Bang Bang Salmon

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This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a delightful mix of crispy, tender salmon bites coated in a bold sauce that’s both sweet and spicy. The Thai-inspired flavors of sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime come together beautifully, creating a taste explosion that’s both satisfying and crave-worthy.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, this dish is versatile, easy to prepare, and bursting with flavor. The air fryer ensures a perfect crispy finish on the salmon while keeping it tender inside, and the sauce adds the perfect kick of heat and tanginess. Serve immediately for the best experience, and watch these salmon bites disappear fast!

Full Recipe:

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

Directions:

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.
Season the Salmon Bites: In a large bowl, combine the salmon bites, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss until the salmon bites are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Cook the Salmon: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry the salmon bites for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the edges.
Serve the Salmon: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Nutritional Benefits of Bang Bang Salmon

Salmon is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins like B12 and D. These healthy fats and proteins support brain health, heart health, and promote overall well-being. The air-fried preparation of the salmon in this recipe allows you to enjoy all the crispy texture without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier alternative.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Salmon can be served in a variety of ways to make a complete meal. Here are some ideas:

With Rice or Quinoa: A bed of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa makes for a balanced meal.
Over a Salad: Toss some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado for a refreshing salad, then top with the crispy salmon bites and drizzle any leftover sauce as the dressing.
Tacos or Wraps: Turn these salmon bites into fish tacos by wrapping them in warm tortillas with a cabbage slaw and a drizzle of the Bang Bang sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers for a wholesome, low-carb option.

Sauce Variations and Customization

The Bang Bang sauce is super versatile, and you can tweak it according to your preference:

Spicier Version: Add more sriracha or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
Creamier Sauce: Mix in some sour cream or Greek yogurt to add a richer, tangy flavor.
Lighter Option: Substitute regular mayonnaise with light mayo or use Greek yogurt for a healthier take without compromising on creaminess.

Tips for the Perfect Bang Bang Salmon

Using Fresh Salmon: If you can, opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture. Cut the salmon into even bite-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
Cooking Time & Doneness: Keep an eye on the salmon while it cooks. It should be crispy on the outside but still tender and moist inside. Air frying it at 400°F ensures it gets a nice golden exterior while preserving the tenderness inside.
Batch Cooking: If you’re cooking a larger amount, make sure to cook the salmon in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in less crispy bites.

Meal Prep and Storage

This Bang Bang Salmon is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare and store the sauce and salmon separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the salmon in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispy texture, and drizzle with the sauce just before serving. If freezing, do so without the sauce, and when ready to eat, thaw and air fry the bites for a quick and flavorful meal.

Fun Fact About “Bang Bang”

The term “Bang Bang” is thought to originate from “Bang Bang Chicken,” a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that gets its name from the banging sound created while tenderizing the chicken. The Bang Bang Salmon sauce mimics that same spicy, sweet, and tangy profile, and has become widely popular in American and fusion cuisines.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: This dish takes just 20 minutes from prep to plate, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Healthy & Flavorful: By using the air fryer, you get the crispy texture of fried food without all the oil, plus the Bang Bang sauce brings a punch of flavor without being overly heavy.
Customizable: Adjust the heat level to your liking, and pair with a variety of sides for a different meal experience each time.

A Deeper Dive into the Flavors

The Bang Bang Salmon dish is a fusion of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that create a truly mouthwatering experience. Each bite of salmon is crispy and golden on the outside, yet soft and flaky on the inside. The Bang Bang sauce is the star of the recipe – it combines the creaminess of mayonnaise with the sweet and slightly spicy notes of Thai sweet chili sauce, balanced perfectly with a touch of honey and a zing of lime juice. The sriracha adds just the right amount of heat, making it an addictive combination that you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

Cooking Methods and Alternatives

While the recipe calls for air frying the salmon bites, you can also prepare this dish using different cooking methods:

Oven-Baked: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the salmon pieces in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and develop a slight crispiness.
Pan-Fried: For a slightly different texture, you can pan-fry the seasoned salmon bites in a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.
Grilled Version: Grill the salmon on skewers for a smoky flavor. This method gives the fish a slightly charred texture that pairs beautifully with the sauce.

Gluten-Free and Dietary Adjustments

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or those looking for a low-carb meal option. Here are some additional adjustments based on dietary needs:

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: To make the sauce more low-carb friendly, use a sugar-free sweet chili sauce or reduce the amount of honey.
Dairy-Free Option: Ensure you use dairy-free mayonnaise for the sauce to keep the entire dish dairy-free.

Family-Friendly and Meal Ideas

This dish is not only quick and easy to make but also highly versatile and family-friendly. Here are some ideas to make it suitable for different occasions:

Kid-Friendly Version: For kids or those who prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the sriracha and cayenne pepper. The Thai sweet chili sauce provides enough sweetness to balance the flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Perfect Party Appetizer: If you’re hosting a party or gathering, serve the salmon bites on skewers or toothpicks with the Bang Bang sauce on the side as a dipping sauce. It’s a sure crowd-pleaser that is easy to eat and full of flavor.
Bang Bang Salmon Bowls: Create salmon bowls by serving the crispy bites over a bowl of steamed rice or quinoa, with fresh veggies like cucumber, carrots, and shredded cabbage for a colorful and wholesome meal.

Make It a Balanced Meal

To create a balanced plate with your Bang Bang Salmon, pair it with complementary sides that enhance its flavor and nutritional value:

Vegetable Stir-Fry: A quick stir-fry of bell peppers, snap peas, and bok choy in soy sauce and garlic pairs beautifully with the salmon, adding both color and crunch.
Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness and creaminess of coconut rice enhance the sweet and spicy notes of the Bang Bang sauce.
Crispy Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette adds a crunchy and tangy element to your meal.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the salmon bites with cauliflower rice flavored with lime juice and cilantro.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Crispiness

Achieving the perfect crispy texture is key to making these salmon bites irresistible:

Pat Dry the Salmon: Before seasoning, pat the salmon pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better and allows the salmon to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Single Layer in Air Fryer: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; a single layer ensures that the salmon bites cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
Shake Halfway Through Cooking: Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking is crucial for even cooking and crispiness.

A Quick Look at Salmon’s Health Benefits

Salmon is celebrated not just for its taste but also for its impressive health benefits:

Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats help reduce inflammation, support brain health, and lower the risk of heart disease.
High in Protein: Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is important for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall health.
Loaded with Nutrients: It’s packed with B vitamins (B12, B6, and niacin), selenium, potassium, and antioxidants, making it a nutrient-dense choice for a balanced diet.

Bang Bang Sauce – A Versatile Favorite

The Bang Bang sauce used in this recipe is a culinary powerhouse that can be used in many different dishes. It pairs well not just with salmon, but also with:

Shrimp or Prawns: Toss air-fried or grilled shrimp in the sauce for a quick Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer.
Chicken Tenders: Use the sauce as a dip for crispy chicken tenders, grilled chicken, or even fried tofu for a vegetarian option.
Drizzled on Tacos: Use it as a drizzle over fish or chicken tacos for an extra layer of flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

The Bang Bang Salmon can easily be stored and reheated while keeping its flavor and crispiness intact:

Refrigeration: Store the cooked salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to preserve the crispiness of the salmon.
Reheating for Best Results: For the crispiest reheating, use the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven.
Freezing Tips: The salmon bites can be frozen before adding the sauce. Freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. With crispy salmon bites coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. Whether served over rice, paired with a fresh salad, or enjoyed as a snack, this recipe is sure to add a burst of flavor to your mealtime lineup. Enjoy experimenting with different sides and spice levels to make it your own!