Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bowl

Do you love the iconic bang bang shrimp recipe as an appetizer? Do you crave it but need to stick to a high protein diet? This air fryer bang bang salmon bowl is a healthier alternative to bang bang shrimp. It has the same classic creamy sauce, but swaps in Greek yogurt for a more macro-friendly option. The salmon bites crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, and the whole air fryer bang bang salmon bowl comes together in perfect harmony.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

Quick and easy to make: This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes

Crispy without deep frying: The air fryer creates perfectly crispy salmon bites with minimal oil.

High in protein: Salmon and Greek yogurt make for a satisfying, protein-packed meal that keeps you full.

Creamy, sweet, and spicy: The homemade Bang Bang sauce is the perfect balance of sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and creamy Greek yogurt.

Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy flavorful lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Origin

Bang bang shrimp is a modern American take on Asian cuisine, created by chefs at Bonefish Grill, so it is a restaurant chain invention.

Ingredients

Salmon

• 1.5 pounds salmon, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Main protein in this recipe
• 1½ tsp paprika
  • Adds subtle smokiness
• 1 tsp onion powder
  • Adds a savory, rich flavor
• 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Adds a savory, rich flavor
• 1 tsp salt
  • Enhances flavor
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Adds a nice spicy kick
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • Helps add crispiness
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Helps seasoning stick to the salmon cubes

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • Creamy protein base for the sauce
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • Adds richness and helps achieve the original Bang Bang sauce flavor and texture
• Lime juice
  • Brightens the sauce
• Sriracha, to taste
  • Adds heat
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Adds flavor
• 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • Helps bring the sweet and tangy flavor

For Serving

• Cooked rice
  • Base that soaks up the sauce well
• Veggies of your choice
  • Brings more balance to the meal
• Sesame seeds
  • Adds a nice crunchy texture
• Sliced green onions
  • Fresh topping

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:

Instructions

Cook your rice.

Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes and pat dry with paper towels.

Drizzle the salmon with olive oil, then add the cornstarch and toss until evenly coated.

Season with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to coat each piece.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the salmon in a single layer.

Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and lightly crisp.

While the salmon cooks, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sriracha, garlic powder, lime juice, and sweet chili sauce until smooth.

Assemble your bowl with rice, vegetables, and the crispy salmon. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

@asipoftexas

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Ingredients 1.5-pound salmon 1.5 tsp paprika 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp salt 1 tsp cayenne pepper Olive oil 1 tbsp cornstarch Bang Bang Sauce: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 tbsp mayonnaise Sriracha Garlic powder 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce #salmon #airfryerrecipes #healthyrecipes

♬ Summer’s Golden Glow – Gizmo Grinder

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bowl Cooking Tips

• Pat the salmon dry before seasoning to help it crisp up in the air fryer.
• Cut the salmon into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
• Arrange the salmon in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking so the salmon cooks evenly and gets crispy on all sides.
• Don’t overcook the salmon. It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Drizzle the sauce just before serving to keep the salmon crispy.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store salmon and the sauce in separate airtight containers. Store for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze the cooked salmon in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

How do I reheat the salmon?

Reheat the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or until warmed through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Salmon: Swap the salmon for shrimp, chicken breast, chicken thighs, tofu, or cauliflower for a different protein.

Greek Yogurt: Use sour cream or additional mayonnaise if you don’t have Greek yogurt.

Mayonnaise: Replace with all Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

Lime Juice: Fresh lemon juice or rice vinegar works well for a similar tangy flavor.

Cornstarch: Potato starch can be used to help create a crispy coating.

Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil, canola oil, or another neutral cooking oil.

Vegetables: Mix and match with broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, edamame, bell peppers, avocado, or any vegetables you have on hand.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon

Fried Rice: Turn it into a takeout-inspired meal with vegetable or egg fried rice.

Cucumber Salad: Cool and refreshing for balance.

Asian Slaw: A crunchy mix of cabbage and carrots adds freshness and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not patting the salmon dry Excess moisture prevents the salmon from getting crispy in the air fryer.
• Overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave space between the salmon pieces so the hot air can circulate evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
• Using unevenly sized salmon cubes. Cut the salmon into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Adding too much oil. A light drizzle is all you need. Too much oil can make the salmon greasy instead of crispy.
• Overcooking the salmon. Salmon cooks quickly and can become dry if left in the air fryer too long. Cook just until it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Not shaking the basket halfway through. This helps the salmon cook evenly and brown on all sides.

If you enjoy this air fryer bang bang salmon bowl recipe, you might also like my miso-glazed air fryer salmon recipe or my air fryer gochujang salmon recipe.

Easy Air Fryer Miso Glazed Salmon Recipe

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