Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Let me set the scene: crispy, bite-sized salmon morsels coated in a smoky spice rub, drizzled generously with a creamy, tangy, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet refreshingly light. Perfect for dinner, entertaining, or even as an irresistible appetizer, this recipe is quick to make and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s made in the air fryer, so you get that crispy finish without the mess of deep frying. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this, you’ll find yourself craving it weekly (maybe even daily).

this RECIPE

A little story about my first bite of bang bang salmon Uni-Eagle Sriracha 🍋

I’ll never forget the first time I had a Bang Bang-style dish. It wasn’t salmon—it was a plate of shrimp at a restaurant, and I was instantly hooked by the balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. I remember thinking, “What is this magical sauce?!” Fast forward a few years, and I wanted to recreate that same magic at home but with a twist—using my favorite fish, salmon.

The first time I made Bang Bang Salmon, I knew I was onto something. The buttery richness of salmon paired with the smoky spices and zippy sauce turned out even better than I’d hoped. It’s become my go-to for weeknight dinners when I need something that feels a little special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. My husband (usually not a salmon fan!) now requests this regularly—if that’s not a glowing endorsement, I don’t know what is.

A quick look at Bang Bang sauce’s origins

If you’re new to the world of Bang Bang sauce, welcome! This sauce has its roots in Asian-inspired cooking, combining creamy mayo, spicy sriracha, and sweet chili sauce for an irresistible combination. It gained popularity in the U.S. through dishes like Bang Bang Shrimp, but its versatility means it can enhance almost anything—chicken, veggies, or, in this case, salmon! Over the years, home cooks have added their own twists, like a hint of lime or a drizzle of honey. It’s endlessly customizable, which is part of its charm.

Let’s talk about the ingredients

To make Bang Bang Salmon a success, the quality of your ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need and how to choose the best:

• Salmon fillets: These are the star of the dish. I like using fresh, skinless salmon for easy prep. Look for bright, vibrant flesh and a mild, fresh smell. If you don’t have fresh, frozen salmon works too—just thaw it completely before using.
• Olive oil: This helps coat the salmon in spices and prevents it from drying out. Avocado oil works as a substitute if you prefer a higher smoke point.
• Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne bring smoky, savory heat to the salmon. If you’re not into spice, you can skip the cayenne. Want to experiment? A pinch of cumin or chili powder could be fun.
• Bang Bang sauce ingredients: Mayonnaise provides the creamy base, while sweet chili sauce and honey add sweetness. Uni-Eagle Sriracha brings heat, and lime juice cuts through the richness for balance. You can swap Greek yogurt for mayo if you’re looking to lighten it up!

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need (and what you can skip)

An air fryer is the MVP for this recipe. It gives the salmon bites that perfect crispiness without extra oil or the hassle of deep frying. If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries—a baking sheet and oven at 425°F can get you close. Just flip the salmon halfway through to ensure even cooking.

You’ll also want a good mixing bowl for tossing the salmon with the spices and a small whisk for blending the Bang Bang sauce. If you’re low on tools, even a fork will do the trick for whisking! Bonus tip: parchment paper makes clean-up a breeze if you’re baking the salmon.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make Bang Bang Salmon, step by step.

1. Make the sauce first
   Start by whisking together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Give it a taste—want more heat? Add a bit more sriracha. Prefer it sweeter? A touch more honey will do the trick. Once you’re happy with the balance, set it aside.
2. Prep the salmon bites
   Cut your salmon into bite-sized chunks (think 1-inch cubes). Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. The olive oil helps the spices stick, so don’t skip it. Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the bowl—mix gently to avoid breaking the salmon pieces.
3. Air fry for crispy perfection
   Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (this takes about 3 minutes). Lay the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket—no stacking! Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping. They’re done when the edges are golden and the salmon is cooked through.
4. Drizzle, dip, and serve
   Transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter, drizzle with Bang Bang sauce, and serve the extra sauce on the side for dipping. Pro tip: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or scallions on top adds a pop of color and flavor.

Fun ways to mix it up

This recipe is endlessly adaptable! Here are a few twists I’ve tried and loved:

• Make it gluten-free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your sweet chili sauce and sriracha for hidden gluten.
• Go dairy-free: Swap regular mayo for a dairy-free version, and you’re all set!
• Low-carb version: The recipe is already low-carb, but you could replace the honey with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit syrup if you’re counting carbs.
• Seasonal variations: Try adding fresh dill or lemon zest in summer for a lighter twist. In fall, a touch of maple syrup instead of honey adds a cozy vibe.

How to serve it up in style

Plating is half the fun! Serve these salmon bites on a platter with the sauce drizzled artfully over the top. For a pop of color, garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro. Pair them with a side of steamed rice or a crisp salad—bonus points for something with a citrusy vinaigrette to complement the sauce. If you’re hosting, add a platter of roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli for a complete meal.

Perfect pairings

For something refreshing, you can’t go wrong with a cold glass of lime sparkling water or a minty cucumber lemonade. If you’re into mocktails, a honey-lime spritzer (lime juice, honey, sparkling water, and crushed ice) pairs beautifully with the Bang Bang sauce’s tangy sweetness. For a cozy option, ginger tea with a slice of fresh lime is a surprisingly delightful pairing.

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (rare in my house!), store the salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the Bang Bang sauce separate, as it tends to thicken in the fridge. To reheat, pop the salmon bites in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F to revive their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon rubbery. Pro tip: If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of lime juice or water to loosen it up.

Scaling up or down

Cooking for two? Halve the recipe—it works just as well. Feeding a crowd? You can double the salmon and spices, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. When scaling up the Bang Bang sauce, start by doubling, then adjust to taste. I’ve found the lime juice sometimes needs an extra squeeze when increasing the batch size.

Troubleshooting tips for home cooks

• Dry salmon bites? You might have overcooked them. Keep a close eye in the air fryer, as salmon cooks quickly.
• Sauce too spicy? Add an extra dollop of mayo or honey to mellow it out.
• Overcrowded air fryer? This can lead to uneven cooking. Always cook in batches if needed.

Ready to make your own Bang Bang Salmon?

This recipe is one of those magical combinations of easy, delicious, and totally customizable. Whether you’re a salmon lover or trying to convert someone in your life (trust me, this works), it’s a must-try. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own—drop a comment below and let me know your favorite twists!

FAQs

1. Can I bake the salmon instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha. Skip the cayenne altogether if you’re spice-sensitive.

3. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cutting and seasoning.

4. What can I serve alongside this dish?
Steamed jasmine rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or roasted veggies make excellent sides.

5. How long does the Bang Bang sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it’ll keep for up to 5 days. Give it a quick stir before using!

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