Bang Bang Salmon

This Bang Bang Salmon is a delightful dish that combines crispy salmon bites with a creamy, spicy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as an impressive appetizer at gatherings, this recipe stands out due to its quick preparation and bold flavors. With the air fryer, you can achieve a satisfying crunch while keeping the salmon tender. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Salmon Bites
• For the Bang Bang Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Bang Bang Salmon
• Step 1: Make the Sauce
• Step 2: Season the Salmon
• Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon
• Step 4: Serve
• How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon
• As an Appetizer
• Over Rice or Noodles
• With Fresh Salad
• On Tacos
• How to Perfect Bang Bang Salmon
• Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Salmon
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Bang Bang Salmon
• Reheating Bang Bang Salmon
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Bang Bang Salmon?
• How do I make my Bang Bang Salmon crispy?
• Can I adjust the spice level in my Bang Bang Salmon?
• What should I serve with Bang Bang Salmon?
• How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 27 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of Thai sweet chili and sriracha creates a unique, mouthwatering sauce that elevates the salmon.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these salmon bites as a main course or an appetizer at your next party.
• Healthier Cooking Method: Using an air fryer means less oil while still delivering crispy texture.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha and cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Bang Bang Salmon effortlessly, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: Provides a healthier way to achieve crispy salmon without excess oil.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients efficiently and ensuring even seasoning.

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites

• 1½ 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
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the 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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

In a large bowl, toss the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) until well coated.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Place salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed.
3. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until the salmon is cooked through and edges are crispy.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer cooked salmon bites to a serving platter. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and serve any extra sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Bang Bang Salmon is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, here are some creative serving suggestions that elevate this flavorful dish.

As an Appetizer

• Small Bites: Serve the salmon bites on toothpicks with a side of the Bang Bang sauce for easy dipping.
• Salmon Sliders: Place the salmon bites on mini buns and top with slaw for a fun twist.

Over Rice or Noodles

• Rice Bowl: Serve the salmon over steamed jasmine rice, drizzled with extra sauce and garnished with green onions.
• Noodle Dish: Toss the crispy salmon bites with rice noodles and vegetables, adding more Bang Bang sauce for flavor.

With Fresh Salad

• Salad Topping: Add the salmon bites to a mixed greens salad. Drizzle with lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad Twist: Replace traditional protein with these salmon bites in a Caesar salad for unique flavor.

On Tacos

• Fish Tacos: Fill corn tortillas with salmon bites, shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of Bang Bang sauce to create tasty tacos.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Salmon

Achieving perfect Bang Bang Salmon is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips for making your dish shine.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure the salmon is well-seasoned before cooking to enhance its flavor.
• Preheat Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer; this helps achieve that crispy texture you desire.
• Cook in Batches: If necessary, cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even cooking.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients for both the salmon and sauce; this makes a noticeable difference in taste.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify sriracha levels depending on your heat preference; start small and increase gradually.
• Serve Immediately: For optimal crispiness, serve immediately after cooking. Drizzle on sauce just before serving.

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Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Salmon

Pairing your Bang Bang Salmon with complementary sides enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options that work perfectly together.

1. Steamed Broccoli: This vibrant side adds color and crunch while balancing flavors.
2. Coconut Rice: Sweet coconut-flavored rice pairs beautifully with spicy salmon.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus brings an earthy flavor that complements the dish well.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with veggies provides a nutritious boost alongside your salmon.
6. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a delightful crunch that many enjoy as a side treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Salmon, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the salmon bites can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to coat them well with spices for a tasty dish.
• Overcrowding the air fryer: Placing too many salmon pieces in the air fryer can cause uneven cooking. Cook in batches to achieve that crispy texture.
• Forgetting to preheat: If you don’t preheat your air fryer, the salmon may not cook evenly. Always preheat for optimal results.
• Using old ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Check that your fish and sauces are fresh before starting.
• Drizzling sauce too early: Adding sauce too soon can make the salmon soggy. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce just before serving for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Bang Bang Salmon

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Bang Bang Salmon

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bang Bang Salmon?

Bang Bang Salmon is a delicious dish featuring crispy salmon bites coated in a creamy, spicy sauce made from Thai sweet chili and sriracha.

How do I make my Bang Bang Salmon crispy?

To achieve crispy salmon, ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer and shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispness.

Can I adjust the spice level in my Bang Bang Salmon?

Yes! You can easily adjust the amount of sriracha used in the sauce or omit cayenne pepper from the seasoning mix.

What should I serve with Bang Bang Salmon?

Bang Bang Salmon pairs well with rice, salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The total time for preparing and cooking this dish is approximately 27 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Salmon is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting the spice level or serving it with various sides. Try this flavorful dish today!