This Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal or an appetizer for a party. Tender salmon bites are air-fried to crispy perfection, then coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Crispy: The combination of crispy salmon and a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce creates a delicious and addictive flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is a breeze to prepare.
- Quick and Healthy: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Air frying the salmon also makes it a healthier option compared to deep frying.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Bang Bang Salmon:
For the Salmon Bites:
- Salmon fillets: Skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Olive oil: For coating the salmon and helping it crisp up in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika: Adds flavor and a touch of smokiness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Cayenne pepper: Optional, for an extra kick of heat.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the sauce.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a touch of heat.
- Sriracha sauce: Adds a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and balances the spice.
- Lime juice: Adds brightness and a tangy flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
In a large bowl, combine the salmon bites, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, 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 salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the edges. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
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: Fresh, high-quality salmon will yield the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the spice level: Control the heat of the dish by adjusting the amount of sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang sauce.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure the salmon bites have enough space in the air fryer basket for proper cooking and crisping.
- Serve immediately: Drizzle the sauce over the salmon just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

- Main Course: Serve the Bang Bang Salmon with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
- Appetizer: Serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks or skewers for easy dipping.
- Salad: Add it to your favorite salad for a protein boost and a flavorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish?
While this recipe is specifically designed for salmon, you can experiment with other types of fish, such as cod or mahi-mahi. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I bake the salmon instead of air frying it?
Yes, you can bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. However, the salmon may not be as crispy as the air-fried version.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the salmon with firm tofu, pressing it to remove excess moisture before coating and cooking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Use a spicier hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for the salmon.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Bang Bang Salmon that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Bang Bang Salmon is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a flavorful and crispy salmon dish with a sweet and spicy Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 1/2 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the 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, toss salmon bites with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.
- Serve: Transfer salmon bites to a serving platter. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Salmon: Use fresh, skinless salmon fillets cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your preference.
- Air Fryer: Cook salmon in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Serving: Drizzle the sauce over the salmon just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon bites in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg