Bang Bang Salmon

Bang Bang Salmon is a bold, flavorful dish made with crispy air-fried salmon bites tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Why This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe Works

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe combines crispy salmon chunks with a vibrant sauce that’s creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once. The magic is in the contrast: tender salmon on the inside, crisp edges on the outside, and a flavor-packed coating that hits all the right notes.

It’s perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Impressive party appetizers
• Meal prep lunches with bold flavor

Whether served as an appetizer or over rice or salad, it delivers a crave-worthy punch every time.

What Makes Bang Bang Salmon Special

• Crispy texture without deep-frying thanks to the air fryer
• Bold flavors from garlic, paprika, cayenne, and sweet chili sauce
• Customizable spice level for all palates
• Fast and easy prep, ready in under 30 minutes

This dish takes inspiration from the classic Bang Bang shrimp, but the use of salmon brings in heart-healthy omega-3 fats and rich, buttery flavor.

Prep Tips and Tools to Use

To make this dish seamless, prepare everything ahead before cooking begins.

Preparation Tips

• Use fresh, skinless salmon fillets for best texture
• Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking
• Pat dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the spices stick and ensure crisping

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer: Gives you crisp edges without extra oil
• Mixing bowls: For seasoning salmon and making the sauce
• Tongs or silicone spatula: For turning and serving
• Whisk: For blending the sauce evenly

Each tool plays a role in achieving the right balance of flavor and texture. The air fryer is especially crucial, giving the salmon a golden finish without added fat.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Salmon

Here’s everything you need, organized by component.

For the Salmon Bites

• 1½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

This combination delivers the signature creamy heat and sweetness of Bang Bang Sauce—the heart of this dish.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Follow these simple steps to perfect your Bang Bang Salmon every time.

Step 1: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise
• Thai sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey
• Lime juice

Mix until smooth and well blended. Adjust sriracha to increase or reduce heat.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

In a large bowl, toss salmon pieces with:

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (if using)

Make sure every piece is coated evenly.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes
• Place seasoned salmon in a single layer in the basket
• Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through
• The salmon should be cooked through and crisp on the edges

Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which prevents crisping.

Step 4: Serve

• Transfer cooked salmon to a serving dish
• Drizzle Bang Bang Sauce over the top
• Serve additional sauce on the side for dipping

Pro Tip: For the crispiest texture, wait until just before serving to drizzle the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Salmon is incredibly versatile. Here are some favorite ways to serve it:

As a Main Dish

Serve it over:

• Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
• Garlic noodles or stir-fried noodles
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro for freshness and color.

As an Appetizer

Serve salmon bites on a platter with toothpicks and a small bowl of Bang Bang Sauce for dipping. It’s a hit at parties, game nights, or as a finger food starter.

In Wraps or Bowls

Wrap salmon in:

• Lettuce leaves for a low-carb option
• Tortillas or flatbread for easy tacos

Add toppings like:

• Shredded cabbage
• Pickled carrots
• Spicy mayo drizzle
• Avocado slices

You can also build power bowls with a base of grains or greens, adding your salmon bites, roasted veggies, and a generous spoon of the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with simple recipes, a few missteps can affect the final result. Here are key mistakes to avoid when making Bang Bang Salmon, and how to get it just right.

Mistake 1: Overcooking the Salmon

Salmon cooks quickly, especially in an air fryer. Keep an eye on the cook time, and shake or flip halfway through. Overcooked salmon becomes dry and loses its tender texture.

Tip: Pull it out when the internal temperature hits 125–130°F and let it rest. Residual heat finishes the job.

Mistake 2: Using Skin-On Salmon

Skin-on salmon is harder to cube and crisp up evenly in the air fryer. Removing the skin first makes seasoning easier and promotes even browning.

Mistake 3: Overcrowding the Air Fryer

If the salmon is too close together, it will steam instead of crisp. Work in batches to ensure that hot air circulates evenly.

Mistake 4: Adding Sauce Too Early

While tempting, adding sauce before cooking will prevent the salmon from crisping. Always add the sauce after cooking for maximum texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dish Recommendations

Pairing the right side dish elevates your Bang Bang Salmon from a great dish to a complete, balanced meal. Here are eight options that complement its sweet and spicy flavor profile.

1. Coconut Rice

Fragrant and slightly sweet, coconut rice enhances the Thai-inspired flavors of the sauce. It also balances out the heat.

2. Garlic Sesame Noodles

Toss cooked noodles in sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic. These umami-packed noodles are a perfect savory partner.

3. Cucumber Salad

A chilled cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame, and a touch of sugar offers a refreshing contrast to the heat of the salmon.

4. Steamed Jasmine Rice

Light and fluffy, jasmine rice absorbs the bang bang sauce beautifully without overpowering the flavor.

5. Roasted Broccoli or Green Beans

Toss vegetables with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then roast until crisp. The mild bitterness of green vegetables complements the richness of the salmon.

6. Pickled Slaw

Crunchy slaw with a vinegar base cuts through the creamy sauce. Use cabbage, carrots, and jalapeños for a punch of flavor.

7. Fried Wontons or Egg Rolls

For a party setting, serve salmon alongside crispy wontons or egg rolls with dipping sauce to match the theme.

8. Miso Soup

A light miso broth with tofu and scallions rounds out the dish when served as part of an Asian-inspired dinner.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use these tips to customize and perfect your Bang Bang Salmon every time.

Tip 1: Use Fresh, High-Quality Salmon

Fresh salmon gives you the best flavor and texture. Ask for center-cut fillets at the seafood counter for uniform thickness.

Tip 2: Adjust Heat to Your Preference

Control spice by changing the amount of sriracha. Add more for a bold kick or reduce for a milder sauce.

Tip 3: Make it Gluten-Free or Low-Carb

Use gluten-free Thai sweet chili sauce and low-carb mayo to make the dish friendly for specific dietary needs. You can also swap honey for a sugar-free sweetener if needed.

Tip 4: Use the Sauce for More Than Salmon

The Bang Bang Sauce is extremely versatile. Use it as a dip for vegetables, drizzle over roasted shrimp, or even toss with crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Tip 5: Batch Cook for Meal Prep

Double the recipe and store portions for the week. Add it to lunch bowls, salads, or wraps for easy meals.

Storage Instructions

Bang Bang Salmon stores surprisingly well if you keep the sauce separate until reheating.

Refrigeration

• Store cooked salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the sauce in a separate container to preserve texture.

Freezing

• Freeze salmon bites in a single layer on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• Store for up to 2 months.
• Do not freeze the sauce; it may separate or lose texture.

Reheating Instructions

To retain crispiness, avoid the microwave if possible. Use the methods below:

Air Fryer Reheat

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F
• Reheat salmon for 3–4 minutes until hot and crisp

Oven Reheat

• Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment
• Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes

Microwave (If Needed)

• Microwave in 30-second intervals, uncovered
• Note: texture will be softer, not crispy

Always add sauce after reheating, not before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy texture.

Can I bake this instead of air frying?

Yes. Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be less crispy but still flavorful.

Is Bang Bang Sauce spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat. You can adjust the level by increasing or reducing the sriracha.

Can I use shrimp instead of salmon?

Absolutely. Just reduce the cooking time, as shrimp cooks faster—about 5–7 minutes in the air fryer.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, especially if you tone down the heat. The creamy sauce appeals to most palates.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use a dairy-free mayonnaise to keep the entire dish dairy-free.

Can I make this Whole30 compliant?

Yes. Use compliant mayo, swap out the sweet chili sauce and honey for approved ingredients like coconut aminos and date paste.

Can I store leftover sauce?

Yes, store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before using again.

What is the origin of Bang Bang Sauce?

The sauce is inspired by Asian-American fusion cuisine, often used in dishes like Bang Bang shrimp, made popular by chain restaurants and food blogs.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Salmon is more than just a quick meal. It’s bold, versatile, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe delivers every time. With its customizable heat level and prep-friendly nature, it fits perfectly into both weeknight routines and special occasions.

Try it once, and it might just earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.