The Tastiest Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Recipe Ever Made

Crispy, golden salmon takes center stage in this mind-blowing air fryer bang bang salmon recipe that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore the zesty, creamy sauce coating each perfectly cooked bite.

Delicate fish meets spicy-sweet flavors for an unexpected culinary adventure.

Light, crunchy exterior gives way to tender, flaky salmon that melts in your mouth.

Packed with bold seasonings and minimal prep time, this dish becomes an instant favorite.

Whip up this restaurant-quality meal in minutes and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

You’ll be the kitchen hero serving this irresistible salmon that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Is a Total Game-Changer

• Transformative Texture Delight: Achieve an incredibly crispy exterior with a perfectly tender salmon interior through air frying technology.
• Quick and Mighty Meal Prep: Create a restaurant-quality dish in mere minutes with minimal kitchen equipment and straightforward ingredients.
• Flavor-Packed Culinary Adventure: Combine crunchy panko coating with zesty bang bang sauce for a tantalizing taste experience that excites every bite.
• Nutrition Meets Indulgence: Enjoy a protein-rich meal that feels decadent yet provides wholesome nutrition without heavy frying techniques.

Everything You Need for Bang Bang Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that serves as the core protein and main star of this crispy air fryer recipe.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Lightweight Japanese-style breadcrumbs that provide a super crispy and golden exterior for the salmon.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasoning blend that enhances the overall flavor profile of the salmon coating.

• Mayonnaise, Sriracha, Honey, Rice Vinegar: Zesty bang bang sauce ingredients that create a sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor combination.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh garnishes that add visual appeal and complementary texture to the finished dish.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Salmon Fillets

Pat salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. Removing moisture helps create a super crispy exterior that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure every inch of the salmon gets maximum flavor.

Step 3: Bread The Salmon

Gently press each salmon fillet into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Ensure complete coverage on all sides, creating a beautiful golden armor for your fish.

Step 4: Warm Up Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 390°F. This high temperature guarantees a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Step 5: Position Salmon

Place breaded salmon fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Give each piece some breathing room to promote even, gorgeous browning.

Step 6: Cook To Perfection

Air fry salmon for 8-10 minutes. Look for a golden brown exterior and an internal temperature of 145°F. The fish should flake easily when tested with a fork.

Step 7: Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sriracha
• Honey
• Rice vinegar

Blend until smooth and vibrant, creating a sauce that will make your salmon sing with flavor.

Step 8: Rest The Salmon

Remove salmon from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the internal temperature to stabilize and juices to redistribute.

Step 9: Sauce It Up

Drizzle the zesty bang bang sauce generously over the salmon. Cover every delicious inch for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 10: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. These garnishes add beautiful color and a delightful crunch.

Step 11: Serve Immediately

Plate and serve while the salmon is piping hot and crispy. Enjoy the perfect balance of crunch, tenderness, and spicy-sweet sauce.

Helpful Tricks for Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Dry Salmon Thoroughly: Pat fillets completely dry to guarantee a perfectly crispy, golden-brown coating that sticks beautifully.
• Coat Evenly with Seasoning: Press breadcrumbs gently but firmly onto salmon, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange salmon in a single layer inside air fryer basket to promote consistent, even cooking and prevent steaming.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check salmon reaches 145°F, preventing overcooking while ensuring food safety.
• Sauce Drizzling Technique: Pour bang bang sauce just before serving to maintain the crispy breading's texture and maximize flavor impact.

Bold Twists on Bang Bang Salmon You’ll Love

• Spicy Mango Salmon: Blend mango puree into bang bang sauce for tropical heat kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Salmon: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary for Mediterranean flair.
• Coconut Crunch Salmon: Substitute panko with shredded coconut and crushed macadamia nuts for tropical crispy texture.
• Cajun Blackened Salmon: Mix paprika, cayenne, and blackening spices into breadcrumb coating for bold, spicy southern-style profile.

Best Pairings for Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Pair Spicy Citrus Cocktail: Craft a refreshing vodka-based drink with lime juice, orange zest, and a touch of jalapeño to mirror the bang bang sauce's zesty kick.
• Complement Crunchy Asian Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage, carrots, and radishes with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cilantro to provide a cool, crisp counterpoint to the salmon's rich texture.
• Enhance Coconut Rice Bed: Cook jasmine rice with coconut milk and a pinch of salt, creating a creamy, subtly sweet base that absorbs the bang bang sauce's vibrant flavors.
• Match Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity to cut through the salmon's richness and complement the spicy-sweet sauce.

Storing Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon the Smart Way

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping it cool and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving freshness for 1-2 months.
• Warm salmon gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain its original crispy texture and prevent drying out.
• Keep bang bang sauce in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator, lasting up to 5 days for future use or additional servings.

Common Questions About Bang Bang Salmon Answered

• How do I know if the salmon is properly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The fish should be opaque, flake easily with a fork, and have a firm texture.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Thaw salmon completely and pat dry before breading. Frozen salmon might release more moisture, which could affect the crispiness of the coating.

• What if I don't have panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs work as a substitute, but panko creates a crunchier, lighter coating. For extra crispiness, consider adding crushed cornflakes or crackers to the breadcrumb mixture.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like spicy food?

Adjust the sriracha amount in the bang bang sauce.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 18-20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Bang Bang Salmon sizzles with zesty Thai-inspired flavors, delivering a crispy exterior and juicy interior straight from your air fryer. Spicy, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked fish will make you crave this quick and delightful seafood sensation.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare the salmon fillets by patting them completely dry with paper towels to ensure crisp coating adhesion.
2. Mix panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish to create a seasoned coating.
3. Gently press each salmon fillet into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even, thorough coverage on all sides.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F, creating an optimal environment for crispy, golden salmon.
5. Arrange breaded salmon fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote even cooking.
6. Cook salmon for 8-10 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
7. While salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to create a zesty bang bang sauce.
8. Remove salmon from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow internal temperature to stabilize.
9. Drizzle generously with prepared bang bang sauce, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
11. Serve immediately while salmon remains crisp and sauce is fresh.

Notes

• Always pat salmon fillets completely dry to guarantee a perfectly crispy breadcrumb coating that sticks beautifully.
• Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunchiness and light texture that creates an irresistible golden exterior.
• Check salmon’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness without overcooking, which can make fish dry and tough.
• Customize bang bang sauce by adjusting sriracha levels for mild or extra spicy preferences, making this recipe adaptable to different heat tolerances.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg