

Top your Bang Bang Salmon with a sprinkle of sliced green onions or chives for color and freshness. Toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness and crunch, while an extra squeeze of lime takes the flavor up another notch. For a dash of elegance, try a few sprigs of fresh cilantro scattered across the top.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Salmon pairs perfectly with simple jasmine rice or coconut rice, which soaks up any extra sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it over a bed of crisp greens or alongside steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted sweet potatoes. If you love fusion, slider buns or tortillas make it feel fun and new.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, skewer the cooked salmon bites with toothpicks for crowd-pleasing appetizers drizzled in bang bang sauce. You can also toss them into grain bowls with quinoa or tuck them into lettuce wraps with shredded veggies for a playfully healthy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Bang Bang Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep its best flavor and texture for up to two days, though it’s so tasty you might not have any left to save!

Freezing

While Bang Bang Salmon is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon bites before saucing for up to a month. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before tossing with freshly made sauce.

Reheating

Reheat your salmon bites in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through and re-crisped on the outside. For extra moisture, loosely tent with foil. Add fresh sauce just before serving for that just-made flavor!

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Salmon without an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake the seasoned salmon bites on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once for even crispiness. A regular oven works beautifully — just keep an eye out for that delicious golden hue!

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce?

You can use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version of the sauce, or try a vegan mayo alternative if you prefer a plant-based option. Adjust the other sauce flavors as needed for personal taste.

How spicy is Bang Bang Salmon?

The spiciness is completely manageable and customizable! Start with less sriracha and cayenne, taste, and increase the heat factor to your liking. The sauce should be balanced, not overpowering.

What kind of salmon should I buy?

Fresh, skinless Atlantic or wild-caught Pacific salmon works great for Bang Bang Salmon. Just make sure to remove any stray pin bones before cutting into cubes. Frozen salmon (thawed completely) also works well in a pinch.

Can I prepare Bang Bang Salmon in advance for a party?

You can prep the sauce and season the salmon a day ahead, keeping both refrigerated. Air fry just before serving for maximum crispiness, then finish with bang bang sauce at the table for a showstopping effect!

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Salmon is pure joy on a plate — the kind of dish you’ll want to share and show off, yet it’s secretly so simple. Give this recipe a try and watch everyone light up at first bite. Don’t be surprised if Bang Bang Salmon becomes your new go-to whenever you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss!

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