This Bang Bang Salmon is a quick and easy recipe that’s bursting with flavor! Imagine crispy, bite-sized salmon pieces coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. This dish is perfect for a light and healthy meal or an appetizer for a casual gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious salmon on the table in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in a flash with minimal ingredients and simple steps. The air fryer makes cooking the salmon a breeze, and the sauce is a simple whisk-together affair.
- Flavorful and Crispy: The combination of crispy salmon, creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish a healthy and satisfying choice.
- Versatile: Serve this Bang Bang Salmon as a main course with your favorite sides, or as an appetizer for a party or potluck.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- Salmon fillets: Use fresh, skinless salmon fillets cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Olive oil: Used to coat the salmon and help the seasonings adhere.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salmon.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds an extra kick of heat.
Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild chili flavor.
- Sriracha sauce: Adds a spicy kick (adjust to your preference).
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance the spice.
- Lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the sauce.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon
Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside.
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 cayenne pepper (if using). Toss until the salmon bites are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the seasoned salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the edges.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use fresh salmon: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh salmon fillets.
- Cut the salmon evenly: Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding the basket will prevent the salmon from crisping up properly.
- Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level to your liking.
- Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve the Bang Bang Salmon immediately after cooking, as the crispy coating will start to soften over time.
How to Serve
This Bang Bang Salmon is delicious with a variety of sides:
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing for this dish.
- Vegetables: Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Bang Bang Salmon is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat the salmon gently in the oven or air fryer until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon tough.
FAQs
1. Can I bake the salmon instead of air frying it? Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the salmon for about 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
2. Can I use a different type of fish? Yes, you can! Cod, mahi-mahi, or even tofu would be delicious substitutes for salmon. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3. Can I make this recipe without the sauce? Yes, you can! The Bang Bang sauce adds a delicious flavor, but the salmon is still delicious on its own with just the seasonings.
4. Can I add other seasonings to the salmon? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.
This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal. With its simple preparation, versatile serving options, and crispy texture, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintBang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful and easy dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes! Crispy air-fried salmon bites are coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. It’s a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual appetizer.
Ingredients
-
Salmon Bites:
- 1 1/2 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
-
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Set aside.
- Season Salmon: In a large bowl, combine salmon bites with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss to coat.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
- Serve: Transfer salmon bites to a serving platter. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets without skin for optimal results.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level.
- Cook salmon bites in a single layer to ensure crispiness.
- Drizzle the sauce over the salmon just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked salmon bites in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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