Description
Crispy, tender Bang Bang Salmon made in the air fryer with a creamy, spicy sauce. A quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon, Spicy Salmon Recipe, Quick Salmon Dinner, Crispy Salmon Recipe