Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

When I first pulled the salmon from the air fryer, the irresistible aroma filled my kitchen, drawing everyone in. This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon is not only quick to prepare—taking just 15 minutes—but also bursts with flavor thanks to a zesty sauce that complements the rich, flaky fish. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that impresses without requiring hours of preparation.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish as well; you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge until needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The air fryer makes the salmon crispy on the outside and tender inside.
• It features a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce that tantalizes your taste buds.
• It’s quick to cook, ready in just 15 minutes.
• Cleanup is easy, requiring only a few dishes.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for a delightful meal.

For the Sauce

• 1/3 cup mayo
• 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce (I used Frank’s)
• 1 to 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)

For the Salmon

• 1 pound salmon, cut into 2 to 4 fillets
• kosher salt

For Serving

• Optional: parsley for garnish

Use low-fat mayo for a lighter version.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Greek yogurt can replace mayo.
• Any hot sauce can be used instead of sriracha.
• Mustard can work in place of sweet chili sauce.
• Use skin-on salmon for added flavor.

How to Make It

Start by mixing the sauce and preparing the salmon.

1. Whisk the sauce
   Put the mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl and whisk until combined.

2. Separate the sauce
   Put 3/4 of the sauce in a separate bowl for dipping. Brush most of the remaining sauce onto the salmon, saving a bit for brushing halfway through cooking.

3. Season the salmon
   Sprinkle kosher salt on the salmon fillets and place them skin side down in the air fryer basket.

4. Air fry the salmon
   Set the air fryer to 400 degrees for 9 to 11 minutes, brushing with more bang bang sauce halfway through cooking.

5. Garnish and serve
   Garnish with parsley if desired and serve with the bang bang sauce for dipping.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: no, the texture of salmon doesn’t hold well.
Reheat: use the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh salmon for optimal flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
• Brush sauce on salmon halfway through to enhance its flavor.
• Adjust sriracha to your heat preference for a personalized kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed broccoli for a healthy side.
• Serve with jasmine rice to soak up the sauce.
• Enjoy with a crisp green salad for a light meal.