If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Asian-inspired restaurant, this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon is exactly what you need. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe combines perfectly seasoned salmon bites with a crispy golden exterior and a creamy, sweet, spicy Bang Bang sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests with minimal effort, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated ingredients or lengthy cooking times. Best of all, it can be made in the air fryer, oven, or skillet depending on your preference.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon
This recipe has quickly become a family favorite because it’s:
Ready in only 15 minutes.
Crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Packed with protein and healthy omega-3 fats.
Perfect for rice bowls, tacos, salads, or lettuce wraps.
Easy to customize from mild to extra spicy.
Made with pantry-friendly ingredients.
The homemade Bang Bang sauce perfectly balances creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, spicy sriracha, and a touch of honey for a sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
1½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
For the Bang Bang Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro (optional)
Lime wedges
Serve with:
Steamed jasmine rice
Brown rice
Fried rice
Noodles
Roasted vegetables
Cucumber salad
Kitchen Equipment
Sharp knife
Mixing bowls
Measuring spoons
Air fryer, skillet, or baking sheet
Silicone spatula
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon completely dry using paper towels.
Removing excess moisture is the secret to achieving an incredibly crispy exterior.
Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1½ inches each.
Try to keep all pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
In a large mixing bowl combine:
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt
Pepper
Cornstarch
Add the salmon pieces.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.
The thin coating of cornstarch creates an amazingly crisp crust without deep frying.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon cooks, whisk together:
Mayonnaise
Sweet chili sauce
Sriracha
Honey
Rice vinegar
Garlic powder
Mix until perfectly smooth.
Taste the sauce.
Want it sweeter?
Add another teaspoon of honey.
Prefer more heat?
Add extra sriracha.
Place the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Air Fryer Method (Recommended)
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer.
Avoid overcrowding.
Cook for:
7–8 minutes
Shake halfway through cooking.
The salmon should become beautifully golden and crispy.
Skillet Method
Heat one tablespoon oil over medium-high heat.
Place salmon cubes into the skillet.
Cook about:
2–3 minutes per side
Turn carefully until every side becomes crisp and caramelized.
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for:
10–12 minutes
Broil during the final minute for additional crispiness.
Step 5: Coat with Sauce
Transfer the hot crispy salmon into a clean bowl.
Add only half of the Bang Bang sauce.
Gently toss until lightly coated.
Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling.
Using only part of the sauce keeps the salmon crispy while still delivering incredible flavor.
Step 6: Garnish
Sprinkle generously with:
Sesame seeds
Green onions
Cilantro
Serve with fresh lime wedges.
A squeeze of lime brightens every bite.
Serving Ideas
Bang Bang Salmon Rice Bowl
Serve over steamed jasmine rice with:
Avocado
Cucumbers
Edamame
Shredded carrots
Pickled onions
Finish with extra sauce.
Lettuce Wraps
Fill butter lettuce leaves with salmon.
Top with:
Cucumber
Carrots
Cilantro
Bang Bang sauce
Perfect for a lighter dinner.
Salmon Tacos
Fill warm tortillas with:
Crispy salmon
Cabbage slaw
Avocado
Bang Bang sauce
Fresh cilantro
Salad
Add salmon over mixed greens.
Include:
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Avocado
Radishes
Use extra Bang Bang sauce as dressing.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Salmon
Always pat the salmon dry.
Moisture prevents crisping.
Use fresh salmon whenever possible.
Do not overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket.
Cook in batches if needed.
Add sauce only after cooking.
Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
Easy Variations
Extra Spicy
Double the sriracha.
Add crushed red pepper flakes.
Garlic Lover
Add fresh minced garlic to the sauce.
Honey Garlic
Mix additional honey with soy sauce before tossing.
Asian-Inspired
Add:
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Fresh grated ginger
to the marinade.
Lemon Pepper
Replace paprika with lemon pepper seasoning.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to:
3 days
Keep the sauce separate if possible.
Reheating
For best texture:
Air fryer:
375°F for 3–4 minutes
Oven:
400°F for 5–6 minutes
Avoid microwaving if you want the salmon to remain crispy.
Make Ahead
Prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to 5 days ahead.
Cube and season the salmon earlier in the day.
Cook just before serving for the freshest texture.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 470
Protein: 35g
Fat: 29g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 640mg
Values will vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw it completely and pat it very dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from becoming crispy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. The classic Bang Bang sauce is naturally dairy-free if you use a dairy-free mayonnaise. Double-check the labels on your sweet chili sauce and other condiments if you have dietary restrictions.
What vegetables pair well with Bang Bang Salmon?
Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, sautéed bok choy, snap peas, green beans, or a crisp cucumber salad all complement the rich, creamy sauce beautifully.
Is Bang Bang sauce very spicy?
Not necessarily. Sweet chili sauce provides most of the flavor, while the sriracha adds adjustable heat. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or omit it entirely. If you enjoy bold spice, add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I use another fish?
Yes! This recipe also works well with cod, halibut, mahi-mahi, shrimp, or even boneless chicken bites. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon is proof that a restaurant-worthy meal doesn’t have to take hours in the kitchen. With juicy salmon, a crunchy golden coating, and a creamy, sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce, every bite is packed with flavor and texture. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice, tuck it into tacos, pile it into lettuce wraps, or enjoy it on a fresh salad, this versatile recipe is sure to become part of your regular dinner rotation. Fast, satisfying, and bursting with bold flavors, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something both comforting and exciting. Enjoy!
