Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

If you’re craving a lightning-fast dinner that’s exploding with flavor and texture, my Bang Bang Salmon is about to become your newest obsession. Bite-sized pieces of salmon are air-fried until irresistibly crisp, then draped in a creamy, zesty, just-spicy-enough Bang Bang sauce for a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is simple to make.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s genuinely amazing how just a handful of straightforward ingredients can come together for something this bold and addictive! Each component in Bang Bang Salmon plays a distinct role: flavoring, color, crunch, or delivering the signature creamy heat in the sauce. Here’s what goes in and why it matters:

• Salmon Fillets (skin removed): Fresh, high-quality salmon ensures you get tender, flavorful bites—removing the skin helps each piece crisp up evenly.
• Olive Oil: Lightly coats the salmon bites to help the spices stick and encourages those crisp, golden edges in the air fryer.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples lay down a savory, aromatic foundation that perfectly complements rich salmon.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a lovely reddish hue to make the bites extra tempting.
• Salt & Black Pepper: The classic seasoning duo, dialing up the natural flavors in every bite.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): Provides a customizable hit of heat—add more or less depending on how spicy you want your Bang Bang Salmon.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of that addictive Bang Bang sauce, helping it cling deliciously to each bite.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: The magical sweet-spicy element that makes the sauce utterly irresistible.
• Sriracha Sauce: Sriracha brings the punchy heat and a little extra zing to the sauce—adjust to taste for your spice preference.
• Honey: Adds balance and a silky sweetness that mellows and rounds out the sauce perfectly.
• Lime Juice: Brightens it all up, adding citrusy zip that cuts through the richness.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Bang Bang Salmon is just how endlessly adaptable it is. Whether you’re working with what’s handy in the fridge, catering to allergies, or simply tinkering for fun, you can truly make this dish your own.

• Bang Bang Shrimp: Swap bite-sized salmon for shrimp—just adjust your cook time since shrimp cooks a bit faster.
• Keto-Friendly: Use a sugar-free chili sauce and swap the honey for a keto sweetener for an ultra low-carb version.
• Oven-Baked Method: Don’t have an air fryer? Bake the salmon bites in a hot oven (425°F) on a parchment-lined tray for a similar golden finish.
• Dairy-Free: Be sure your mayo is dairy-free (most are), and this dish easily fits lactose-free diets.
• Vegetarian Twist: Try Bang Bang cauliflower florets—the sauce pairs deliciously with roasted veggies!

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Mix Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. You want a silky, coral-pink sauce that tastes a little sweet, tangy, and perfectly spicy—don’t be afraid to adjust the sriracha for more or less heat. Set it aside so those flavors can meld while you prep the salmon.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites

In a large bowl, toss your salmon bites with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you love a kick. Use a gentle hand so you don’t break up the salmon—each chunk should be evenly coated with the vibrant spice mix.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes for that initial blast of heat. Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket—don’t crowd them, or you’ll lose out on the magical crispiness. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until each piece is golden, crispy-edged, and juicy within.

Step 4: Saucy Finish & Serve

Once they’re cooked, immediately transfer your salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce, tossing to coat if you like, and serve extra sauce on the side for dipping. Now comes the best part—dig in while it’s hot and crispy!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Garnishes

For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped scallions, cilantro, or sesame seeds over your Bang Bang Salmon just before serving. A wedge of fresh lime on the side not only looks inviting but gives each bite a bright finish when squeezed over the top.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic with fluffy jasmine or coconut rice to soak up the extra sauce, a cool cucumber salad for crunch and contrast, or lightly stir-fried veggies for a fresh, balanced plate. For something more casual, pile the salmon bites into lettuce wraps or over warm quinoa for a hearty bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make Bang Bang Salmon the centerpiece of your next get-together? Thread the cooked salmon bites onto skewers for easy party nibbles, assemble mini salmon tacos with cabbage slaw for a playful twist, or set out all the components “build-your-own” style for a fun and interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftover Bang Bang Salmon (it’s rare!), pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep any leftover sauce separate so the salmon stays crisp.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the cooked salmon bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm; then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last up to 2 months and can be reheated directly from frozen.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat Bang Bang Salmon in your air fryer or oven at 350°F until hot and crispy—about 5 minutes does the trick. Microwave works in a pinch, but you may lose a little crunch. Drizzle with fresh Bang Bang sauce just before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Bang Bang Salmon—it’s everything I love about weeknight cooking: fast, flavorful, and impossible not to crave again and again. Make it your own, share it with friends or family, and get ready for rave reviews at your table!

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