Bang Bang Salmon is a delightful dish that combines crispy salmon bites with a spicy and creamy Bang Bang sauce. The salmon is seasoned with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. It's then air-fried to perfection, ensuring a crispy exterior and tender inside. The Bang Bang sauce, made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice, adds a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy crispy, flavorful salmon bites. The combination of spices and the creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce will make this a new favorite in your household.
INGREDIENTS
- Salmon Bites: 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, used to coat the salmon bites
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, for seasoning
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon, for seasoning
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for a smoky flavor
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to taste
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, for a bit of heat
- Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, optional, for extra heat
- Bang Bang Sauce: ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste), 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon lime juice, whisked together
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine the salmon bites, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss until the salmon bites are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Step 3:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Place the salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry the salmon bites for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the edges.
- Step 5:
- Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving and Storage Tips
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- Serve the Bang Bang Salmon bites immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for an added burst of freshness.
- Pair with a side of steamed rice or a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors of the salmon and sauce.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, place the salmon bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Helpful Notes
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- For a lower-carb version, replace the Thai sweet chili sauce with a sugar-free alternative.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang sauce to suit your heat preference.
- You can substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup if you prefer a different sweetness profile.
- Experiment with different types of fish, such as cod or tilapia, for a unique twist on the recipe.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests always using the freshest fish available for the best flavor and texture.
- Chef Jamie Oliver recommends marinating the salmon bites in the seasoning mixture for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Chef Nigella Lawson advises serving the Bang Bang Salmon with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra zesty finish.