Hello, my dear friend! Sometimes, the most comforting meals are the ones that bring a little excitement to your plate. Discover this amazing Bang Bang Salmon, a dish that feels both familiar and wonderfully new. It’s sweet, spicy, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Best of all, it’s quick to make in your oven or air fryer, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special meal with loved ones. Enjoy restaurant-quality flavors right in the comfort of your home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
This recipe is truly a gift for your family’s dinner table, bringing both ease and incredible taste.
- Fast and Simple: You can have this delicious Bang Bang Salmon on the table in under 30 minutes, freeing up precious time for connection.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the oven or an air fryer, this recipe adapts beautifully to your kitchen setup.
- Exploding with Flavor: The signature sweet and spicy sauce creates a delightful experience with every single bite.
- Healthy & Protein-Packed: Salmon is a wonderful source of Omega-3s, making this a wholesome and fulfilling meal option.
- Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat to suit everyone at your table, from little ones to those who love a fiery kick.

Ingredients
Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to a truly memorable meal.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 1½ pounds, skins on)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup (116 g) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (66 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Chives (chopped for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
Choosing the right components makes all the difference for your perfect Bang Bang Salmon.
Always choose good quality, fresh salmon fillets from a trusted source for the best flavor and texture. For a lighter sauce, use light mayonnaise or even plain Greek yogurt for a creamy tang. Feel free to adjust the Sriracha to your personal spice preference; start with less and add more if you like it hotter. Maple syrup or agave nectar work wonderfully as a substitute for honey in the sauce. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions if chives aren’t available.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this delightful recipe.
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Basting brush
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Optional: Air fryer
How To Make Bang Bang Salmon
Bringing this wonderful Bang Bang Salmon to life is easier than you think, blending simplicity with incredible flavor. Follow these steps to create a truly comforting dish that your family will adore.

Preparing the Salmon & Sauce
First, let’s get everything ready for your delicious meal. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; this ensures easy cleanup later. Pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels; this crucial step helps achieve a lovely crispy skin.
Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon on all sides and gently rub it in with your hands. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously over all the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
Next, it’s time to whip up that irresistible sauce. In another small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk the sauce until it is completely smooth and beautifully blended. This will yield about one cup of sauce. Now, carefully divide the sauce in half.
You’ll use one half for brushing onto the salmon before cooking, and the other half will be reserved for drizzling over your cooked Bang Bang Salmon just before serving. With a basting brush, evenly brush half of the creamy sauce over the seasoned salmon fillets.
Baking Instructions (Oven Method)
If you’re using your oven, place the prepared salmon onto the lined baking sheet, skin-side down. Make sure to leave a little space between each filet for even cooking. Bake the salmon for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. Start checking for doneness after about 6 minutes. The internal temperature of fully cooked salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. For a wonderfully crispier top and a little extra char, broil the salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Air Frying Instructions (Alternative Method)
For a quick and crispy alternative, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned salmon fillets directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry for 5-7 minutes. Your salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has a lovely crispy texture on the outside. This method is fantastic for a speedy weeknight Bang Bang Salmon.
Serving
Once your salmon is beautifully cooked, transfer it gently to individual plates. Now for the best part: generously drizzle the remaining reserved Bang Bang sauce over each piece of salmon. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives for a touch of color and a mild oniony freshness. Serve your delightful Bang Bang Salmon immediately and savor every incredible bite. It’s a dish meant for sharing joy and creating cherished memories around the table.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon
Achieving that perfect, juicy, and flavorful Bang Bang Salmon is simple with a few key techniques.
- Dry Salmon Thoroughly: Always pat your salmon fillets very dry with paper towels before seasoning. This ensures the seasonings adhere well and helps achieve a delightfully crispy skin.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to guarantee moist and juicy results.
- Keep Skin On: Cooking with the skin on acts as a protective barrier, keeping the fish tender and preventing it from drying out. You can easily remove it after cooking if you prefer.
- Customize Spice: The amount of Sriracha in the sauce is entirely up to you. Taste the sauce before applying and adjust to your personal taste preference, adding more for extra heat or less for a milder flavor.
- Rest After Cooking: Let the cooked salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful filet.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Starting with fresh, high-quality salmon and good mayonnaise makes a noticeable difference in the final taste of your Bang Bang Salmon.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This versatile Bang Bang Salmon adapts beautifully to many meals and can be stored for future enjoyment.
Serving Ideas
- Serve your delectable salmon over fluffy steamed white or brown rice for a classic, comforting pairing.
- Combine it with roasted asparagus or tender broccoli florets for a complete and wholesome meal.
- Flake the cooked salmon into fresh, crisp salads for a light and vibrant lunch.
- Fill soft tortillas with the salmon and some crunchy slaw for fantastic Bang Bang Salmon tacos.
- For a hearty option, create delicious grain bowls with quinoa, avocado, and your favorite vegetables.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover Bang Bang Salmon promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or air fryer at a low temperature to prevent drying it out. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it often makes salmon rubbery. Cooked salmon is also wonderful enjoyed cold on salads or in sandwiches for a quick meal. Store any extra Bang Bang sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your Bang Bang Salmon!
- Spicy Salmon Bites: Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes before seasoning and cooking for fun, bite-sized pieces.
- Lime Infusion: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the Bang Bang sauce for a bright, zesty lift.
- Different Proteins: This incredible sauce isn’t just for salmon! Try it with shrimp, chicken breast, or even flaky cod.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that your mayonnaise and Thai sweet chili sauce are certified gluten-free for a diet-friendly option.
- Extra Crispy: For super crispy salmon, lightly dredge the seasoned fillets in a bit of cornstarch before baking or air frying.
- Grilled Version: If you love outdoor cooking, grill the seasoned salmon for a wonderful smoky flavor.

Nutrition Information
Enjoying this flavorful Bang Bang Salmon means nourishing your body with excellent ingredients.
According to Healthline, salmon is rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease risk factors for various diseases.
Each serving of this delightful dish provides a wholesome and fulfilling meal. Salmon is an outstanding source of beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and overall wellness.
| Serving: 1 filet |
|---|
| Calories: 574 kcal |
| Fat: 43g |
| Protein: 38g |
| Carbs: 8g |
(A more detailed breakdown is available in the full recipe card on our website.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers to help you master this delicious Bang Bang Salmon.
What is Bang Bang Sauce?
It’s a wonderfully creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a kick of Sriracha. Its origins are often attributed to a popular restaurant appetizer.
How do I know when salmon is done?
The best way to tell is by using an instant-read meat thermometer; salmon is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The flesh should also flake easily with a fork.
Should I remove the salmon skin?
It’s entirely up to you! Cooking with the skin on helps protect the fish and keeps it moist, and you can easily peel it off after cooking if you prefer.
Can I make Bang Bang Salmon ahead?
You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to cook the salmon fresh for the optimal texture and flavor.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level is quite customizable. The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Sriracha, but you can add more for extra heat or reduce it for a milder Bang Bang Salmon.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Bang Bang Salmon truly brings restaurant-quality flavor and comfort right into your home kitchen. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, whether you choose the oven or air fryer, and the sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce makes every bite an absolute delight.
We encourage you to try this delicious recipe soon and create wonderful new memories around your family’s table. Please share your experience and ratings below – we love hearing from you!

Irresistible Bang Bang Salmon: Easy Baked or Air Fryer Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over salmon and rub it in. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the salmon filets.
- Combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl; mix well. Divide the sauce in half, reserving one half for later.
- Brush one half of the sauce evenly over the salmon filets.
- Place the salmon, skin-side down, on the lined baking sheet, ensuring space between each filet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). For crispier salmon, broil for 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer salmon to a plate, drizzle with the reserved sauce, and garnish with chopped chives.
- Serve warm, optionally with rice.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.








