– **Title**: Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions (for garnish)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined to create the Bang Bang sauce.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
5. Brush or drizzle a little bit of the Bang Bang sauce over the top of each salmon fillet.
6. Cook the salmon in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
7. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and drizzle with additional Bang Bang sauce if desired.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
9. Serve immediately with a side of rice or vegetables.
Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. If you’re looking for a substitute, try using skinless trout or cod. Both cook well and have a similar texture, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise works great, but if you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute. It adds creaminess and a bit of tang without the extra calories.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This gives a nice sweet and spicy flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, mix equal parts honey and soy sauce for a quick substitute. You’ll miss a bit of the heat, but it’ll still taste good.
Sriracha: Love it spicy? Feel free to add more sriracha. If you want to tone it down, try using a mild hot sauce or even skip it for a sweeter sauce.
Green Onions: These provide a fresh crunch as a garnish. If you don’t have green onions, fresh parsley or cilantro can work well too!
How Do I Get My Salmon Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting that perfect crispy exterior on your salmon requires a few key steps. The air fryer is fantastic for this, but let’s make sure we do it right:
- Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a hot cooking environment right away.
- Lightly drizzle the salmon with olive oil just before air frying. This helps the salmon get crispy on the outside.
- Cook the salmon in a single layer without overlapping to allow hot air to circulate evenly for that nice crispiness.
- Check on your salmon halfway through cooking to ensure it’s not overcooking. We’re aiming for a tender inside with a crisp outside!
After cooking, tossing it in the remaining Bang Bang sauce gives it extra flavor, plus a touch of crispiness from the sauce caramelizing slightly in the air fryer. Enjoy your perfect air-fried bite of salmon!
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Cooked white rice or quinoa (for serving, optionally)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon will take about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 10 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll be enjoying this tasty dish in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir them together until they’re well blended. This is your yummy Bang Bang sauce!
2. Coat the Salmon:
Take your bite-sized salmon pieces and toss them in half of the Bang Bang sauce. Make sure that each piece is evenly coated with that delicious sauce.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Before you cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to get that nice crispy texture on the salmon.
4. Air Fry the Salmon:
Place the coated salmon pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they’re not overlapping. Drizzle the salmon lightly with olive oil for extra flavor. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to see how they’re doing. They should be cooked through with a crispy exterior when ready!
5. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and toss it with the remaining Bang Bang sauce for that extra kick. Serve the Bang Bang Salmon over white rice or quinoa if you like. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute the Salmon with Another Fish?
Absolutely! You can use other firm fish like cod, tilapia, or snapper instead of salmon. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary slightly—make sure to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want extra heat, feel free to add more sriracha to the sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the salmon before cooking. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for an added kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Bang Bang Salmon?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop it back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through, helping to maintain its crispy texture.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, and consider adjusting the seasoning if needed!
