Name: Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 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); ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice

If you’re anything like me, you have those days when you just crave something that’s both comforting and bold. Enter: Bang Bang Salmon. This recipe combines crispy, seasoned salmon bites with a creamy, spicy, tangy sauce that makes every bite a flavor explosion. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but feel like treating yourself to something special (without ordering takeout). Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or someone trying to jazz up your dinner routine, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, it all comes together in about 30 minutes—what’s not to love?

A little backstory on why this recipe has my heart

I first stumbled across Bang Bang-style dishes at a restaurant known for its crispy, saucy shrimp. One bite, and I was hooked. It wasn’t just the shrimp; it was that sauce—sweet, spicy, and creamy all at once. Fast forward a few weeks, and I found myself staring at some salmon fillets in my fridge, trying to figure out dinner. A lightbulb moment later, Bang Bang Salmon was born. Honestly, it’s been my go-to ever since. I love how the rich flavor of the salmon pairs with the bold sauce—it’s the ultimate comfort food but feels elevated enough to serve to guests.

Every time I make it, I’m transported back to that first magical taste of Bang Bang-style anything. Except now, I get to enjoy it right at home, in my coziest sweats. (Bonus: way cheaper than dining out!)

A quick look at where Bang Bang sauce comes from

Bang Bang sauce is inspired by Asian flavors, though its exact origins are a bit of a fusion mystery. The “Bang Bang” name is believed to stem from a popular Chinese street food preparation where chicken was tenderized with a stick, making a banging noise. While this dish doesn’t involve any literal banging (thankfully for our countertops), the sauce itself leans on Thai and Chinese influences with ingredients like sweet chili sauce, lime, and a touch of heat from sriracha. Over time, Bang Bang sauce has become a versatile condiment that works beautifully with everything from shrimp to cauliflower—and now, salmon!

Let’s talk ingredients: getting the perfect bang bang flavor

This recipe keeps things simple with pantry staples and fresh salmon. Let’s break it down:

For the salmon bites:

Salmon fillets: The star of the show. Fresh or frozen (thawed) fillets work great, as long as they’re skinless. Look for bright pink, firm fillets—no one likes mushy salmon!
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and crisps up the edges.
Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne): This combo adds layers of smoky, garlicky flavor to the salmon. Don’t skip the smoked paprika—it gives that subtle, irresistible “grilled” vibe.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a kick! If you’re not into heat, feel free to leave it out.

For the Bang Bang sauce:

Mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties it all together. Want a lighter option? Use Greek yogurt or half mayo/half yogurt.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Sweet and tangy with a slight kick. It’s the backbone of the sauce.
Sriracha sauce: Adds heat, but you can adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.
Honey: Balances out the heat and tanginess with a touch of sweetness.
Lime juice: Brightens up the sauce with a zesty punch. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice works in a pinch.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

The beauty of this recipe is how simple the equipment list is. Here’s what you’ll need:

Air fryer: This is the magic tool that gives the salmon bites their crispy edges without deep frying. Don’t have one? No worries! Use an oven (just bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through).
Mixing bowls: One for the salmon and one for the sauce.
Tongs or a spatula: For flipping the salmon and removing it from the air fryer.
Whisk: Makes blending the sauce ingredients a breeze.
Serving platter: To make your Bang Bang Salmon look as impressive as it tastes!

Step-by-step: how to make bang bang salmon

1. Whip up the sauce

Start with the sauce—it’s the star, after all. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Taste and adjust—you can add more sriracha for heat or a touch of extra honey if you like it sweeter. Set it aside so the flavors can mingle while you prep the salmon. (Pro tip: Make extra sauce. You’ll want to drizzle it on everything.)

2. Season the salmon

In a large bowl, toss the salmon bites with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Give everything a good mix to make sure every piece is coated in that smoky-spicy goodness. The olive oil helps everything stick while also adding some crispiness.

3. Air fry to crispy perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 3 minutes). Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd, or they won’t crisp up. Work in batches if needed. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. When they’re done, the edges should be golden and slightly crispy, while the inside remains juicy.

4. Sauce it up

Once the salmon bites are done, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce, saving some on the side for dipping. Trust me, the dipping is non-negotiable.

Variations and creative twists to try

Make it gluten-free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your sweet chili sauce and sriracha to ensure they’re GF-friendly.
Vegan version: Swap the salmon for tofu or cauliflower bites, and use vegan mayo in the sauce. Both are equally delicious!
Low-carb/keto: Use a sugar-free sweet chili sauce, and skip the honey.
Seasonal swaps: In the summer, grill the salmon bites instead of air frying. In the winter, serve them over warm rice bowls for extra comfort.
International twist: Add a dash of soy sauce or sesame oil to the sauce for a Japanese-inspired flavor profile.

Serving ideas: bring it all together

Plate the Bang Bang Salmon bites on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or alongside some roasted veggies for a complete meal. For a lighter option, toss them on top of a fresh salad with cucumbers, shredded carrots, and sesame seeds. Sprinkle some chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish—it’s the little things that make it look fancy.

What to drink with bang bang salmon

This dish pairs beautifully with light, refreshing drinks. A chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the creamy, spicy sauce without overpowering it. Prefer beer? A crisp lager or wheat beer does the trick. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lime or an iced green tea.

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the salmon bites and sauce separately in airtight containers. The salmon will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy. The Bang Bang sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week, but it’s so good you’ll probably use it up faster.

Scaling the recipe for any occasion

Cooking for two? Halve the ingredients. Feeding a crowd? Double them! Just keep in mind that if you’re using the air fryer, you’ll need to cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Potential hiccups and how to fix them

Salmon too dry? It’s probably overcooked. Check it a minute or two early next time.
Sauce too spicy? Add more mayo or a touch of honey to balance it out.
Not crispy enough? Make sure the salmon bites are spaced out in the air fryer basket.

Ready to try this game-changing recipe?

There’s just something about Bang Bang Salmon that feels like a little celebration on your plate. It’s fun, it’s flavorful, and it’s a breeze to make. Whether you’re treating yourself to a solo dinner or impressing friends, this dish is bound to be a hit. Try it out, play with the variations, and don’t forget to drizzle that sauce on generously—you’ve earned it!