Bang bang salmon is the perfect recipe when you need something quick, crispy, and absolutely packed with flavor. With a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce and tender air-fried salmon bites, this dish hits every craving. It’s an easy dinner that feels gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it over rice, in wraps, or as sliders, this bang bang salmon recipe will be your new weeknight favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to Make: Ready in just 25 minutes
Healthier Cooking Method: Made in the air fryer or oven
Versatile: Serve over rice, salad, noodles, or in lettuce wraps
Make Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep
Customizable Heat: Adjust spice to suit your taste
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1½ lbs fresh salmon, skin removed and cubed (1-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Lemon wedges
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 390°F while you prepare the salmon. - Season the Salmon
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss in salmon pieces and coat evenly. - Mix the Sauce
In another bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Reserve half the sauce for later. - Coat the Salmon
Toss the seasoned salmon bites in the remaining half of the bang bang sauce. - Air Fry
Arrange salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4–5 minutes, flip, then cook another 4–5 minutes until golden and the internal temperature hits 140–145°F. - Serve
Drizzle with reserved sauce, garnish with chives, and serve hot.
Oven Method
Bake at 400°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss with sauce after baking to avoid burning.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~820
Protein: 38g
Fat: 62g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 940mg
Tips & Variations
Make It Spicier: Add more Sriracha or red pepper flakes
Lighter Option: Use low-fat mayo or substitute Greek yogurt
No Air Fryer?: Use the oven – it’s still crisp and delicious
Different Proteins: Try it with shrimp, chicken, or tofu
Alternative Glaze: Use a honey-soy mix for an Asian twist
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Store in the fridge up to 4 days and reheat in the air fryer.
Can I bake instead of air fry?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 16 minutes and toss in sauce after baking.
Is the sauce spicy?
Moderately. Reduce or omit Sriracha for a milder flavor.
Bang Bang Salmon
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- – Tongs
- Baking sheet (for oven option)
Ingredients
- Salmon
- 1½ lbs salmon skinless, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tsp Sriracha
- 2 tbsp honey
- Optional Garnish
- Chives or green onions
- Lemon wedges
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Toss salmon cubes with oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix all sauce ingredients. Reserve half.
- Coat salmon in the remaining sauce.
- Air fry for 4–5 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Drizzle with reserved sauce and garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
Conclusion
Bang bang salmon brings together crispy texture and bold flavor in a way that’s easy enough for weeknights but tasty enough to impress guests. Whether you’re meal prepping, entertaining, or just want a quick dinner with big flavor, this recipe delivers every time. Try it once, and it might just become your new signature dish.