Remember those quick meals Mom used to pull together in a flashjust enough heat, sauce, and comfort to save the night? That’s the magic of Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon. It’s splashed all over TikTok lately, and for good reason: crispy, creamy, and done in 20. Easy enough for a Tuesday, but it tastes like a Friday win.
This one’s creamy, spicy, and a little crispy on the edges. Think tender salmon fillets brushed with a sweet-heat sauce (mayo + sriracha + sweet chili = the dream team). Most of this is already in your fridge. Whole meal deal in one bite. Full details in the blog!
I grew up in a house where fish night meant pan-fried tilapia and a lot of loud sizzling. Now here we areno smoke, no mess, just perfect heat from the air fryer. I tested five sauce combos. You’ll love the secret one we settled on.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With an air fryer, you’re looking at crispy, perfectly cooked salmon in under 20 minutes.
Bang Bang Flavor: The creamy heat of the Bang Bang sauce is next-level comfortingit’s sweet, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Minimal Clean-Up: No messy fry pans or smoky kitchensjust one air fryer basket to rinse out!
Beginner-Friendly: If you’re new to salmon or air fryers, don’t worrythis recipe is foolproof!
Ingredients and Simple Swaps
The ingredients are simple yet pack a ton of flavor. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Ingredient
Details
Possible Swaps
Salmon Fillets
4 fillets, about 6 ounces each
Try cod or tilapia if salmon isn’t your thing!
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons
Avocado oil works too.
Mayonnaise
½ cup
Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
Sweet Chili Sauce
2 tablespoons
Honey + red pepper flakes if sweet chili sauce isn’t handy.
Sriracha
1 tablespoon
Adjust quantity for your spice level, or sub with any hot sauce.
Lime Juice
1 teaspoon
Fresh lemon juice works just as well.
Garnishes (optional)
Chopped green onions, sesame seeds
Crushed peanuts or parsley for variation.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon
Prep the Salmon: Pat your salmon fillets dry (this helps ensure crispy edges). Season both sides with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutesthis gives you that perfect start for crispy salmon.
Coat and Cook: Brush each fillet with olive oil and place them in the basket (don’t overcrowd!). Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 145°F and the salmon flakes effortlessly.
Sauce It Up: During the final minute of cooking, brush on a generous layer of that dreamy Bang Bang sauce.
Rest and Garnish: Let your salmon rest for a couple of minutes, then drizzle on extra sauce and sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds for a fun finish.
Timing Tips for Perfect Salmon
Worried about overcooking or undercooking? Here’s a quick guide:
Thickness
Cook Time
Notes
¾ inch
8–10 minutes
Check at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
1 inch
10–12 minutes
Use a meat thermometer to hit 145°F.
1 ½ inches or thicker
12–15 minutes
Consider flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Pro Tip: Not all air fryers are created equal! Check your salmon a minute or two early until you learn the quirks of your machine.
Serving and Storing Your Salmon
Serving: I love pairing this salmon with steamed rice or a simple side salad. The Bang Bang sauce also doubles as a zesty dip for veggies!
Leftovers: Store any extra salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to keep it from drying out.
Storage Method
How Long
Reheating Tips
Refrigerator
Up to 2 days
Reheat at 350°F in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes.
Freezer
Not recommended for this recipe
Fresh is best with this one, trust me!
Pro Tip: Chop up leftover salmon and toss it with pasta or top a leafy green salad for a quick and easy bonus meal!
Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon
The air fryer’s rapid, even heat locks in moisture while creating a crisp exterior, making it ideal for Bang Bang Salmon. This method intensifies the dish’s signature spicy-sweet glaze without added oil, delivering a healthier yet flavorful take on a beloved classic. Precision in cooking time ensures tender, flaky results every time.
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How I Perfected My Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon didn’t come together overnight. After a few crispy, almost burnt tries and a splash too much sauce, I finally nailed the balance of spice and tenderness. It’s been a journey of trial, error, and tasty lessons that made this recipe truly family-approved.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon )
How long does it take to cook Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon?
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon typically takes 10-12 minutes to cook at 400°F, depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You’ll want to flip the salmon halfway through cooking for even browning. The bang bang sauce can be brushed on during the last 2-3 minutes to prevent burning while still getting that delicious caramelized flavor.
What is bang bang sauce made of?
Bang bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sometimes honey or rice vinegar. The classic combination creates that perfect balance of heat and sweetness that makes this sauce so addictive. Some recipes also include garlic powder or lime juice for extra flavor depth. It’s super easy to whip up in just a few minutes and stores well in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I use frozen salmon for Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it’s best to thaw it completely first for even cooking and better sauce adherence. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook frozen salmon directly in the air fryer by adding 3-4 extra minutes to the cooking time. Just make sure to pat the salmon dry once it starts to thaw during cooking to remove excess moisture. For the best results and texture, though, thawed salmon will give you that perfectly flaky, restaurant-quality finish.
What sides go well with Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon?
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complement the rich, spicy flavors perfectly. You can also serve it over a fresh Asian slaw or with steamed edamame for a complete meal. The creamy, spicy sauce works wonderfully with cooling sides like cucumber salad or a simple mixed green salad with sesame dressing.
How do I prevent my Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon from sticking?
To prevent sticking, lightly spray or brush your air fryer basket with oil before adding the salmon fillets. Make sure your salmon is patted completely dry with paper towels, as excess moisture can cause sticking. You can also line the basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers, but make sure it has holes for proper air circulation. Don’t flip the salmon too early – let it cook for at least 5-6 minutes on the first side so it releases naturally from the basket.
Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Adventure
The Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon comes together in a flashcrispy edges, creamy heat, and that perfect midweek dinner vibe. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a fancy-feeling meal without fussing over the kitchen clock or cleanup.
Feel free to swap in your favorite fish or lighten the sauce with Greek yogurt. Leftovers? Toss ’em on salad or pasta for a speedy next-day meal (a nifty tip I picked up from a seasoned home cook). Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
Did this recipe remind you of any family favorites? Drop a photo or share your go-to sauce tweaksI’m all ears. And hey, if this dish finds a place at your table, pass it along to someone who needs a little easy comfort tonight. Cooking’s better that way.
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon is an easy and flavorful dish featuring crispy salmon fillets coated with a spicy, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that impresses every time.
Ingredients
Scale
4 salmon fillets 6 ounces each
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha or to taste
1 teaspoon lime juice
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish optional
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and combined.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F 200°C and preheat for about 5 minutes.
Coat the Salmon: Brush each fillet with olive oil and then place them in the air fryer basket.
Air Fry: Cook the salmon for 10-12 minutes. Cook until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F 63°C.
Add Sauce: In the last minute of cooking, brush a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon fillets for extra flavor.
Rest the Salmon: Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Garnish: Drizzle with additional Bang Bang sauce and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon!
Notes
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas—together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
