Description
Bang Bang Salmon is a deliciously spicy and creamy dish featuring tender salmon bites coated with flavorful spices and air-fried to perfection. Drenched in a zesty Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang. Ready in under 30 minutes, it makes a perfect appetizer or main course that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
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
- Prepare The Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the salmon.
- Prepare The Salmon Bites: In a large bowl, combine the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss thoroughly so that each salmon bite is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Preheat The Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for cooking the salmon bites evenly and achieving a crispy exterior.
- Cook The Salmon Bites: Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd, which helps maintain crispiness. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning, until the salmon is cooked through and edges are crispy.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving platter and generously drizzle with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Serve any remaining sauce on the side for additional dipping, enhancing the bold flavors of the dish.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or sriracha sauce to taste.
- Ensure the salmon pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) on a lined baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
