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Effortless Bang Bang Salmon

Featured in: Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Recipes

Toss salmon chunks with seasoning and a bit of honey, pop them in the air fryer till golden, then dish up with bang bang sauce, green onions, and sesame seeds over top.

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Updated on Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:52:22 GMT
You see grilled salmon cubes topped with sliced scallions and creamy sauce on a plate. Pin it
You see grilled salmon cubes topped with sliced scallions and creamy sauce on a plate. | cookingkitchn.com

One night I was really wanting some takeout but noticed a gorgeous piece of salmon chillin’ in my fridge. I started tossing together whatever sauces I had lying around and, man, the result was next-level. Everyone at my house basically fought over the last bite! Now my kids actually get pumped when they see salmon out. Even my teen, who usually eats slow, grabs fistfuls. My mother-in-law (hardest to please) even asked me to jot down how I did it!

Why You’ll Love These

They’re a lifesaver when you need something fast. The outside gets that golden crunch but the inside stays really soft and flaky. And I swear it’s the sauce—folks always ask for more. My buddy next door keeps hinting for a dinner invite just for these, she says she can’t stop thinking about them!

Stuff To Grab

  • The Finishing Touches: Chop up some green onions and have sesame seeds ready for a nice sprinkle
  • Saucy Goodness: Mayo, dash of rice vinegar, some hot sauce (I like Sriracha), fresh garlic, splash of soy sauce, bit of ketchup
  • Salmon: Best to buy fresh from the seafood counter—skip the frozen if you’re able
  • Spices: Black pepper, a pinch of salt, garlic powder, sprinkle of smoked paprika
  • Honey: A spoonful brings it all together and makes it stick
Chunks of salmon marinating in a bowl, surrounded by lime wedges, some mayo in a small dish, and a dipping sauce nearby. Pin it
Chunks of salmon marinating in a bowl, surrounded by lime wedges, some mayo in a small dish, and a dipping sauce nearby. | cookingkitchn.com

Time To Get Cooking

Chop And Mix
Slice the salmon into small cubes. Dab with paper towels so those edges get extra crunchy. Toss with honey, oil, and all your seasoning stuff.
Cook It Up
Pop everything in the air fryer for speed, or bake in the oven if you want. I’m a huge fan of the air fryer—crispy in no time!
Sauce Magic
As the salmon cooks, whisk together your sauce stuff. Try a spoonful to see if you want it hotter.
Finish And Serve
Pour sauce right over when the salmon’s ready. Sprinkle those green onions and a bit of sesame for a little flair. Watch them get eaten up instantly!
Crispy cooked salmon cubes in a bowl, sprinkled with herbs and cheese, sitting in a light dressing, with a lemon on the side. Pin it
Crispy cooked salmon cubes in a bowl, sprinkled with herbs and cheese, sitting in a light dressing, with a lemon on the side. | cookingkitchn.com

Handy Tips

Spread your salmon bites out on the pan so they have breathing room for crispiness. Using the oven? Place your tray right up near the top for caramelized pieces. Another thing—make double sauce. You’ll see, everyone digs in for more!

Ways To Change Things Up

Up the heat with extra hot sauce if you’re feeling bold. My pal swaps in Cajun spice instead of paprika and swears it’s the best. Not a salmon mood? Go with shrimp—it’s great. I’ve started dunking anything in this sauce, honestly!

Ideas For Serving

We usually pile these on some rice with veggies. My kids dig them as taco filling (sounds strange but it tastes awesome!). Perfect for sharing, too—stick toothpicks in and they’re party snacks. At my last book club folks just hovered, snacking until there was nothing left!

Grilled salmon cubes on a plate, garnished with parsley, with a bowl of sauce and a lime wedge on the side. Pin it
Grilled salmon cubes on a plate, garnished with parsley, with a bowl of sauce and a lime wedge on the side. | cookingkitchn.com

Leftover Tips

Honestly, they’re best when you make them fresh. If you do have extras (not likely at my place), keep the sauce apart and stash both in the fridge. Warm them back up in the air fryer—they come out just as crispy. Try not to microwave unless chewy fish is your thing!

Great Any Night

These little salmon bites have saved dinner over here again and again. They’re speedy enough for crazy nights but cool enough to serve for special guests. When my kid picked them for her birthday dinner instead of pizza, I knew they were a crowd favorite!

Close look at grilled salmon bites covered with creamy sauce, green onions, and lime wedges. Pin it
Close look at grilled salmon bites covered with creamy sauce, green onions, and lime wedges. | cookingkitchn.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does the salmon stick to the basket?

It's mostly salmon's natural oils that make it stick. Spray a bit of oil on the basket first. Let your salmon cool just a sec before taking it out—this helps it break free. Parchment liners work great too.

→ What's the best salmon to use?

The thick middle part of fillets like king or Atlantic salmon are great for this since they cook up nice and even. Steelhead trout works just as well too.

→ Can I make these in the oven?

Go for it. Bake on the top oven rack at 400°F for around 10 to 12 minutes. Set them on parchment so they don't stick everywhere.

→ Why wait before removing the salmon?

Letting the salmon sit for a short bit helps it shrink up and pull away from the basket or pan. That way it doesn't fall apart when you lift it out.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead?

Absolutely. Make the bang bang sauce in advance and stash it in your fridge. It gets even better as the flavors mix together.

Effortless Bang Bang Salmon

Air-fried salmon pieces come out crispy, paired with a creamy spicy sauce. So fast and tasty for anytime snacking.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
18 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Seafood Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 lb of salmon (center-cut), chopped into pieces about 1 inch wide.
02 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, the coarse kind.
03 1/2 teaspoon of garlic seasoning.
04 1/4 teaspoon of paprika (opt for sweet or smoky, your choice).
05 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper.
06 1-2 teaspoons honey (totally optional).
07 1 tablespoon olive oil.
08 1/2 cup creamy mayo.
09 3 tablespoons of rice-based vinegar.
10 About 1/2-1 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce.
11 1 large garlic clove, finely grated.
12 1 tablespoon of coconut aminos.
13 1.5 tablespoons of ketchup or tomato sauce.
14 Green onions and sesame seeds to sprinkle on top.

Instructions

Step 01

Cut off skin and slice into cubes 1 inch thick. Toss pieces with pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, oil, and honey.

Step 02

Coat fryer basket lightly with oil. Add salmon in small portions and cook at 350°F for roughly 8 minutes.

Step 03

Combine mayo, hot sauce, vinegar, ketchup, garlic, coconut aminos, and a small pinch of salt together.

Step 04

After cooking, pause for 10 seconds before lifting salmon out of the fryer basket.

Step 05

Place salmon pieces on a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions, and enjoy them with the sauce.

Notes

  1. You can bake this too—set the oven to 400°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes.
  2. Center-cut fillets work perfectly with this.
  3. Let your salmon rest briefly so it doesn't stick to anything.

Tools You'll Need

  • An air fryer machine.
  • A big mixing bowl.
  • Optional: parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish.
  • Mayonnaise has eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 292
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 23 g