Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon is sweet, spicy, and creamy — the kind of dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 20 minutes. Flaky salmon fillets are air-fried to perfection, then coated in a luscious Bang Bang sauce that combines heat, sweetness, and a hint of tang.
As a mom and wife, I love recipes like this because they bring restaurant-style flavor to the table without any extra fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for a special meal that feels a little more exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Salmon
- Juicy, flaky salmon cooked in the air fryer
- Sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce
- Quick and family-friendly
- Perfect for bowls, tacos, or served over rice
- Adjust heat to suit your family’s taste
It’s bold, flavorful, and satisfying — everything you want in a weeknight salmon recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon
- 1½ pounds salmon fillets, skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Optional Garnishes
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Extra Bang Bang sauce for drizzling
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Pat salmon dry and brush lightly with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
Place salmon in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 7–9 minutes, until salmon is flaky and just cooked through.
Step 4: Coat with Bang Bang Sauce
Remove salmon from the air fryer and spoon Bang Bang sauce generously over the top. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Salmon
- Don’t overcook salmon — it should flake easily
- Adjust sriracha for your preferred spice level
- Brush sauce after cooking to keep the salmon tender
- Use skinless fillets for easier serving
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture
For more seafood cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Seafood Recipes Guide.
Easy Variations
- Make Bang Bang Salmon Bowls with rice, avocado, and veggies
- Serve in lettuce wraps or tacos
- Swap Greek yogurt for mayo to lighten the sauce
- Use shrimp or tofu for a different protein
- Add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the salmon for extra flavor
What to Serve With Bang Bang Salmon
- Steamed jasmine or white rice
- Air-fried or roasted vegetables
- Simple cucumber salad
- Avocado slices for creaminess
It pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp, or creamy sides.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Keep sauce separate and reheat gently in the air fryer
- Best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor
FAQs About Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon
1. How spicy is this Bang Bang Salmon?
Adjust sriracha to control heat. Start with 1 tablespoon for mild and increase to 2 tablespoons for more spice.
2. Can I use frozen salmon?
It’s best to thaw completely for even cooking. Frozen salmon may cook unevenly in the air fryer.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Make sure your mayonnaise is dairy-free.
4. Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days and spoon over freshly cooked salmon.
5. Can I use skin-on salmon?
Yes, but you may want to air fry skin-side down first and remove skin before serving if preferred.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon is bold, creamy, and irresistible. With flaky salmon and a luscious, sweet-spicy sauce, it’s perfect for weeknights or a special dinner that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
As a mom, I love having recipes like this that are quick, family-friendly, and feel a little indulgent without extra effort 🌶️🐟🤍
