I have to tell you, making this Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Recipe completely changed the way I think about quick weeknight dinners. I was amazed at how tender and flavorful the salmon turned out without standing over a stove.

The spicy-sweet bang bang sauce coats the fish perfectly, giving it a crispy, caramelized edge thanks to the air fryer. I love how fast this Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Recipe comes together, yet it feels indulgent and restaurant-quality, making it a great main dish when you’re also planning lighter desserts like Raspberry Almond Puff Pastry Danish Recipe. Honestly, once I tried it, I couldn’t stop thinking about making it again.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Bang Bang Salmon in the air fryer:

Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each) – Fresh salmon works best; make sure it’s not frozen to avoid excess water.
Olive oil – 1 tbsp – Helps the salmon crisp in the air fryer and keeps it moist.
Salt – ½ tsp – Simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the salmon.
Black pepper – ½ tsp – Adds a subtle kick; freshly cracked is ideal.
Garlic powder – ½ tsp – Gives depth to the flavor without overpowering the sauce.
Paprika – ½ tsp – Adds color and a mild smoky undertone to the salmon.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

Mayonnaise – 3 tbsp – Creamy base that blends perfectly with the sweet and spicy elements.
Sweet chili sauce – 2 tbsp – Provides the signature sweetness and heat; adjust to taste.
Sriracha – 1 tsp – Boosts spice level; can reduce or increase depending on your tolerance.
Lime juice – ½ tsp – Adds a bright zing to balance richness.

Note: several servings

Variations

If you want to tweak this recipe:

Swap regular mayonnaise with vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.
Use honey instead of sweet chili sauce for a sugar-free alternative.
Add smoked paprika or cayenne to intensify the heat.
Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra crunch and flavor.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick breakdown of how long everything will take:

Prep Time: 10 minutes – quick prep for both salmon and sauce
Cooking Time: 10 minutes – air fryer does all the work
Total Time: 20 minutes – ready to serve in under half an hour

Equipment You Need

Air fryer – for crisp, evenly cooked salmon
Small mixing bowl – to combine the Bang Bang sauce
Measuring spoons – ensure accurate ingredient amounts
Tongs or spatula – for flipping salmon without breaking fillets
Whisk or fork – to mix the sauce smoothly

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Recipe?

Prepare the Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove moisture. I find this step crucial for getting a crispy exterior. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. I like tasting it at this stage to adjust the spice and sweetness, especially if I’m planning a balanced meal that ends with treats such as Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Mousse Jars.

Air Fry the Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the salmon with olive oil, then place it skin-side down. Cook for 8–10 minutes depending on thickness.

Apply the Sauce

Once cooked, spoon the bang bang sauce over the salmon. I usually brush it gently to ensure every bite is coated without losing the crisp.

Serve Immediately

Transfer the salmon to a serving plate and garnish. I find that serving it hot ensures the sauce stays glossy and the salmon remains juicy.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I always make sure the salmon is at room temperature before cooking; it helps it cook evenly.
Using fresh, high-quality salmon makes a huge difference in flavor.
I sometimes mix a little honey into the sauce for extra caramelization.
Air fryer baskets vary, so I check my salmon a minute or two early to avoid overcooking.
I love adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving for texture and presentation.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Recipe?

I like to serve this salmon with simple, colorful sides:

Place the salmon over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa.
Add roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to complement the spicy sauce.
Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for a fresh look.
Serve with lime wedges for extra zing. Presentation matters, and a vibrant plate makes this dish feel extra special.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough idea of what one serving provides:

Calories: 350–400 kcal – keeps you satisfied without being heavy
Protein: 30 g – great for muscle maintenance and satiety
Carbohydrates: 8 g – mostly from the sauce, keeping it low-carb friendly
Fat: 25 g – healthy fats from salmon and olive oil

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing:
Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find it stays fresh for up to 2 days without losing texture.

Freezing:
You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 1 month. I recommend wrapping each fillet individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or until warm. I avoid microwaving because it makes the salmon mushy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why I always keep this recipe in my rotation:

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Flavorful: The bang bang sauce balances heat, sweetness, and creaminess beautifully.
Healthy: Packed with protein and omega-3s, it’s a nutritious meal choice.
Customizable: Adjust spice, sweetness, or toppings to suit your taste.
Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer means fewer pots and pans to wash.

Ash Tyrrell