Bang Bang Salmon (Air Fryer Recipe)

If you’re still dreaming about the legendary Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill, this recipe will be your new obsession. I’m not ashamed to admit that dish had me in a chokehold, especially on $5 Wednesdays. Back in college, it was my go-to spot for lunch or dinner when I was on a beer budget. While those days (and the restaurant) are long gone, I’ve learned to recreate it at home- and let me tell you, this Bang Bang Salmon is giving all the same vibes.

It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a midweek lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s ready in under 20 minutes, which means I can whip it up during my lunch break and still have time to chill. Working from home has its perks, but let’s be honest; lunch often feels like an afterthought. This recipe bridges that gap. It’s fast, fresh, and feels like a treat without requiring a ton of effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This recipe is all about simplicity, speed, and flavor. Lightly seasoned salmon gets a generous coating of my homemade Bang Bang sauce, cooked to perfection in the air fryer, and paired with a low-prep Thai salad. From the air fryer to the plate in minutes, it’s a game changer for busy days.

01. Quick

Thanks to the air fryer, this salmon cooks in just 10-12 minutes. Pair it with a store-bought salad, and you’ve got a complete meal with minimal effort.

02. Fresh

Forget reheating sad leftovers. Sometimes, we deserve a freshly made meal that doest require you to reheat and hope it tastes just as good the next day. This dish is made fresh, delivering perfectly flaky salmon topped with creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce.

03. Customizable

There are so many options for this bang bang salmon. You can make salmon lettuce wraps which would be reminiscent of the bang bang shrimp appetizer at Bonefish Grill (can’t y’all tell I was in love?) My recommendation if you want to go that route is to cut the salmon into 1 inch pieces during prep. Or, you can pair it with your favorite veggies, rice, or salad for a balanced meal. And if you prefer, because that’s your business, it is great right on its own.

Everything you need:

I love that you don’t need anything fancy to make this Bang Bang Salmon.

• Salmon fillets: Fresh or frozen, perfect for quick and healthy meals. Fresh or frozen fillets work great for this recipe. If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it first so it cooks evenly. I usually go for fresh fillets when I can, as they’re a little quicker to prep. Look for fillets with the skin removed for the easiest cleanup. If your fillets have skin, don’t worry—you can remove it after cooking, or leave it on for a crispier texture.
• Kewpie Mayo: This is the MVP of the Bang Bang sauce. Kewpie mayo has a creamy, slightly tangy flavor with a hint of umami that takes this sauce to the next level. It’s a Japanese mayo that’s richer than regular mayo, and it’s worth keeping on hand for recipes like this. This is my favorite brand, which I grab from my local Asian market. If you don’t have Kewpie mayo, you can substitute regular mayo, but I recommend adding a small splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the flavor.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This is necessary for this recipe. It’s sweet, tangy, and adds the perfect balance to the creamy mayo and spicy Sriracha. I try to pick mine up from the Asian market and it’s a staple in my pantry. But it’s so good on practically everything, we go through a lot. This is the brand I always try to grab if it’s in stock at my local Asian market, but if I’m in a pinch, any sweet chili sauce should do. Trader Joes has an amazing version as well.
• Sriracha: It brings the heat! A little Sriracha goes a long way in giving the Bang Bang sauce its signature kick. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance. If you’re like me and enjoy a little extra heat, don’t be shy with that squeeze bottle! And if you’re making this for kids or those who aren’t into spice, you can add much less.
• Seasoning: Keep it simple. A light sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika is all you need to season the salmon. The Bang Bang sauce is where most of the flavor comes from, so don’t overpower the fish. The smoked paprika adds a subtle depth that complements the sauce perfectly.

Instructions:

• Season the Salmon – Lightly season your salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Do not over-season as it will overpower the Bang Bang sauce.
• Make the Bang Bang Sauce – In a small bowl, mix together Kewpie mayo, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha based on your preference.
• Cook the Salmon – Generously coat your salmon with half of the Bang Bang sauce. Reserve the remaining sauce for topping your cooked salmon and dressing your salad, if applicable. Place the salmon in your air fryer and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and preferred temperature.
• Finish and Enjoy – Once the salmon is finished cooking, drizzle with remaining Bang Bang sauce and enjoy!

As a work-from-home mom balancing a packed schedule, I know how hard it can be to prioritize a real meal in the middle of the day. This recipe bridges that gap; It’s fast, easy, and feels like a treat without requiring a ton of effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to please the entire family if you want to serve it for dinner instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen salmon? Yes! Frozen salmon works just as well as fresh for this recipe, but you’ll want to thaw it first to ensure it cooks evenly. The quickest way to thaw frozen salmon is to place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for 20-30 minutes. If you’ve got a little more time, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before seasoning.
• What can I substitute for Kewpie mayo? If you don’t have Kewpie mayo, regular mayonnaise will work just fine. However, to get closer to that rich, tangy flavor Kewpie offers, try adding a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to your mayo.
• How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the salmon from drying out, store the sauce separately if possible. This way, you can reheat the salmon without compromising its texture and then drizzle on the fresh sauce before serving.
• What is the best way to reheat salmon? The air fryer is my favorite for reheating—it keeps the fish tender while restoring that slightly crisp exterior. Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 8-10 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals (though this can dry it out, so add a splash of water or cover it with a damp paper towel).
• Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time? Definitely! The sauce can be prepped up to five days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick stir before using. Having the sauce ready to go can save you time during a busy weekday.
• What sides work best with this salmon? I love pairing this Bang Bang Salmon with a bagged salad, like the Sweet Thai by H-E-B. It comes with a peanut vinaigrette that complements the sauce perfectly and I love to mix it with the reserved bang bang sauce and use as a dressing for the salad and salmon. I also add in chopped green onion for flavor because, why not! If you are not local to a H-E-B, don’t worry – there are so many more options. And if you don’t want to go the salad route, feel free to serve it over jasmine rice or alongside roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. You could even use the salmon in lettuce wraps or tacos for a fun twist!

This bang bang salmon proves lunch doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. It’s quick, fresh, and delicious. Give it a try and don’t forget to tag me on socials @ThatsDashaVu when you make it!

Bang Bang Salmon (Air Fryer Recipe)

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 2

Course Lunch

Cuisine American, Asian

If you loved the iconic Bang Bang Shrimp from BoneFish Grill, this air fryer Bang Bang Salmon is about to become your new obsession. It’s bold, flavorful, and so easy to whip up for a quick lunch or dinner on a busy night. The salmon gets perfectly crisp in the air fryer, and is topped with a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce that takes it over the top.

Ingredients

• 2 Salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup Kewpie mayo
• 3 tbsp Sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp Sriracha or to taste
• 1 tsp Paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Lightly season your salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
• In a small bowl, mix together Kewpie mayo, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha based on your preference.
• Generously coat your salmon with half of the Bang Bang sauce. Reserve the remaining sauce for dressing your salad.
• Place the salmon in your air fryer and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your preferred salmon temperature.
• Once done, plate your salmon drizzle with remaining Bang Bang Sauce and enjoy!