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A close-up of a vibrant bang bang salmon bowl featuring crispy glazed salmon pieces, fresh cucumber, shredded carrots, cilantro, and green onions.
Reda

Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

Tender salmon bites coated in a crispy panko crust and drizzled with a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. A perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 725

Ingredients
  

For the Bang Bang Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Good quality, like Kewpie or Duke's
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 1-2 tbsp Sriracha to taste
  • 1 tsp Fresh Lime Juice
For the Salmon
  • 1.5 lbs Salmon Fillet skinless, patted dry and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Large Egg lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • Cooking Spray or olive oil spray
For Garnish (Optional)
  • 2 Scallions thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • 3 Shallow Bowls
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Make the Bang Bang Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice until smooth. Set aside. You can make this ahead of time to let the flavors meld.
Prepare the Salmon
  1. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, add the lightly beaten egg. In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  2. Working with one salmon cube at a time, first dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the cube firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it's fully coated on all sides.
Air Fry the Salmon
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated salmon cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket (work in batches if necessary). Lightly spray the tops of the salmon cubes.
  3. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the salmon halfway through, until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
Assemble and Serve
  1. Transfer the hot, crispy salmon bites to a large bowl. Drizzle with half of the bang bang sauce and toss gently to coat.
  2. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Don't Overcrowd: For the crispiest salmon, make sure to cook in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed.
  • Oven Method: If you don't have an air fryer, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated salmon on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
  • Storage: This dish is best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, store the salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
  • Serving Ideas: Serve over a bed of jasmine rice, in lettuce wraps, as a taco filling, or on top of a fresh salad.