Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Bang Bang Salmon is an exciting and flavorful dish that takes the traditional salmon dinner up a notch. With its crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior, this air fryer recipe for Bang Bang Salmon is easy to prepare, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a quick and tasty way to prepare salmon, this recipe is sure to impress.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

The first step in making Bang Bang Salmon is preparing the salmon fillets.

1. Pat the salmon dry: Use a paper towel to gently pat the salmon fillets dry. This will help remove excess moisture and ensure that the salmon cooks evenly, giving it that crispy texture.
2. Season the salmon: Lightly brush each salmon fillet with olive oil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) on both sides of the salmon. The oil helps the seasoning stick to the fish and promotes even browning in the air fryer.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer reaches the ideal temperature for cooking the salmon quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon is being prepped and the air fryer is heating up, it’s time to make the delicious Bang Bang sauce.

1. Combine the sauce ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and honey (if using). Stir well until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
2. Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if you prefer it spicier, or more honey if you want it sweeter. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water or a splash more rice vinegar to thin it out to your liking.
3. Set aside: Once the sauce is ready, set it aside for later.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon

Now it’s time to cook the salmon in the air fryer!

1. Place the salmon in the air fryer basket: Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. If necessary, cook the fillets in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
2. Air fry the salmon: Cook the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be golden brown on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
3. Flip halfway through: If your air fryer model requires flipping, use tongs to gently flip the salmon fillets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispness on both sides.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once the salmon is cooked, it’s time to assemble and serve.

1. Coat the salmon with the Bang Bang sauce: Once the salmon is done, transfer it to a serving platter. Spoon the Bang Bang sauce over the top of each fillet, ensuring it is generously coated. The sauce will add a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavor that enhances the natural taste of the salmon.
2. Garnish the dish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the salmon for added texture and flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon

• Use fresh salmon: For the best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Frozen salmon can also be used, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
• Adjust the spice level: You can control the heat in this recipe by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the sauce. For a milder version, use less sriracha or substitute it with a mild hot sauce.
• Don’t overcook the salmon: Overcooking the salmon will make it dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), and remember that the salmon will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer.
• Air fryer basket arrangement: For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. The salmon should have enough space to cook evenly and crisp up on all sides.

Serving Suggestions

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for a complete meal:

• Rice: Serve the salmon over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Vegetables: Pair the salmon with sautéed greens, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli for a healthy and colorful plate.
• Salads: A refreshing cucumber salad or a light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette would complement the rich flavors of the salmon.
• Noodles: Serve with Asian-inspired noodles like soba or rice noodles to make the meal even heartier.

Variations

While this Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon is delicious on its own, you can switch it up by trying the following variations:

• Bang Bang Shrimp: Instead of salmon, use shrimp for a different take on the dish. Follow the same process to coat the shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce.
• Spicy Garlic Sauce: If you’re not a fan of sweet chili sauce, replace it with a garlic-based sauce or a spicy soy sauce to add more savory depth.
• Different Proteins: This recipe can work well with other proteins like chicken, tilapia, or trout, though cooking times may vary.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may separate a bit, but a quick stir should bring it back together.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave the salmon, but the texture may not be as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, but ensure the salmon is fully thawed before cooking. Frozen salmon will need extra time to cook through.

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that brings a little bit of excitement to your weeknight dinners. The crispy salmon, combined with the creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce, makes for a meal that is sure to be a hit with family and friends. By using the air fryer, you can enjoy a healthier version of this dish with minimal effort, allowing you to savor every delicious bite.

Yield: 4

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

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Bang Bang Salmon is an exciting and flavorful dish that takes the traditional salmon dinner up a notch. With its crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior, this air fryer recipe for Bang Bang Salmon is easy to prepare, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a quick and tasty way to prepare salmon, this recipe is sure to impress.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Garnish:
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
   
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
   
3. Air Fry the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down (if using skin-on salmon). Cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and how crispy you like your salmon. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) when done.
   
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon cooks, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
   
5. Coat the Salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the top of the salmon fillets.
   
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro (if desired). Serve immediately with a side of vegetables, rice, or salad.

Notes

Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha and sweet chili sauce to your preferred spice level. Add more honey for a sweeter flavor or more sriracha for extra heat.

Air Fryer Variations: Depending on your air fryer model, the cook time may vary. Check the salmon at the 10-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Leftovers: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave before serving.