Bang Bang Salmon

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a must-try for those who crave bold flavors and crispy textures. Ideal for weeknight dinners or as an appetizer for entertaining, this dish features tender salmon bites coated in a rich and spicy Bang Bang sauce. The easy preparation in the air fryer makes it a convenient option that delivers on taste without the fuss.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Salmon Bites
• For the Bang Bang Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Bang Bang Salmon
• Step 1: Make the Sauce
• Step 2: Season the Salmon
• Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon
• Step 4: Serve
• How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon
• As an Appetizer
• Over Rice
• With Salad
• In Tacos
• How to Perfect Bang Bang Salmon
• Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Salmon
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Bang Bang Salmon
• Reheating Bang Bang Salmon
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Bang Bang Salmon?
• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
• How do I make Bang Bang Salmon less spicy?
• What should I serve with Bang Bang Salmon?
• Can I customize the sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 27 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of Thai sweet chili, sriracha, and lime creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the salmon.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or an appetizer; it’s great for any occasion!
• Healthier Alternative: Air frying gives you crispy salmon without the added oil from traditional frying methods.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the sriracha to your liking—make it mild or add extra heat!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Bang Bang Salmon, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: Cooks food quickly while keeping it crispy, perfect for achieving that ideal salmon texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly, especially when preparing the sauce and seasoning the salmon.

Ingredients

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
• 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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. ½ cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
3. 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
4. 1 tablespoon honey
5. 1 tablespoon lime juice

Continue whisking until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

In a large bowl, toss together:
1. The salmon pieces with
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil,
3. 1 teaspoon garlic powder,
4. 1 teaspoon onion powder,
5. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika,
6. ½ teaspoon salt,
7. ½ teaspoon black pepper,
8. And optional cayenne pepper until well coated.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Place salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket; you may need to do this in batches.
3. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the edges.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer cooked salmon bites onto a serving platter. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and serve any remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Salmon!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Bang Bang Salmon is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its bold flavors and crispy texture make it perfect for different occasions, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy family dinner.

As an Appetizer

• Small Bites: Serve the salmon bites on skewers for easy eating at gatherings.
• Dipping Station: Offer extra Bang Bang sauce alongside fresh veggies for a fun dipping experience.

Over Rice

• Rice Bowl: Place the salmon over a bed of jasmine or brown rice, drizzling more sauce on top for added flavor.
• Coconut Rice: Pair with coconut rice to enhance the tropical flavors of the dish.

With Salad

• Salad Topper: Add crispy salmon bites to a fresh green salad for a protein boost.
• Asian Slaw: Serve with an Asian-inspired slaw made from cabbage and carrots for crunch.

In Tacos

• Salmon Tacos: Fill soft corn tortillas with salmon, shredded cabbage, and extra sauce for a delicious twist.
• Spicy Fish Tacos: Add jalapeños and avocado for an extra kick.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Salmon

Creating the perfect Bang Bang Salmon is all about balancing flavors and ensuring the salmon stays crispy. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon provides better texture and flavor compared to frozen options.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy exterior.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation around each piece of salmon.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Control the heat by modifying the amount of sriracha in your sauce to suit your taste preference.
• Drizzle Sauce Just Before Serving: To maintain crispiness, add the sauce right before serving instead of tossing it beforehand.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to retain freshness.

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Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Salmon

To complement your Bang Bang Salmon, consider pairing it with some delicious side dishes. These options will enhance your meal while providing balanced flavors and textures.

1. Steamed Broccoli: A simple and healthy side that adds color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and richness to your meal.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad can balance the spiciness of the salmon with its cool crunch.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: Lightly seasoned quinoa offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with the bold sauce.
5. Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus roasted until slightly crispy enhances both presentation and taste.
6. Fried Rice: A quick fried rice can absorb any leftover sauce while adding heartiness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Salmon, it’s essential to be mindful of common errors that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the salmon bites properly can lead to bland results. Make sure every piece is coated evenly with oil and spices.
• Overcrowding the air fryer: Placing too many salmon pieces in the air fryer can cause uneven cooking. Cook in batches for the best crispy texture.
• Not adjusting the sauce: The sauce can be too spicy or not spicy enough. Taste and adjust sriracha according to your preference before serving.
• Using skin-on salmon: Skin can prevent the salmon from becoming crispy. Always use skinless fillets for optimal results.
• Drizzling sauce too early: Adding sauce before serving can make salmon soggy. Wait until just before serving to drizzle on the sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Bang Bang Salmon in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Bang Bang Salmon

• Freeze cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to airtight freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating Bang Bang Salmon

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place salmon on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Warm the salmon for about 3-4 minutes on each side.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bang Bang Salmon?

Bang Bang Salmon refers to crispy salmon bites tossed in a creamy and spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it’s best to thaw it completely before seasoning and cooking for even results.

How do I make Bang Bang Salmon less spicy?

To reduce spiciness, simply decrease the amount of sriracha in the sauce or omit cayenne pepper from the seasoning mix.

What should I serve with Bang Bang Salmon?

This dish pairs well with rice or salad. You could also serve it as an appetizer alongside veggies or chips.

Can I customize the sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like garlic or ginger for extra flavor. Adjust sweetness by modifying honey based on your taste.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Salmon is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite spices or sides. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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