Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Bang Bang Salmon is the kind of dish that instantly wins over a crowd from the very first bite – think crispy, golden nuggets of salmon tossed in a creamy, tangy, sweet, and ever-so-slightly spicy sauce that’s downright addictive. Bursting with bold flavors from Thai sweet chili, sriracha, and a fresh squeeze of lime, this recipe proves you really can create restaurant-worthy meals at home with just a few humble ingredients. Whether you’re looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine or want a fun and flavorful dish to share with friends, Bang Bang Salmon is always the star of the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bang Bang Salmon lies in its straightforward ingredient list, yet each element truly plays a role in balancing taste, creating texture, and making the colors pop. Here’s what you’ll need and why every piece matters.

• Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, skinless salmon for the best results – its mild richness is the perfect canvas for bold flavors.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning coat every bite and promotes that irresistible crisp exterior in the air fryer.
• Garlic powder: Layers in a mellow, savory note beneath the punchy sauce.
• Onion powder: Adds just a hint of sweetness to round out the spice blend.
• Smoked paprika: Introduces a touch of smokiness and a lovely deep-red hue to your salmon bites.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and brings out the best in the salmon.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the other seasonings.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra heat, sprinkle this in for a fiery kick.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation for Bang Bang Salmon’s signature sauce that clings to every piece.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Gives the sauce its classic syrupy sweetness and subtle spice.
• Sriracha: The key to the sauce’s gentle bite – adjust to taste depending on your heat preference.
• Honey: Balances out the spicy and tangy elements with natural sweetness.
• Lime juice: A pop of citrus that brightens up the flavors and cuts through the richness.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Mix Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha (add more or less depending on your spice level), honey, and freshly squeezed lime juice. This is the magic that transforms plain salmon into Bang Bang Salmon, with its tantalizing blend of creamy, zesty, sweet, and spicy flavors. Set the sauce aside – you might find yourself sneaking a little taste with a spoon!

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Place your salmon pieces in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and, if you’re in the mood for some heat, a pinch of cayenne. Toss everything gently until each salmon bite is evenly coated – this simple dry rub locks in flavor and ensures every piece crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep Your Air Fryer

Get that air fryer ready by preheating it to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. A quick preheat ensures each piece starts cooking at the perfect temp, leading to maximum crisping power. If you’re working with a small basket, don’t fret – work in batches to keep the salmon pieces from steaming.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon Bites

Arrange the seasoned salmon in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not crowded. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to flip and brown everything evenly. When each piece is crisp at the edges and tender in the middle, your Bang Bang Salmon bites are ready!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Pile the sizzling hot salmon bites onto a platter and drizzle them with your homemade Bang Bang sauce. Be sure to save a little extra for dipping on the side. This final flourish takes the salmon from good to unforgettable – all that’s left is to dig in!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Garnishes

Turn your Bang Bang Salmon into an eye-catching centerpiece with a scatter of fresh green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even a handful of chopped cilantro. These fresh, bright garnishes add visual pop and another layer of flavor, making every bite a little more exciting.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Salmon is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides! Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all that luscious sauce, or try it with a crisp, Asian-style slaw for a refreshing crunch. If you’re going low-carb, nestle the salmon on a bed of greens or wrap up bite-sized pieces in lettuce cups for fun, hands-on eating.

Creative Ways to Present

This recipe shines as a party appetizer when toothpicked and served alongside the Bang Bang sauce for dipping. Or, build rice bowls with your favorite veggies and drizzle sauce right overtop. For a playful dinner, tuck Bang Bang Salmon into warm tortillas with slaw and avocado – instant fusion tacos!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Bang Bang Salmon is just as delicious the next day! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, keep the salmon and sauce separate so the bites stay crisp until you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

Freeze cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. While the sauce is best made fresh, you can whip up a new batch in minutes anytime you have a craving.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the salmon bites back into the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy – it usually only takes a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it may make the exterior less crisp. Add fresh sauce after reheating for that signature Bang Bang Salmon zing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Bang Bang Salmon?

Absolutely! Just thaw the salmon fillets thoroughly before cutting into bites and pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures the seasoning sticks and the salmon gets beautifully crispy in the air fryer.

What’s the best way to make Bang Bang Salmon spicy?

For more heat, increase the sriracha in the sauce or add more cayenne pepper to the seasoning rub. You can also sprinkle extra chili flakes on top before serving if you’re a true spice lover.

Can I bake Bang Bang Salmon instead of air frying?

Definitely! Lay the seasoned salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once for even browning. They may not be quite as crisp as air fried, but they’re still delicious!

Is there a mayonnaise substitute for the sauce?

If you prefer a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and light mayo for the sauce. You’ll still get that delightful creamy base with a slight tang that pairs well with the salmon.

Can I make Bang Bang Salmon ahead for a party?

You can! Prepare the salmon bites and sauce in advance, but keep them separate until ready to serve. Reheat the salmon so it’s warm and crisp, then toss with sauce just before setting out for guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, lively, and guaranteed to impress, give Bang Bang Salmon a try. Every bite is satisfyingly crispy, coated with crave-worthy sauce, and bursting with vibrant flavor. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy it – happy cooking!

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