Bang Bang Salmon {Air Fryer}

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves a delicious and flavorful meal with minimal effort. By using an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly crispy and tender salmon that’s coated in a rich, creamy, and spicy sauce. The sweet, tangy, and spicy bang-bang sauce is the highlight, giving the dish an irresistible kick. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The air fryer makes cooking this dish fast and hassle-free. In just under 20 minutes, you can have a perfectly cooked salmon with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior.
• Flavor Explosion: The bang-bang sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, taking the salmon to the next level. This savory sauce is made with a blend of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, offering a tangy, creamy, and spicy bite.
• Healthy and Light: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a heart-healthy choice. The air fryer helps retain the salmon’s natural moisture while keeping the calorie count lower compared to traditional frying methods.
• Versatile: You can serve this Bang Bang Salmon with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad, making it a versatile dish that fits well with different sides.
• Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer’s convection heat creates a crispy crust on the salmon without the need for deep frying, ensuring you get that crispy texture with less oil.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt and pepper
• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Rice vinegar (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step helps remove excess moisture, allowing the salmon to crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the salmon will cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
3. Cook the Salmon: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the basket, skin-side down. Air fry the salmon at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, prepare the bang-bang sauce. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and garlic powder. If you prefer a tangy twist, add a teaspoon of rice vinegar to the sauce. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Coat the Salmon: Once the salmon is done, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate. Drizzle the bang-bang sauce generously over the top of the salmon.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salmon with finely chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice, vegetables, or a light salad.

Variations

• Add Extra Heat: If you love spice, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce, or even sprinkle red pepper flakes over the salmon before serving.
• Crispier Texture: If you prefer an extra-crispy exterior, lightly bread the salmon with panko breadcrumbs before air frying. This will create a crunchy coating that complements the creamy bang-bang sauce.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free sweet chili sauce and breadcrumbs if you opt for breading.
• Grilled Option: Instead of using the air fryer, you can grill the salmon on medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side. Brush with olive oil before grilling for added crispness.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Use a firm plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh as a substitute for the salmon to make a vegetarian version of this recipe.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 15-17 minutes
• Serving Size: 2-4 servings, depending on the size of the fillets

Storage/Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: To store leftover Bang Bang Salmon, place the fillets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat leftover salmon is by placing it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes, just until heated through. This helps preserve the crispy texture. You can also reheat it in a microwave, but the salmon may lose some of its crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

2. What can I serve with Bang Bang Salmon?

Bang Bang Salmon pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it over noodles or in tacos for a creative twist.

3. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! You can increase the sriracha in the bang-bang sauce or sprinkle chili flakes over the salmon for extra heat.

4. How can I make the sauce less spicy?

To reduce the heat, simply use less sriracha or substitute it with a mild hot sauce. You can also add a little more mayo to tone down the spice.

5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the bang-bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

6. Can I use another fish instead of salmon?

Yes, this recipe works well with other fish such as trout, cod, or tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish.

7. Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

To make it even lighter, you can reduce the amount of mayo in the bang-bang sauce and use a low-fat or Greek yogurt version. You can also opt for a lighter fish like cod.

8. Can I bake the salmon instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

9. Can I use a different type of sauce for this recipe?

Yes! If you prefer a different flavor, you can experiment with a teriyaki glaze, lemon butter sauce, or even a garlic butter sauce for a different twist on the dish.

10. How do I know when the salmon is cooked properly?

Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and moist.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon made in the air fryer is the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and flavorful. The combination of air-fried salmon and the creamy, spicy bang-bang sauce makes for an irresistible dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a more elevated meal for guests, this recipe will satisfy all taste buds. Give it a try and enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.

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