How to Make Bang Bang Salmon in 20 Minutes

Imagine a dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with a sweet-spicy kick that leaves your taste buds dancing. Meet Bang Bang Salmon—a quick, flavor-packed recipe that’s about to become your go-to weeknight hero. With just a handful of ingredients and an air fryer, you can whip up this restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a busy parent or a foodie craving something bold yet simple, this dish delivers. Let’s explore why it’s a winner and how to make it your own.

Essential Steps for Preparing Bang Bang Salmon

Great cooking begins with great prep, and Bang Bang Salmon is no exception. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Pick Fresh Salmon: Quality matters. Grab fresh salmon fillets from your local market—wild-caught if you can swing it. Look for vibrant pink flesh and a clean, ocean-like smell. It’s the foundation of that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Prep Like a Pro: Peel off the skin (or ask your fishmonger to do it) and chop the fillets into bite-sized chunks. Uniform pieces mean even cooking—no one wants a dry edge next to a raw center.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Crank it to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. A hot start ensures that irresistible crispy exterior.
• Avoid the Pile-Up: Lay those salmon bites in a single layer in the basket. Crowding leads to steaming, not crisping. Work in batches if needed.
• Shake It Up: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a gentle shake. This flips the bites for all-over golden goodness.
• Serve It Hot: Timing is everything. Drizzle that sauce right before serving to keep the crunch alive—nobody likes soggy salmon!

Bang Bang Salmon Essentials: Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll gather for this flavor explosion. Don’t worry—most are pantry staples!

For the Salmon:

• 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillets, skinless, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for that subtle smokiness)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat lovers)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie is a game-changer, or swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter twist)
• 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to your spice tolerance)
• 1 tbsp honey (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tsp fresh lime juice (zest it up!)

Substitution Tips: No Kewpie mayo? Regular mayo works fine. Want it dairy-free? Use a vegan mayo. If sriracha’s too fiery, dial it back or skip the cayenne.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Ready to cook? This comes together fast—perfect for those nights when you’re starving but short on time.

Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Stir until smooth. Taste it—too mild? Add more sriracha. Too spicy? A dab more honey balances it out. Set it aside to let the flavors meld while you tackle the salmon.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites

Toss your salmon chunks in a large bowl. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Use your hands or a spoon to coat every piece evenly. The spices cling to the fish, promising bold flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking (parchment liners work too). Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer—no overlapping! Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket at the 6-minute mark. When done, the edges should be crispy and slightly golden, with the inside still juicy.

Step 4: Serve It Up

Transfer the hot salmon bites to a plate. Drizzle or dollop the Bang Bang sauce over them—or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Dig in while it’s hot!

How to Serve

This dish shines solo but pairs beautifully with sides that complement its bold flavors:

• Jasmine Rice: Sticky and fragrant, it soaks up that sauce like a dream.
• Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette keep things fresh.
• Thai Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cukes with rice vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes add a cool crunch.

Plate it family-style or portion it out for a polished presentation—either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake the salmon bites on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be as crispy, but still delicious.

How spicy is the sauce?
It’s customizable! Start with 1 tsp sriracha for mild heat and scale up. Taste as you go—you’re in control.

Can I prep this ahead?
Yes! Mix the sauce and season the salmon in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to a day, then cook when ready.

More Delicious Salmon Recipes

Love salmon? Try these next:

• The Ultimate Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe
• Cold Smoked Salmon Recipes
• Perfect Smoked Salmon Dry Brine

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Recipe Card

Bang Bang Salmon
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl. Adjust spice to taste.
2. Season salmon with spices in a separate bowl.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange salmon in a single layer.
4. Air fry 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
5. Drizzle with sauce and serve hot.

Notes

• Keep it crispy: Sauce just before serving.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Extra Tips for Success

To keep that crunch, resist the urge to sauce the salmon too early—hot and fresh is the goal. Leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive the texture. Pair it with a chilled white wine or a citrusy iced tea, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a treat.

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe isn’t just dinner—it’s a vibe. Quick, punchy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s proof you don’t need hours in the kitchen to eat like a king. Give it a whirl, tweak it to your taste, and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!