Bang Bang Salmon

Bang Bang Salmon is a crispy, flavorful dish featuring bite-sized salmon pieces coated with savory spices and paired with a bold, tangy, and sweet sauce. With the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch, this dish is an irresistible treat, making it a fantastic alternative to the classic Bang Bang Shrimp. Prepared effortlessly in the air fryer, it’s a dish that’s bound to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of crispy, juicy, and spicy dishes, you’ll love this Bang Bang Salmon. It offers a burst of flavor in every bite, with the delicate salmon perfectly balanced by the spicy and sweet sauce. The air fryer helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the salmon tender inside, ensuring a satisfying texture. The best part? It comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.

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 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside.

2. Season the Salmon Bites: In a large bowl, combine the salmon pieces, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss until the salmon is evenly coated.

3. Cook the Salmon: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The salmon should be crispy on the outside and cooked through.

4. Serve: Transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter. Drizzle with the prepared Bang Bang sauce and serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 12 minutes

• Total Time: 27 minutes

• Servings: 4

Variations

• Crispy Baked Version: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the salmon on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden.

• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey and sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to suit your sweetness or spice preference.

• Low-fat Version: Swap out the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon bites (without sauce) on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 2-4 minutes until crispy, or bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Drizzle with fresh sauce before serving.

FAQs

Can I bake the salmon instead of using the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden.

How spicy is the Bang Bang Sauce?

The sauce has a mild to medium spice, thanks to the sriracha. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add more sriracha or cayenne pepper.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating. Wet salmon won’t crisp up as well.

Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

Can I use a different protein besides salmon?

Absolutely! You can use shrimp, chicken, or tofu as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

What should I serve with Bang Bang Salmon?

Serve it with steamed jasmine rice, avocado salad, or a refreshing Thai cucumber salad. You can also pair it with a simple tossed salad.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the heat, cut back on the sriracha and cayenne pepper in the sauce and seasoning.

Can I prepare the salmon bites in advance?

Yes, you can coat the salmon pieces and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before cooking. Just cook them right before serving.

Can I freeze leftover salmon bites?

Yes, freeze the cooked salmon (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Is there a dairy-free version of the sauce?

Yes! You can use dairy-free mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for the sauce to make it dairy-free.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon is a game-changer, offering all the bold flavors of its shrimp counterpart in a crispy, juicy salmon bite. Perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer, this recipe brings together the ideal balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you’re using an air fryer or oven, it’s an easy dish that guarantees satisfaction. Enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!

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