Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

Bite-sized salmon chunks in a spicy seasoning, air-fried to perfection and served with a creamy sauce, this bang bang salmon is the perfect weeknight dinner

What is bang bang salmon?

Bang bang salmon draws inspiration from Bang Bang Shrimp, a popular dish served in some American seafood restaurants. Originating in Florida the dish typically features crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy and spicy sauce.

Bang Bang Salmon is a variation of this concept, substituting shrimp with salmon while retaining the flavorful sauce. While its precise origins may be uncertain, his dish has gained popularity as a delicious and creative way to enjoy salmon with a spicy and creamy twist.

It's a flavorful dish featuring tender salmon cubes seasoned with a mix of spices, which is air-fried to perfection. It's then served over rice and drizzled with a creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and other seasonings. This dish offers a delicious combination of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a popular choice for seafood lovers looking for a tasty and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

• Salmon: Provides the main protein component for the dish.

Seasonings

• Garlic Powder: Infuses a savory and aromatic flavor into the salmon, enhancing its overall taste profile.
• Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the salmon, complementing the other seasonings.
• Paprika: Provides a mild, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor to the salmon, adding color and complexity.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the salmon, balancing the sweetness of the other seasonings.
• Cajun Seasoning: Contributes a robust blend of herbs and spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the salmon.
• Pinch of Salt and Pepper: Season the salmon, enhancing its overall taste and helping to balance the flavors of the other seasonings.
• Chili Oil (optional, for garnish): Adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall richness and complexity.

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the sauce, adding richness and a smooth texture.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides sweetness and tanginess to the sauce, balancing out the spicy and savory elements.
• Sriracha: Adds heat and a subtle garlic flavor, contributing to the sauce's spiciness.
• Cajun Seasoning: Enhances the sauce with a blend of spices, adding depth of flavor and complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce.

How to cook the salmon

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the salmon.
2. Prepare the Salmon: Dice the salmon into small cubes for even cooking.
3. Season the Salmon: In a bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a seasoning blend. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the diced salmon, ensuring it is evenly coated.

4. Air Fry the Salmon: Grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned salmon cubes in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, cajun seasoning, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.

6. Serve the Salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the air fryer. Serve the cooked salmon over a bed of rice or your preferred side dish. Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the salmon, and if desired, garnish with chili oil for an extra kick of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fish instead of salmon?

Absolutely! You can substitute salmon with other types of fish such as tilapia, cod, or trout, depending on your preference.

How spicy is Bang Bang Salmon?

The spiciness of Bang Bang Salmon can be adjusted based on personal preference. The addition of sriracha and cayenne pepper provides a mild to moderate level of heat, but you can increase or decrease the amount to suit your taste.

Can I make this without mayonnaise?

While mayonnaise is a key ingredient in the Bang Bang sauce, you can experiment with alternative bases such as Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option. However, keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture of the sauce.

Is Bang Bang Salmon gluten-free?

The ingredients used in the Bang Bang Salmon recipe are typically gluten-free. However, it's essential to double-check labels, especially for ingredients like sweet chili sauce and cajun seasoning, to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I bake the salmon instead of air-frying?

Yes, you can bake Bang Bang Salmon in the oven instead of air-frying. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the seasoned salmon cubes on a lined baking sheet until cooked through.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover Bang Bang Salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce and season the salmon in advance. Store the sauce in the refrigerator and marinate the salmon just before cooking for the best results.

What should I serve with the salmon?

Bang Bang Salmon pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or stir-fried greens for a complete meal.

Where can I find Kewpie mayo and sweet chili sauce?

Kewpie mayo and sweet chili sauce are commonly available in most grocery stores, typically located in the international or Asian foods aisle. You can also find them in Asian supermarkets or online retailers.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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Bite-sized salmon chunks in a spicy seasoning, air-fried to perfection and served with a creamy sauce.

• Author: Genio Ng
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 Servings 1x
• Category: Seafood
• Method: Easy
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Ingredients

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Salmon

• 10.5 oz (300 g) salmon
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper
• 1 tbsp chili oil (optional, for garnish)

Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (Kewpie mayo recommended)
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (Thai sweet chili sauce preferred)
• 2 tsp sriracha
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
2. Dice the salmon into small cubes.
3. Season the salmon with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the seasoned salmon on a greased air fryer basket.
5. Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 8 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, cajun seasoning, and lemon juice in a bowl.
7. Serve the cooked salmon over rice and drizzle the sauce (and chili oil, if using) over the salmon.

Genio Ng

Hi there, I'm Genio. I really appreciate you taking your time and visiting me here. As an international student from Indonesia coming to Sydney right after Covid lockdown - it was challenging for me to make friends and find myself in a new city. I've never cooked before but I found my passion in food content creation and testing Asian inspired recipes - I learnt that cooking can be incredibly easy, cheap and fun so I'm super happy to be able to share this with you! Please come by my socials and say Hi - always keen to make new friends! Genio

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