The Best Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Why You’ll Love Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

This recipe is fast and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The salmon cooks quickly while staying moist and flaky inside.

The Bang Bang sauce strikes the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy, making it irresistible.

It’s versatile enough to serve on its own, over rice, in tacos, or as part of a fresh salad bowl.

You can easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salmon bites:
salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
olive oil or avocado oil
paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper

For the Bang Bang sauce:
mayonnaise
Thai sweet chili sauce
Sriracha
honey
lime juice

Optional for serving:
chopped green onions
sesame seeds
cooked rice
steamed broccoli or edamame
sliced cucumbers

Directions

1. Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up during cooking.

2. Place the salmon in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently until evenly coated.

3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or your oven to the same temperature.

4. Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a lined baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded.

5. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer, shaking halfway through, or bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the oven until the salmon is cooked through and lightly crisp on the edges.

6. While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.

7. Once the salmon bites are done, drizzle the sauce over the top or toss the salmon gently in the sauce to coat evenly.

8. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 15 minutes
Total time: 20 to 25 minutes

Variations

Make it extra crispy by lightly coating the salmon cubes in cornstarch before cooking.

For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the sauce.

Turn it into tacos by serving the salmon in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and extra sauce.

Create a rice bowl with jasmine rice, avocado slices, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce.

Add more heat by increasing the Sriracha or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce in a separate container for best texture.

To reheat, place the salmon in an air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to restore crispiness. You can also reheat in the oven for a few minutes. Microwaving works but may soften the exterior.

Do not freeze once coated in sauce, as the texture may change.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cutting and seasoning.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.

Can I bake instead of air fry?

Yes, baking works well. It may take a few extra minutes compared to air frying.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the amount of Sriracha to make it milder or spicier.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

They pair well with rice, noodles, salads, roasted vegetables, or wrapped in tortillas.

Can I use another fish?

Firm fish like cod or halibut can work, though cooking times may vary.

How do I keep the salmon from sticking?

Lightly grease your air fryer basket or line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crisping.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavorful, quick-to-make dish that combines tender salmon with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. Whether served as a main course, appetizer, or bowl topping, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s an easy way to enjoy a bold and satisfying meal.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender chunks of salmon coated in a crunchy crust, air-fried or baked to perfection, and tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or flavorful main dish.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup cornstarch
• Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
• Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) or oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if baking.
2. Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Place cornstarch in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
4. Coat each salmon piece in cornstarch, dip into the egg, then coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
6. Air fry for 8–10 minutes or bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
8. Toss the cooked salmon bites gently in the bang bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Adjust the sriracha to control the spice level.
• These can also be served over rice, in tacos, or in lettuce wraps.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg