Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite seafood obsession: Bang Bang Salmon! This crave-worthy dish takes tender, bite-sized pieces of salmon, crisps them to perfection, and bathes them in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s nothing short of addictive. The recipe delivers seriously bold flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect weeknight hero or star of your next gathering. Whether you’re new to cooking salmon or a longtime seafood lover, Bang Bang Salmon is sure to win a regular spot on your dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of pantry staples and fresh salmon come together to make this vibrant dish. Every ingredient adds its own special flair, balancing richness, zing, and that signature bang of flavor.

• Salmon fillets (1 ½ pounds): Go for skinless salmon and cut it into bite-sized pieces—this ensures every morsel gets crispy and soaks up all the flavors.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A light coating gives the salmon a golden crust in the air fryer and helps the spices cling to every piece.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the salmon with savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic boost to the seasoning mix.
• Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle smokiness and beautiful color to the salmon bites.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the bright, bold flavors in the dish.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A touch of heat and earthiness that lifts the overall taste.
• Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): Use this if you love a little extra kick—it adds gentle fire without overpowering!
• Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for our luscious Bang Bang sauce.
• Thai sweet chili sauce (¼ cup): Brings a punch of sweet, tangy heat that makes the sauce irresistible.
• Sriracha sauce (1 tablespoon, adjust to taste): For spiciness and flavor complexity—dial it up or down to match your heat preference.
• Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds a floral sweetness that plays perfectly with the heat from the sauce.
• Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brings everything to life with zesty brightness.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Mix Up the Sauce

Start by combining all the Bang Bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl: mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy—the sauce should look silky, with just a hint of tang and spice in the aroma. Set this aside so the flavors can meld while you work on the salmon.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites

Place your salmon bites in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and (if you’re feeling bold) some cayenne pepper. Toss everything together with gentle hands for even distribution—the pink salmon will be beautifully speckled with spice.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

To get that all-important crispiness, you’ll want your air fryer hot and ready. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes; this ensures your salmon bites start sizzling the moment they hit the basket for maximum crunch factor.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd—give them space so hot air can work its magic. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for even crisping. The salmon should be crispy on the edges and cooked through, while remaining tender inside.

Step 5: Saucy Finish

Once the Bang Bang Salmon bites are golden and sizzling, transfer them to a platter. Generously drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the top, and serve any extra sauce on the side for dipping. Each bite is a flavor explosion, guaranteed to excite your tastebuds!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of chopped cilantro can take your Bang Bang Salmon to restaurant-worthy levels. These simple toppers add freshness, crunch, and a gorgeous pop of color to each irresistible bite.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Salmon is incredibly versatile—serve it atop fluffy steamed jasmine rice, with a side of crunchy slaw, or even over a bed of lightly dressed mixed greens for a vibrant bowl. Roasted vegetables, sesame noodles, or a refreshingly tangy cucumber salad make stellar companions too.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Bang Bang Salmon makes a stunning appetizer when skewered on small bamboo picks for party platters. You can also tuck the salmon and extra sauce into soft taco shells with shredded cabbage for easy, flavorful salmon tacos, or assemble eye-catching rice bowls dotted with bright veggies and drizzled with the signature sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To save any leftover Bang Bang Salmon, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—just be sure to keep the sauce and salmon in separate containers if possible to maintain that crispy texture.

Freezing

Freezing Bang Bang Salmon is a breeze! Lay the cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep fresh for up to 2 months. Hold off on saucing the salmon until after reheating for the best results.

Reheating

For leftover Bang Bang Salmon, the air fryer or a hot oven are your best friends—just reheat at 375°F for a few minutes until heated through and crisped up. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but you’ll lose a bit of that signature crunch. Add the sauce after reheating to keep everything vibrant and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Bang Bang Salmon?

Yes, you can! Thaw your frozen salmon fillets completely and pat them dry before cutting and seasoning. This helps them get super crispy in the air fryer and soak up all the delicious flavors of the Bang Bang Salmon recipe.

What’s a good alternative to mayo in the Bang Bang sauce?

If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. It delivers a similar creamy texture and works well with the other sauce ingredients, bringing a slight tang and a healthy twist.

How spicy is Bang Bang Salmon?

The spice level is totally adjustable! Between the sriracha and optional cayenne pepper, you can crank up the heat or keep it mild. Start with less, taste, and add more according to your spice-loving heart.

Can I make Bang Bang Salmon without an air fryer?

Absolutely! Simply bake the salmon bites on a lined sheet at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning, or pan-sear them in a skillet with a little oil. The result is still delicious and perfectly saucy.

Is Bang Bang Salmon gluten-free?

Bang Bang Salmon is naturally gluten-free if all your ingredients are safe (always double-check your sweet chili sauce and sriracha). It’s a fantastic option for entertaining guests with dietary needs—just serve with gluten-free sides!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as quick as it is unforgettable, you simply have to try Bang Bang Salmon! Each bite bursts with creamy, zesty flavor and just the right hint of heat. Invite your family, wow your friends, or keep it all to yourself—because this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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