Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Salmon topped with creamy spicy sauce. This Bang Bang fish will become your new favorite meal if you enjoy strong tastes and crispy, well-cooked fish!
Perfectly air-fried (or baked), the salmon boasts a crispy, seasoned coating that complements the creamy, spicy, and somewhat sweet Bang sauce. The best aspect is that it is perfect for a quick evening meal or a great dinner for visitors; it’s done in only fifteen minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Simple : Ready in less than fifteen minutes with no effort!
✔ Crispy Outside, Flaky Inside : Air-fried seals in moisture while crisping the edges.
✔ Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce: Perfect for salmon, this sweet, fiery, creamy sauce elevates it.
✔ Healthy & Flavorful; high in omega-3s, protein, and strong spices.
✔ Flexible Cooking Techniques: Whichever you like air fry or bake!
Ingredients for the Salmon
- Fresh or frozen (thawed) 2 roughly 6-ounce salmon fillets.
- One tablespoon of olive oil helps the spices stick and produces a crisp texture.
- One tsp of garlic powder brings a flavorful depth of taste.
- Salt (½ tsp) and black pepper (½ tsp) are essential for seasoning.
- Half a teaspoon of smoked paprika adds a warm, smokey taste.
- Half a teaspoon of onion powder balances the seasonings.
- Half-tsp optional cayenne pepper gives a modest spicy spike.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- The creamy basis for the sauce is mayonnaise (¼ cup).
- Two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce add a bit of spice and sweetness.
- One tablespoon of Sriracha adds strong heat; taste adjustment is advised.
- One tsp of honey or maple syrup balances the heat with a trace of sweetener.
- One tsp of lime juice will brighten the sauce with a zesty, citrusy zing.
🐟 Tip: If using frozen salmon, check out this guide on how to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer for an easy method.
Optional Desserts:
- For a mild, fresh onion taste, chopped green onions.
- Toasted sesame seeds give a nutty crunch.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
Making Bang Bang Salmon: How To Do It
First phase: Warm Your Cooking Approach
- Air fryer: Three to five minutes. Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Preheat to 425°F (220°C), then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Second step: Prepare the Salmon with Seasoning
- Press the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- To help the seasonings stick, brush every fillet with olive oil.
- Combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl in a small bowl.
- Equally cover all sides of the salmon fillets with the seasoning mix.
Third step: Air Fry the Salmon
- Skin-side down, lay the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket.
- Air-fry for eight to ten minutes until the fish is flaky inside and crispy on the exterior.
- Look for doneness: The inside temperature needs to rise to 145°F (63°C).
- Salmon should be laid on a prepared baking sheet for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Broil for one to two minutes at the end to achieve even more crispiness.
Step 4: Making the Bang Bang Sauce
- Whisk together in a bowl until smooth. Add some mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey (or maple syrup), and lime juice while the salmon fries.
Step 5: Present and Savour!
- Drizzle or brush the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked salmon.
- For additional taste, toss with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Present straight forward with your preferred sides!
🥗 Pair this dish with a flavorful side like garlic butter chicken pasta for a balanced meal!
Pro Advice on the Perfect Bang Bang Salmon
✔ Pat the Salmon Dry: Cooking with a crispy crust is achieved by this.
✔ Don’t Overcook: Salmon is finest around 145°F (63°C) – flaky and tender.
✔ Change the Spice Level: Add either more or less Sriracha to suit your taste.
✔ Make Extra Sauce! You would want extra for dipping since it is quite delicious.
✔ Want Still Even More Crunch? Before air-frying, lightly breadcrumb coat the fish.
Bang Bang Salmon Serving and Pairing Guide
- 🥦 With roasted veggies—asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
- 🍚 Perfect for absorbing extra sauce over rice or quinoa!
- 🥗 A light, crisp side from a fresh salad offsets the richness.
- 🥔 A filling side for dinner could be mashed or roasted potatoes.
- 🌮 Flake the fish and present it in warm tortillas or crisp lettuce leaves as Tacos or Lettuce Wraps!
Bonus Idea
Try it for a next-level dinner using garlic butter noodles!
Make Ahead and Organization and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.
Reheating
- Heat the air fryer under 350°F (175°C) for three to four minutes.
- Oven: Warm for 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals; the texture may soften.
Freezing
Not advised; fresh fish tastes better!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to utilize frozen salmon?
Indeed. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or apply the air fryer frozen salmon technique, adding a few extra minutes.
Can I create this dairy-free?
Yes! For a dairy-free take, use vegan mayo.
Is this dish fiery?
A modest bit! Less Sriracha or omitting the cayenne will help you control the spice level.
Besides Sriracha, what else might I use?
Try hot sauce, gochujang, or chili flakes for another spin.
Conclusion
Perfectly crispy, juicy, and covered in the most delicious sauce is this Bang Bang Salmon! This quick, tasty recipe will wow whether you bake or air-fry.
Try it today to be ready to fall in love with every morsel!
Love and happy cooking! 😊
Bang Bang Salmon
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 2 fillets salmon 6 oz each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for extra spice
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha adjust for spice preference
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and brush with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub onto both sides of the salmon fillets.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes or bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is flaky and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- While the salmon is cooking, mix all Bang Bang Sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle or brush the sauce over the cooked salmon and serve immediately.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.