Ready to take your salmon game to the next level? This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon is spicy, creamy, and irresistibly crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. Best part? It’s ready in just 10 minutes! You'll never want to make salmon any other way again!
We love a fast, flavorful dinner, and this bang bang air fryer salmon checks all the boxes. It’s loaded with bold Asian-inspired flavors, super easy to cook, and healthier than traditional fried versions. The spicy bang bang sauce caramelizes slightly in the air fryer, creating a crave-worthy crust.
If you love this recipe be sure to check out our Chilean Sea Bass With Lime, Chili And Ginger. You'll also want to check out how to Air Fry Cod Fillets or Baked Seabass With Lemon and Herbs (Chilean)
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: Just 5 main ingredients and 10 minutes in the air fryer.
- Bold, Creamy Sauce: Bang bang sauce delivers the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside—no flipping required!
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Salmon Filets: Fresh or frozen, salmon provides healthy omega-3s and a rich, satisfying base.
- Sriracha: Brings the bang! A spicy kick that balances the creamy mayo.
- Nori or Green Onion (Garnish): Optional, but adds freshness, crunch, and visual appeal.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Make It Spicier: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan mayo to keep it fully plant-based.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Smoky Twist: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the salmon before air frying.
- Kid-Friendly: Use less sriracha or replace with ketchup for a mild version.
- Want Extra Crunch? Sprinkle with panko or crushed rice cakes before cooking.
For a tasty seafood alternative, try my Salmon Gravlax or Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets!
🔪 How To Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. The bang-bang sauce is what makes this dish special. In a bowl, stir together mayo, chili sauce, and sriracha until well combined.
- Step 2: Spread a large spoonful of the bang-bang sauce on each Salmon filet and reserve some sauce for serving.
- Step 3: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. You can also spray with olive oil. Place the salmon fillet in the air fryer, sauce side up. Cook salmon for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Place the salmon fillet in the air fryer, sauce side up. Cook salmon for 10 minutes. If desired, drizzle on the reserved sauce and garnish with green onion. Serve your air fryer salmon immediately and enjoy!
💡Hint: No need to flip! Cooking skin-side down (or sauce-side up) keeps the salmon juicy and the topping crisp.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use Wild-Caught Salmon: It has firmer texture and more flavor—ideal for air frying.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between fillets for even cooking.
- Make Extra Sauce: It’s perfect for dipping veggies or drizzling over rice bowls!
💭 FAQs
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before adding sauce to ensure even cooking and crisp edges.
10 minutes at 400°F is ideal for fillets that are about 1-inch thick. Adjust time for thicker cuts.
It’s best fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer.
Yes—just double-check your chili sauce and mayo are certified gluten-free.
💖 Serving Suggestions
- Cauliflower Rice: Light, low-carb, and perfect for soaking up sauce.
- Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside—pair perfectly with bold salmon.
- Roasted Carrots or Broccolini: Add color and sweetness to balance the spice.
- Jalepeno Slaw or Korean Cucumber Salad: Cool and crunchy contrast to the spicy glaze.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic, comforting side.
🍽 Try These Great Salmon Dishes
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Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon Fillets
- ⅓ Cup Mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoon Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1-2 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon Green Onion
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- The bang-bang sauce is what makes this dish special. In a bowl stir together mayo, chili sauce, and sriracha until well combined.
- Spread a large spoonful of the bang-bang sauce on each Salmon filet and reserve some sauce for serving.
- Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. You can also spray with olive oil.
- Place the salmon fillet in the air fryer, sauce side up. Cook salmon for 10 minutes.
- If desired, drizzle on the reserved sauce and garnish with green onion. Serve your air fryer salmon immediately and enjoy!
Crispy, spicy, and utterly delicious—this Bang Bang Salmon is a flavor explosion! The air fryer makes it so easy, and that sauce is next-level good.