Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon: My Weeknight Win (Print Version)
Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon delivers flaky fish and spicy-sweet sauce in minutes. A simple, flavor-packed meal for busy nights!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Fusion
Dietary: Pescatarian
# Ingredients:
→ Main Stars
01 -
2 (6 oz / 170g) salmon fillets, skin-on or off
02 -
1 tsp olive oil
03 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Bang Bang Sauce Essentials
04 -
1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
05 -
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
06 -
1-2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
07 -
1 tbsp honey
→ Finishing Touches
08 -
2 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced
09 -
1 tsp sesame seeds
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, pat those salmon fillets super dry with paper towels. This is CRITICAL for getting that crispy skin. Honestly, I used to skip this step, and my salmon was always... fine. But dry? Game changer! Then, give them a light rub with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Don't go crazy, just a little love.
02 -
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Give it a good taste. Is it spicy enough? Sweet enough? This is your moment to adjust it to *your* liking. I usually add an extra dash of sriracha because, well, I like a little fire!
03 -
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Seriously, preheating makes a difference in crispiness. Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if applicable), in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't overcrowd it, or things won't get crispy! Cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness, until it’s cooked through and flaky. I always peek at around 8 minutes, just to be sure.
04 -
Once the salmon is cooked, pull the basket out. Now, generously brush that glorious bang bang sauce all over the top of each Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon fillet. Get it in every crevice! This step smells amazing, that sweet and spicy aroma filling the kitchen!
05 -
Pop the salmon back into the air fryer for just another 1-2 minutes. This lets the sauce get warm and slightly caramelized. You'll smell it getting all fragrant and delicious – that's your cue! Don't walk away, it cooks fast at this point. I've almost burnt the sauce doing that, oops!
06 -
Carefully remove the Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon from the air fryer. Transfer them to plates. Sprinkle generously with those sliced green onions and a handful of sesame seeds. Seriously, the green onions add such a fresh bite. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
# Notes:
01 -
Patting the salmon dry before cooking is my #1 tip for crispy skin.
02 -
Making the bang bang sauce ahead saves so much time on busy evenings.
03 -
If you don't have sweet chili sauce, a mix of sriracha, brown sugar, and lime juice works (kinda!).
04 -
Serving this with jasmine rice and a simple green veggie makes it a complete, comforting meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
small mixing bowl
03 -
whisk
04 -
basting brush
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 30-35g