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Classic Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

4.3 from 33 reviews

This classic Bang Bang Salmon recipe features crispy, flavorful salmon bites tossed in a spicy, tangy Bang Bang sauce. Air fried to perfection, these bite-sized pieces of salmon are seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder, then coated in a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. It’s a quick and delicious appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Bites

  • 1 ½ 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)

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare The Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Prepare The Salmon Bites: In a large bowl, add the salmon pieces along with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Toss everything thoroughly until each salmon piece is evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for approximately 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  4. Cook The Salmon Bites: Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote crispiness. If necessary, cook in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides cook evenly. The salmon should be cooked through with slightly crispy edges.
  5. Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving platter. Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the top and offer remaining sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of sriracha and cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the salmon cooks evenly and crisps nicely.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor in the sauce.
  • Serve with steamed rice or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon, Spicy Salmon Bites, Bang Bang Sauce, Quick Salmon Recipe, Appetizer, Seafood