I want to make crispy, flavorful salmon that doesn’t take forever, and Bang Bang Salmon just became my answer. I first made this after a particularly draining Tuesday when takeout felt too easy and complicated cooking felt impossible.
This recipe gave me the best of both worlds: restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes. The sweet and spicy sauce paired with perfectly crispy salmon bites has made this a repeat request in my house, especially on nights when everyone’s schedules are all over the place.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Bang Bang Salmon
I always buy my salmon from the fresh fish counter because the difference in texture is noticeable – look for bright, firm flesh that springs back when touched. My go-to is wild-caught Alaskan salmon, though sustainably farmed Atlantic salmon works beautifully too. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1½ 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 – I recommend this for subtle smoky depth without overwhelming the salmon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise – Japanese mayo is my preference for its richer, slightly sweeter flavor
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste) – Start with 1 teaspoon if you’re heat-sensitive, you can always add more
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice – I usually squeeze fresh lime right before mixing for brightest flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend prepping your sauce first so the flavors have time to meld while you work on the salmon.
Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. The sauce should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Set this aside at room temperature while you prepare the salmon.
Step 2: Pat your salmon pieces completely dry with paper towels – this step is crucial for getting crispy edges instead of steamed fish. In a large bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil and all the seasonings until each piece is evenly coated. Handle gently to keep the pieces intact; salmon is delicate and can break apart easily.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the moment the salmon goes in. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket with a little space between each piece – depending on your air fryer size, you’ll fit about 12-15 pieces per batch. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of crisping.
Step 4: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket gently at the 5-minute mark. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden brown and crispy, the salmon flakes easily with a fork, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The smell will be incredible – garlicky with a hint of smokiness.
Step 5: Transfer the hot salmon bites to your serving platter immediately. Drizzle with half the Bang Bang sauce and serve the rest on the side for dipping. The contrast between the crispy exterior and that creamy, tangy-spicy sauce is what makes this recipe so addictive.
Perfect Pairings for Bang Bang Salmon
Start with sides that complement the sweet and spicy flavor profile without overpowering it.
Jasmine Rice: The fluffy, slightly sticky texture of jasmine rice soaks up the Bang Bang sauce beautifully and provides a mild, aromatic base that lets the salmon shine. Cook it while your salmon is in the air fryer for perfect timing.
Thai Cucumber Salad: Cool, crisp cucumber slices tossed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar cut through the richness of the sauce while adding refreshing crunch. The acidity balances the sweetness perfectly.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quick-cooked broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers with garlic add nutritious variety and a slightly bitter contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweet-spicy salmon. Ready in the same 20 minutes.
Asian Slaw: Shredded cabbage and carrots with a tangy ginger-lime dressing bring crunchy texture and bright acidity that make each bite more interesting. The raw vegetables add a fresh element to the meal.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Lightly caramelized sweet potato cubes seasoned with a touch of cinnamon complement the honey in the sauce while adding satisfying substance to your plate.
Edamame: Simply steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt adds plant-based protein and a fun, interactive element to your meal that both kids and adults enjoy.
Keep It Fresh
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain the crispy texture of the salmon – this is important because the moisture from the sauce will soften them if stored together.
For reheating, skip the microwave and use your air fryer at 375°F for 2-4 minutes. This brings back that crispy exterior much better than any other method. Drizzle with fresh sauce right before serving for the best experience.
Pro tip: These salmon bites freeze beautifully without sauce. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, adding an extra minute or two until heated through and crispy again.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in the oven if I don’t have an air fryer?
Absolutely. Arrange the seasoned salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
What can I substitute for the Thai sweet chili sauce?
Mix equal parts honey and your favorite hot sauce, or use sweet and sour sauce with a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also try apricot preserves mixed with a little sriracha for similar sweet-heat balance.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. The edges will look golden and slightly crispy while the center remains moist and tender, not dry or chalky.
Bang Bang Salmon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. The sauce should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Set aside at room temperature.
- Pat salmon pieces completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting crispy edges. In a large bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated. Handle gently to keep pieces intact.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between pieces. Depending on air fryer size, you’ll fit about 12-15 pieces per batch. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking basket gently at the 5-minute mark, until edges are golden and crispy and salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature.
- Transfer hot salmon bites to serving platter immediately. Drizzle with half the Bang Bang sauce and serve remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
