Keto Bang Bang Salmon is a bold, flavor-packed dinner made with tender air-fried salmon and a creamy, spicy, slightly sweet bang bang sauce. It is quick to prepare, low in carbs, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Recipe Information
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 22 minutes
Cooking Method: Air fryer
Difficulty: Easy
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in less than 30 minutes
- High in protein
- Only about 4 grams of net carbs
- Crispy outside and tender inside
- Sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy
- Naturally gluten-free and grain-free
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
For the Keto Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup keto-friendly mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons keto-friendly sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon powdered erythritol
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the salmon from sticking.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil, then season evenly with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Air-Fry the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
Cook at 375°F for 8–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon cooks, add the mayonnaise, keto sweet chili sauce, erythritol, and sriracha to a small bowl.
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Taste and adjust the amount of sriracha depending on your preferred spice level.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Remove the cooked salmon from the air fryer.
Spoon or brush the bang bang sauce generously over the top of each fillet.
For a slightly caramelized finish, return the sauced salmon to the air fryer for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Keto Bang Bang Salmon immediately with extra sauce on the side.
Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges if desired.
Tips for the Best Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning to help the exterior become lightly crisp.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Do not overcook the salmon, or it may become dry.
- Check the sweet chili sauce label carefully to make sure it is keto-friendly.
- Add more sriracha for extra heat or reduce it for a milder sauce.
Variations
Oven-Baked Bang Bang Salmon
Bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then add the sauce before serving.
Pan-Seared Version
Cook the salmon in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for approximately 4–5 minutes per side.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes, season, and air-fry for 6–8 minutes. Toss with the sauce before serving.
Extra-Spicy Version
Add more sriracha, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Lighter Sauce
Replace part of the mayonnaise with unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or plain Greek yogurt if dairy is suitable for your diet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Keto Bang Bang Salmon with:
- Cauliflower rice
- Roasted broccoli
- Zucchini noodles
- Cucumber salad
- Steamed asparagus
- Sautéed spinach
- Shredded cabbage slaw
- Lettuce wraps
Storage Instructions
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep any extra bang bang sauce in a separate sealed container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or until warmed through.
You can also reheat it gently in the microwave, but avoid overheating because salmon can dry out quickly.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
For the best texture, season and cook the salmon shortly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator, then pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
Is bang bang sauce keto-friendly?
Traditional bang bang sauce may contain sugar. For a keto version, use sugar-free sweet chili sauce and a keto-approved sweetener.
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes. The salmon can be baked in the oven or cooked in a skillet.
How do I know when salmon is cooked?
The flesh should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque in the center. For food safety, it should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, provided the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and other packaged ingredients you use do not contain dairy.
Is it gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free, but always check the labels on the mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce.
Nutritional Information
Approximate amount per serving:
- Calories: 590
- Protein: 40g
- Total fat: 42g
- Total carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Potassium: 950mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 1.3mg
Nutritional values may vary depending on the size of the salmon fillets and the brands of sauce and mayonnaise used.
Final Thoughts
Keto Bang Bang Salmon is a quick and satisfying recipe that transforms simple salmon fillets into a restaurant-style meal. The creamy sauce delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and tanginess, while the air fryer keeps the salmon tender inside with a lightly crisp exterior.
Serve it with your favorite low-carb vegetables or cauliflower rice for an easy, high-protein keto dinner the whole family can enjoy.
