Name: Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 13 reviews

Get ready to meet your new obsession: Bang Bang Salmon. This irresistible dish stars juicy, golden-crisp salmon bites, each coated in a smoky spice mix and tossed with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made from Thai sweet chili, sriracha, and a hit of fresh lime juice. Bang Bang Salmon comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a life-saver for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers. With its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, you’ll want to put this recipe on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Bang Bang Salmon is how a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients meld into something knock-your-socks-off delicious. Each element brings its own flavor, texture, or color—so don’t skip any! Here’s what you need and why each one matters:

Salmon fillets (1½ pounds, skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces): Salmon is the star; bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up all that delicious seasoning.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Coats the salmon for perfect crisping in the air fryer and helps the spices stick.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a mellow, savory flavor that boosts the whole dish.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Balances the garlic and brings a subtle, sweet sharpness.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Lends a gentle smokiness that gives Bang Bang Salmon its signature warmth.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Brightens up all the flavors—don’t be shy, seasoning is essential.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Brings gentle heat and rounds out the spice blend.
Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): Turn up the heat for those who love a little extra kick.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy backbone of the Bang Bang sauce, keeping everything velvety and rich.
Thai sweet chili sauce (¼ cup): Brings sweetness and gentle heat—the flavor that makes this sauce crave-worthy.
Sriracha sauce (1 tablespoon, adjust to taste): Packs the punch; adjust according to your spice tolerance!
Honey (1 tablespoon): Smooths out the heat and adds a hint of floral sweetness.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh acidity to balance the creamy and spicy notes—don’t skip it!

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and zesty lime juice. You’ll want this sauce silky-smooth and fully blended so every bite of salmon gets a little bit of magic. Taste and tweak the sriracha to suit your spice level; I love mine with a noticeable kick!

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Pop those salmon bites into a large bowl, then douse them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and the optional cayenne. Toss everything until the fish is coated in that gorgeous spice blend. Every speck will crisp up in the air fryer, so don’t leave any behind!

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Let your air fryer do its thing—preheat to 400°F (200°C) for a quick three minutes. While it heats, double-check your salmon pieces are evenly coated and ready for their crispy transformation.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon Bites

Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, giving them a little breathing room so they get golden, not soggy. Work in batches if needed! Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is flaky and the edges are perfectly crisp.

Step 5: Toss and Drizzle with Sauce

Once they’re done, move the crispy salmon bites to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with that captivating Bang Bang sauce, reserving some for dunking on the side. Don’t douse them too early; you want them to retain their crunch right up to the first irresistible bite.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Garnishes

Add a final sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or even a scattering of toasted sesame seeds for a picture-perfect plate. A wedge of lime on the side lets everyone add an extra citrusy punch just how they like it.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Salmon plays beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or a bowl of coconut rice—it soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce! Try it with crisp cucumber salad, sticky rice, or even wrapped up in lettuce cups for a fresh, hands-on experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Keep things fun! Pile the tangy salmon atop rice bowls with pickled veggies, tuck them into tacos with crunchy slaw, or layer them on mini skewers for a party-friendly appetizer. Leftovers? Toss them into a salad or serve inside a warm pita for a flavor-packed lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your Bang Bang Salmon before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for lunch meal prep or quick dinner solutions.

Freezing

Freeze leftover cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to two months. The sauce is best made fresh, so freeze just the bites without drizzling on the Bang Bang sauce.

Reheating

To bring back that irresistible crunch, reheat your salmon bites in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through—just a few minutes does the trick! Top with freshly made Bang Bang sauce right before serving to keep everything vibrant and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Bang Bang Salmon recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the salmon completely and thoroughly pat it dry before cutting and seasoning. This helps the spices stick and lets the salmon get truly crispy in the air fryer.

How spicy is Bang Bang Salmon?

The spice level is pretty customizable! The dish has a gentle heat from sriracha and cayenne, but you can dial it up or down based on your preference. Add more sriracha or cayenne for extra fire, or keep it mellow for a family-friendly dinner.

Can I cook Bang Bang Salmon in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Definitely—just spread the seasoned salmon bites on a lined baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway. You might not get quite as much crisp as the air fryer, but you’ll still end up with delicious results!

Is there a way to make the Bang Bang sauce lighter?

Yes! Swap out regular mayo for light mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter twist. You’ll still get that signature creamy texture without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best way to prep Bang Bang Salmon ahead?

Mix the Bang Bang sauce and cube the salmon up to a day in advance, keeping both chilled separately. When you’re ready to eat, just season, air fry, and toss—easy as can be and super fresh!

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about the contrast of spicy, creamy, crispy, and tangy elements all in one bite—and Bang Bang Salmon delivers every time. I hope you’ll give this bright, bold recipe a try and make it a regular star at your table!