Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bang Bang Salmon is the ultimate seafood dish for anyone who loves bold flavors! The air-fried salmon bites are perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Paired with a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce, this dish is a flavor explosion. Whether you serve it as a quick dinner or a fun appetizer, it's sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Ingredients
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1½ pounds salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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½ cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayo recommended)
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¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 tablespoon lime juice
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
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Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, combine the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss gently to coat the salmon evenly.
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Air Fry the Salmon: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
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Serve: Transfer the crispy salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle with the prepared Bang Bang sauce and serve with extra sauce on the side.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Total Time: 20 minutes (prep and cooking time)
Variations
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For extra crunch: Add breadcrumbs to the salmon before air frying for a crispy, breaded texture.
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Different protein: Swap salmon for other fish like cod or tilapia, or even chicken for a different twist.
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Spice level: Adjust the amount of sriracha and cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the salmon in the air fryer or oven to retain the crispy texture. Microwave reheating may soften the coating.
FAQs
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of sriracha and cayenne pepper or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the salmon thoroughly before cutting it into pieces and seasoning.
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
Is the Bang Bang sauce spicy?
Yes, the sauce has a spicy kick from the sriracha, but you can adjust the heat level by reducing or omitting the sriracha.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise for something else?
Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter option.
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I make this dish without an air fryer?
Yes, you can pan-fry or bake the salmon bites in the oven if you don't have an air fryer.
What’s a good side dish to serve with this recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Can I use other types of fish?
Yes, you can use other types of firm fish, like cod or tilapia, for this recipe.
How do I keep the salmon crispy?
Serve immediately after air frying and drizzle with sauce just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.
Conclusion
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. With crispy salmon bites and a mouthwatering sweet and spicy sauce, it’s sure to impress your family or guests. Give it a try, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors!
Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
This Bang Bang Salmon is a quick and easy dish featuring crispy air-fried salmon bites tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for dinner or as an appetizer, it’s packed with bold flavors that will leave you craving more!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood, Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
1½ pounds salmon fillets, 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 the Bang Bang Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayo recommended)
¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
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Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
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Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, combine the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss gently to coat the salmon evenly.
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Air Fry the Salmon: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
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Serve: Transfer the crispy salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle with the prepared Bang Bang sauce and serve with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
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Extra Crunch: Add breadcrumbs to the salmon pieces before air frying for an extra crispy texture.
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Adjust Spice Level: Modify the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha or cayenne pepper to fit your preference.
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Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain the crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave as it can soften the coating.
