If you’re looking for a dish that’s crispy, spicy, and utterly irresistible, look no further than Bang Bang Salmon. This bold and flavorful recipe transforms simple salmon bites into crunchy, golden morsels coated in a sweet, tangy, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess, making it a must-try dish for seafood lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
✔ Crispy & Juicy – The air fryer ensures that the salmon bites stay tender inside while achieving a perfect crunch on the outside.
✔ Packed with Flavor – The signature Bang Bang sauce brings a sweet, spicy, and creamy kick that complements the salmon beautifully.
✔ Versatile – Enjoy it as an appetizer, main course, or party snack—it’s guaranteed to be a hit on any occasion.
The Magic of Bang Bang Sauce
The secret to this dish’s irresistible flavor lies in its Bang Bang sauce. This iconic sauce is a blend of creaminess, heat, and tang, making it a perfect match for crispy salmon bites. It’s made with:
- Mayonnaise – Adds a rich and creamy base.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Brings in a touch of sweetness with mild heat.
- Sriracha – Packs a bold, spicy punch.
- Honey – Balances the heat with a hint of natural sweetness.
- Lime Juice – Adds a refreshing citrusy tang.
This simple yet dynamic sauce coats the salmon beautifully, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with layers of flavor.
Perfectly Crispy Salmon Bites
The key to crispy, golden salmon is air-frying. Cooking the salmon in an air fryer ensures that it stays juicy on the inside while developing a perfectly crispy, golden crust on the outside. The process is quick, easy, and requires minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry! You can bake the salmon in a hot oven or pan-sear it for a similar crispy texture. No matter how you cook it, the result is a deliciously crunchy exterior with a tender, flaky center.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- As an Appetizer – Serve the crispy salmon bites on a platter with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
- Over Rice or Noodles – Drizzle the sauce over a bowl of fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- In Lettuce Wraps or Tacos – Wrap the salmon in crisp lettuce cups or soft tortillas for a fresh, flavorful twist.
- With a Side Salad – Pair it with a refreshing cucumber or mango salad to balance the heat.
A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, Bang Bang Salmon is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With its crispy texture, bold flavors, and irresistible sauce, this dish brings excitement to any table.
So, if you’re ready to experience the ultimate combination of crunch, spice, and sweetness, grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to indulge in Bang Bang Salmon bliss!
Ingredients:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed, 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
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon lime juice until smooth and well combined. Set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites
- In a large bowl, place the 1 ½ pounds of salmon bites.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) over the salmon.
- Toss the salmon bites gently until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Place the seasoned salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches for even cooking.
- Air fry the salmon bites for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. The salmon should be cooked through and crispy on the edges.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter.
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon bites or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Cooking Notes:
- Air Fryer Tip: To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the salmon bites in batches if necessary to allow the air to circulate and crisp up the salmon properly.
- Oven Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the edges.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Rice: Serve the Bang Bang Salmon over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
- With Vegetables: Pair with a side of roasted vegetables, a green salad, or grilled asparagus for a balanced meal.
- For Tacos: Use the Bang Bang Salmon bites as a filling for tacos, along with slaw, avocado, and more of the Bang Bang sauce for a fun twist.
Tips:
- Adjust the Spice: You can adjust the heat of the Bang Bang sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha sauce. For a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha or omit the cayenne pepper from the salmon seasoning.
- Make Ahead: The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 10 minutes
Total Time:
- 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion
Bang Bang Salmon is an irresistible dish that brings together the bold flavors of spicy, tangy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce with perfectly cooked salmon bites. The crispiness of the air-fried salmon and the richness of the sauce make every bite a delightful experience. This dish is quick to make, and its versatility means you can serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even in tacos for a fun twist.
With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make Bang Bang Salmon with your favorite sides or as a stand-alone treat