Name: Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1½ lbs salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat); ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1½ pounds skinless 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); ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice

Bang Bang Salmon is the recipe you didn’t know you needed in your weeknight rotation. Picture this: tender, flaky salmon bites coated in bold spices, air-fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with a creamy, sweet, spicy Bang Bang sauce that’s as fun to say as it is to eat. It’s got that perfect balance of crispy and saucy, spicy and tangy, and it all comes together in under 30 minutes. What’s not to love? Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a table full of guests, this dish delivers big flavor with surprisingly little effort.

The story behind my love for bang bang salmon

I first stumbled upon Bang Bang sauce at a local restaurant and became obsessed. It was drizzled over crispy shrimp, but I couldn’t help wondering what it would be like on salmon. Fast forward a few weeks, and I was playing around in the kitchen, determined to bring that same tangy, slightly spicy magic to my favorite fish.

The first attempt? Let’s just say I got a little too excited with the cayenne, and my mouth was on fire. But by the second try, I had cracked the code. It turns out, salmon’s rich and buttery texture pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Now, every time I make this dish, I’m transported back to that first bite at the restaurant—but with the added bonus of knowing I can recreate it anytime at home!

A little bit about bang bang sauce

Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, slightly spicy, slightly sweet sauce that hails from the world of fusion cuisine. It’s inspired by the flavors of Thai and American dishes, blending mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice for a vibrant flavor profile. While it’s most famously used for Bang Bang Shrimp, it’s versatile enough to pair with chicken, veggies, and, as you’ll soon find out, salmon. The name “Bang Bang” refers to its bold, explosive flavors—don’t worry, it’s not going to blow your head off (unless you really go wild with the sriracha).

Let’s talk ingredients: what makes this dish pop

Salmon

Salmon is the star here, so choose wisely! Look for fillets with bright, pink flesh and a fresh, clean smell. Wild-caught salmon has a slightly richer flavor, but farmed salmon works just as well for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh salmon, frozen is a great alternative—just thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Olive oil

This helps the seasonings adhere to the salmon and adds a subtle richness. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil is a great substitute.

Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne)

These spices bring the salmon bites to life. The smoked paprika adds depth, the cayenne gives a kick (optional, of course), and garlic and onion powder round everything out. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping smoked paprika for chipotle powder for a smoky-spicy twist.

Bang Bang sauce ingredients

Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works surprisingly well!
Thai sweet chili sauce: The sweet, tangy backbone of the sauce. You can find this in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores.
Sriracha: Brings the heat! Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Honey: Balances the spiciness with a touch of sweetness.
Lime juice: Brightens everything up with a hit of acidity.

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

For this recipe, you’ll need an air fryer—it’s what gives the salmon bites that crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture. Don’t have an air fryer? No worries! You can bake the salmon in the oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

A sharp knife is key for cutting the salmon into bite-sized pieces. Trust me, I’ve tried using a dull knife before—it wasn’t pretty (or easy). Finally, grab a whisk or fork to mix the Bang Bang sauce and a mixing bowl for tossing the salmon in spices.

Step-by-step: how to make bang bang salmon

Step 1: Prep the sauce

Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Give it a quick taste and adjust the sriracha or honey as needed. Set it aside—you’ll want it ready to drizzle once the salmon is cooked!

Step 2: Season the salmon

In a large bowl, combine the salmon bites, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (if you’re feeling spicy). Toss everything together until the salmon is evenly coated with the flavorful seasoning.

Step 3: Air fry to crispy perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Once it’s ready, arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd them—you want that hot air to circulate! Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The salmon should be crispy on the edges and flaky inside.

Step 4: Drizzle and serve

Transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping, because let’s be honest—everyone’s going to want extra.

Fun ways to adapt this recipe

Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your Thai sweet chili sauce for any hidden gluten.
Turn down the heat: If you’re spice-averse, skip the cayenne and reduce the sriracha in the sauce.
Go dairy-free: Use a mayo brand that’s dairy-free (most are, but check the label to be sure).
Seasonal spin: In the summer, serve the salmon bites with a fresh mango salsa. In the colder months, pair them with roasted veggies.

How to serve bang bang salmon

For a casual dinner, serve these salmon bites over steamed rice or quinoa with a side of roasted broccoli or green beans. Want to impress? Plate them on a bed of mixed greens, drizzle with sauce, and top with thinly sliced radishes or scallions for a pop of color.

Beverages to pair with this dish

Bang Bang Salmon is bold, so your drink should balance it out. Try a crisp sparkling water with a squeeze of lime, a citrusy iced tea, or a chilled cucumber lemonade for a refreshing contrast. For something cozy, a lightly sweetened ginger tea works wonderfully, too.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store the salmon bites and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salmon will keep for up to 3 days, and the sauce lasts up to a week. Reheat the salmon in the air fryer or oven to restore its crispiness—just 3-4 minutes at 375°F should do the trick. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon rubbery.

Adjusting for different servings

This recipe serves about 4, but you can easily scale it up or down. For a smaller batch, just halve the ingredients. For a crowd, double the recipe, but make sure to cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Potential pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Overcrowding the air fryer: This leads to soggy salmon bites. Cook in batches for the best results.
Overcooking the salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it! It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Sauce too spicy: Taste as you go, and adjust the sriracha to your liking. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!

Final thoughts: why you need to try bang bang salmon

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a total keeper—it’s quick, flavorful, and just plain fun to make. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight dinner or wow your friends at a dinner party, this dish delivers every time. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. I can’t wait to hear how you like it!