This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is everything I crave in a weeknight dinner: crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and finished with a wildly addictive sweet and spicy sauce. Inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, I gave it a salmon twist that’s become a favorite in my kitchen. Whether I’m tossing it into bowls, serving it with salad, or just dipping it straight from the air fryer, this dish never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how fast and easy this comes together—just under 30 minutes, start to finish. The air fryer gives the salmon bites a perfect crisp without needing deep frying, and the Bang Bang sauce is a knockout: creamy, spicy, tangy, and sweet. It’s versatile enough for lunch or dinner, and even picky eaters have a hard time resisting it. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping or entertaining.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon Bites:
1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and 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)
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
Directions
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. I set it aside while I prep the salmon.
Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, I toss the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne. I make sure each piece is evenly coated.
Air Fry: I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Then I place the salmon bites in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. I cook them for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Serve: Once they’re golden and crispy, I transfer them to a platter and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. I like serving any extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: Around 27 minutes
Variations
Oven-baked version: I sometimes bake these at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes when I don’t feel like using the air fryer.
Make it a bowl: I love turning this into a salmon bowl with jasmine rice, avocado, edamame, and cucumber.
Swap the protein: This sauce works beautifully with shrimp or even crispy tofu if I want a meatless version.
Dairy-free: I use dairy-free mayo or Greek-style yogurt alternatives for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Extra spicy: If I’m in the mood for heat, I double the sriracha or add a touch more cayenne.
Storage/Reheating
Fridge: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, I freeze the cooked (unsauced) salmon bites on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: I reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-4 minutes or in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes. I always add fresh sauce just before serving for best texture.
FAQs
How spicy is Bang Bang Salmon?
I find it has a mild to medium kick, mostly from the sriracha. It’s easy to adjust, so I add more or less based on how spicy I want it.
Can I bake this instead of air frying?
Yes, I bake them at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. They still get nice and crisp!
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely. I thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning. Wet salmon won’t crisp up well, so drying is key.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge. It holds up well for a few days and just needs a quick stir before serving.
Can I prep the salmon in advance?
I can season the salmon bites and refrigerate them on a tray for a few hours ahead. I keep the sauce separate until I’m ready to cook and serve.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Salmon is one of those easy dishes that hits all the right notes—crispy, saucy, spicy, and totally satisfying. It’s fast enough for busy weeknights and tasty enough to impress guests. Whether I serve it with rice, in a salad, or on its own, it’s always a winner at my table.
Crispy, tender salmon bites coated in a sweet, spicy Bang Bang sauce made with mayo, chili sauce, and sriracha—perfect for quick dinners or entertaining.
Total Time:27 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and 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
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne until evenly coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Place salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Once crispy and golden, transfer the salmon to a platter and drizzle with Bang Bang sauce. Serve with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
Can be baked at 400°F for 12–15 minutes as an alternative to air frying.
Great for meal prep—store sauce and salmon separately until serving.
Can substitute shrimp or tofu for salmon.
Use dairy-free mayo for a dairy-free option.
Adjust sriracha or cayenne for preferred spice level.
