Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon.

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Silicone brush (optional)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Optional Garnishes

• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• High in protein and healthy fats
• Perfectly crispy without deep frying
• Family-friendly with adjustable spice levels
• Great for meal prep
• Easy cleanup thanks to the air fryer

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps create a crisp exterior during cooking.
2. Place the fillets on a plate and drizzle with olive oil. Rub the oil evenly over each piece.
3. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the salmon, ensuring all sides are coated.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
2. Mayonnaise
3. Sweet chili sauce
4. Sriracha
5. Honey
6. Rice vinegar
7. Mix until smooth and creamy.
8. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level if desired. Add more sriracha for extra spice or more honey for additional sweetness.
9. Set aside approximately half of the sauce for serving after cooking.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Preheating helps the salmon cook evenly and develop a better texture.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon

1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
2. Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation.
3. Cook at:
4. 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes
5. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the model of your air fryer.
6. The salmon is done when:
7. It flakes easily with a fork
8. The internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)
9. The surface appears slightly golden and crisp

Step 5: Add the Bang Bang Sauce

1. During the final 2 minutes of cooking, brush a thin layer of Bang Bang sauce over the tops of the salmon fillets.
2. Return them to the air fryer and finish cooking.
3. This creates a flavorful glaze without burning the sauce.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 minutes.
2. Transfer to serving plates and drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce.
3. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, or lime wedges.
4. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 · Protein: 35g · Fat: 27g · Carbohydrates: 8g · Saturated Fat: 5g · Fiber: 0g · Sugar: 6g · Sodium: 520mg