There’s something nostalgic about the crackle of a golden crust forming on a fillet of fish, the aroma of sweet chili mingling with spice, and the comfort of a dish that comes together effortlessly. Bang Bang Salmon is one of those recipes that bridges the gap between weekday simplicity and weekend indulgence. Whether crisped up in the air fryer or roasted to perfection in the oven, this dish has quickly become a weeknight classic in my kitchen.

My love for Bang Bang Salmon began on a rainy weeknight when I needed something cozy, flavorful, and quick. I’d recently returned from a trip to the Carolinas, where “Bang Bang” sauce made its way onto everything from shrimp to chicken. I wondered — why not salmon? The result: flaky fish with a crispy topping and a velvety sweet-spicy drizzle that had the whole table scraping their plates clean.

Rooted in Asian-fusion cuisine, Bang Bang Salmon gets its name from the signature sauce — creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy — traditionally used with shrimp. But salmon, with its buttery richness, carries the bold flavors beautifully, making this variation even more satisfying. It’s no wonder it’s taken off across food blogs and family kitchens alike. A dish that feels fancy yet takes under 30 minutes? Yes, please.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

• It’s Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The bang bang sauce balances sweet, creamy, and spicy.
• Healthier Cooking: Air fryer or oven-baked means no greasy frying pans.
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: Panko breadcrumbs give that addictive crunch.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, salad, or with steamed veggies.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or spray oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

HOW TO MAKE BANG BANG SALMON

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness. Set aside.

STEP 2: Prepare the Salmon
Pat each fillet dry with paper towels — this helps the topping stick and gives a better crisp. Season each piece with salt and pepper on both sides.

STEP 3: Add the Crunch
Press panko breadcrumbs onto the top of each fillet, gently pressing to help them adhere. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil to help them brown.

STEP 4: Cook to Perfection

AIR FRYER METHOD:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the salmon fillets breadcrumb-side up in the basket. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and breadcrumbs are golden.

OVEN METHOD:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle tops with oil and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy.

STEP 5: Add the Sauce
Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the salmon right before serving. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for a touch of flair.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use skinless salmon for even crisping. If you prefer skin-on, cook skin-side down.
• Don’t skip patting the salmon dry — it’s essential for maximum crunch.
• Want extra heat? Add a few crushed red pepper flakes or extra sriracha to the sauce.
• Make it lighter by swapping mayo for plain Greek yogurt.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–18 minutes
• Total Time: 20–28 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer or Oven
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion
• Diet: Pescatarian

NOTES:

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe can be adapted for meal prep or scaled up for a crowd. The sauce also doubles as a great dip for roasted veggies or sweet potato fries.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approx. 450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 25g
  (Estimates will vary based on specific ingredients used.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.

Is Bang Bang Salmon spicy?
It has a mild-to-medium spice level. You can tone it down or turn it up easily.

Can I prep this ahead?
The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best texture, cook the salmon fresh.

What’s the best side dish for Bang Bang Salmon?
Steamed jasmine rice, garlic green beans, or even a crunchy cabbage slaw go perfectly.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Use an air fryer (350°F for 3–4 mins) or oven (375°F for 10 mins) for best texture.
• Do not microwave: It may turn the salmon rubbery and soften the crispy topping.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Bang Bang Salmon
• Bang Bang Salmon Bites: A Bite-Sized Explosion of Flavor
• Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
• Bang Bang Salmon: A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite

CONCLUSION:

Bang Bang Salmon has quickly become a staple in our home. It’s a dish that feels a little fancy without the fuss, a dinner that impresses without requiring an hour in the kitchen. From the crunchy breadcrumb topping to the creamy, spicy sauce, every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding picky eaters, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your rotation too. Just don’t be surprised when everyone starts requesting it every week.

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