Let’s be honest, sometimes you want a salmon dish that feels fancy, tastes explosive, and still lets you keep your slippers on. Enter the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe, your new secret weapon for weeknight dinners that punch way above their prep time. Whether you’re tossing it in the air fryer or letting the oven do its thing, this recipe delivers that crave-worthy sweet-heat-crunch combo, all without breaking a sweat.
This isn’t your standard salmon supper. No bland glaze, no limp sides. Instead, think crispy salmon bites glazed in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce that’s one part indulgence, one part “how did I make this so fast?” You’re not just cooking; you’re flexing a little culinary mischief, in under 30 minutes.
Expect a recipe that’s ridiculously flexible. Toss it on rice for a bang bang salmon bowl, wrap it in lettuce for a low-carb bite, or meal-prep it with roasted veggies. However you plate it, it’s bold, balanced, and built for modern eaters who crave flavor and speed.
Table of Contents
Bang Bang Salmon Ingredients
Think of this as your salmon shortcut to flavor-town, no obscure ingredients, no fancy gear. Just pantry staples and a few fridge friends that come together fast.
For the Salmon Bites
• Salmon fillet (skinless, boneless) – Cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and max crisp.
• Olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and encourages that golden exterior.
• Garlic powder – Gives the salmon a savory backbone without overpowering.
• Paprika or smoked paprika – Adds color and a hint of earthy depth.
• Salt & pepper – You already know.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
• Mayonnaise, The creamy base that ties it all together.
• Sweet chili sauce, Adds sweetness, heat, and stickiness.
• Sriracha, The spicy punch. Adjust to taste.
• Rice vinegar or lime juice, Cuts through the richness for balance.
• Optional: Honey or maple syrup, If you like a little extra sweet with your heat.
Optional Add-Ons for Bowl Builders
Want to turn this into a full bang bang salmon bowl?
• Jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
• Sliced cucumber or cucumber salsa
• Shredded carrots or pickled red onions
• Avocado slices
• Toasted sesame seeds
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon
This is the part where things get dangerously easy. No marinades. No culinary gymnastics. Just quick seasoning, fast heat, and a sauce that ties it all together like a gourmet shortcut.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Air Fryer Method)
Step 1:Prep the Salmon
• Cut the salmon into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. Try to keep them uniform for even cooking.
• Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel, moisture kills crispness.
• Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, give them space!
• Cook for 7-9 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp on the edges.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of rice vinegar.
• Taste and tweak: more sriracha if you like it spicy, more sweet chili for balance.
Step 4: Toss or Drizzle
• Once salmon is done, toss it gently with the sauce in a large bowl, or drizzle it over the top to keep the crisp.
Oven Method (If You Don’t Have an Air Fryer)
• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
• Spread seasoned salmon bites evenly and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway.
• Finish with the same sauce routine: toss, dip, or pour — your call.
Bang Bang Sauce: The Star of the Salmon
Let’s not kid ourselves, the sauce is the whole reason we’re here. That creamy, spicy, sweet bang bang sauce doesn’t just elevate the salmon, it transforms it. Think of it like that outfit that turns a casual lunch into date night energy. It’s bold, it’s balanced, and it clings to those crispy salmon bites like it was born to.
What’s in Bang Bang Sauce?
Here’s what gives it that unmistakable kick-meets-hug combo:
• Mayonnaise: The base, smooth, creamy, and neutral enough to carry big flavors.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweetness with a gentle heat and sticky texture.
• Sriracha: Brings fire. How much you add depends on how brave you’re feeling.
• Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice: Cuts through richness with tangy brightness.
• Optional twist: Add a touch of honey or garlic powder for depth if you’re remixing.
Adjusting the Heat (and Sweet)
Some like it hot, others like it whisper-spicy. Here’s how to make it your own:
• Want it mild? Use less sriracha or swap it with a milder chili sauce.
• Craving that extra kick? Stir in chili flakes or a drop of hot sesame oil.
• Watching sugar? Sub in a splash of hot sauce and a no-sugar chili paste.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Bang bang sauce keeps beautifully. Store it in a jar or squeeze bottle in the fridge for up to a week, drizzle on salmon bowls, wraps, or even roasted veggies.
Serving Suggestions
So you’ve got these golden, sauce-glossed salmon bites, now what? Honestly, you could eat them straight from the tray (no judgment), but if you want to level up, turning them into a bang bang salmon bowl is where things get wildly satisfying.
This dish plays well with just about anything, but here are some combos that turn it into a full-blown meal.
Classic Rice Bowl Format
Start with a fluffy base and layer from there:
• Base: jasmine rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa
• Veggies: thin-sliced cucumber, shredded carrot, avocado, edamame, red cabbage
• Crunch: toasted sesame seeds, crispy onions, chopped peanuts
• Greens: baby spinach, arugula, or massaged kale
• Extras: a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce, lime wedges, fresh cilantro
Pro tip: Let your salmon cool just a touch before placing it on raw greens, wilting salad is the enemy.
Low-Carb or Salad Version
Swap rice for:
• A bed of greens + spiralized veggies + a creamy sesame dressing or extra sauce
• Lettuce cups for a light, fresh hand-held option
Meal Prep-Ready Combos
Pack it up with:
• Roasted sweet potatoes + broccolini + wild rice
• Cold soba noodles + snap peas + spicy mayo drizzle
Just keep the sauce on the side until serving if you want to preserve crispiness.
Dietary Variations & Smart Substitutions
Not every kitchen has mayo, rice, or a love of spicy food, and that’s okay. The beauty of this bang bang salmon recipe is how forgiving it is. Whether you’re cooking gluten-free, dairy-free, or just improvising with what’s in the fridge, there’s room to make it yours.
Gluten-Free
• Sauce swaps: Most sweet chili sauces contain gluten. Use a certified gluten-free version or try tamari mixed with a touch of honey and sriracha.
• Breadcrumbs (if used): Go with gluten-free panko if you’re crisping the salmon with a coating.
Dairy-Free
• This one’s naturally dairy-free, just make sure your mayo is, too. Avocado oil-based or vegan mayo works great.
No Mayo? No Problem.
• Use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce.
• Or blend avocado + lime juice + chili sauce for a creamy, dairy-free twist.
Sauce Without Sugar
• Look for unsweetened chili sauces or make your own with red pepper flakes, garlic, vinegar, and a touch of maple syrup or stevia.
Vegetarian Variation
• Try the same bang bang sauce on roasted tofu cubes or cauliflower bites, surprisingly satisfying and still crave-worthy.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Bang Bang Salmon
You made magic. Now, let’s not ruin it with soggy leftovers or rubbery reheats. Good news: this bang bang salmon recipe actually holds up better than most crispy fish dishes, if you store it smart and reheat it right.
Storing Leftovers
• Fridge: Store cooked salmon (sauce on or off) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Bang bang sauce: Keep it in a separate jar, it lasts up to 7 days refrigerated.
For best texture, avoid storing salmon with rice or greens in the same container. They release moisture and mess with that beautiful crisp.
Reheating Like a Pro
• Air Fryer: Best method. Reheat at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until warm and crisp.
• Oven: Use a 375°F oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Place the bites on a wire rack or lined tray.
• Microwave (last resort): Heat in 30-second bursts. Texture may soften, but flavor will still shine.
If you stored the salmon already sauced, try reheating it dry and drizzling fresh sauce after.
Make-Ahead Tip
Pre-cut the salmon and pre-mix the dry seasoning. Keep them separate and prep just before cooking for the freshest results, especially great for meal prep on the go.
Conclusion
Here’s the thing about bang bang salmon, once you’ve made it, you’ll keep coming back. Not because it’s trendy. Not because it’s fast (though it is). But because it hits that rare sweet spot: big flavor, no fuss, and endless ways to plate it.
It’s the kind of recipe that turns casual cooks into flavor chasers. That earns you dinner compliments even when you’re low on groceries and energy. Whether you’re air frying a batch for busy weeknights or building a dreamy salmon bowl for Sunday meal prep, this dish delivers every single time.
Bang Bang Salmon Bowl
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1 lb Salmon fillet Skinless, boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Paprika or smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup Mayonnaise Regular or light
- 3 tbsp Sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha Adjust to heat preference
- 1 tsp Rice vinegar or lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, pat the salmon cubes dry and season with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place seasoned salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar to create the bang bang sauce.
- Gently toss the crispy salmon bites in the sauce, or drizzle over the top before serving.
- Serve over rice or greens with toppings like cucumber, avocado, and sesame seeds.
Notes
FAQs
Can I make bang bang salmon ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the sauce and salmon separate until ready to serve. This keeps the texture crispy and the flavor fresh. It’s great for meal prep if you reheat gently.
What type of salmon works best?
Skinless fillets like Atlantic, sockeye, or coho work great. Just make sure they’re boneless and thick enough to hold their shape when cubed.
Is this recipe spicy?
Mild to medium. The sweet chili sauce adds warmth, and sriracha brings optional fire. Adjust heat levels to taste, or let your guests customize their drizzle.
Can I use store-bought bang bang sauce?
You can, but homemade takes 2 minutes and tastes 10x better. Plus, you control the heat and sweetness. Win-win.
What goes well with bang bang salmon?
Rice or grain bowls
Steamed veggies or roasted broccoli
Cucumber salad or pickled onions
Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
