Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These salmon bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a crave-worthy bang bang sauce that’s the perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and spicy. They’re ready in under 30 minutes and can be served over rice, in tacos, or on their own. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just want something new and exciting for dinner, this recipe brings the wow factor without the fuss.

Ingredients

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

For the Salmon Bites:

• Fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Cornstarch or flour (for coating)
• Eggs, beaten
• Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• Oil for frying or air frying
• Green onions or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• Lime juice or rice vinegar

Directions

1. Pat the salmon cubes dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Prepare three bowls for dredging: one with flour or cornstarch, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat each salmon piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko. Press gently to adhere.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Cook the salmon bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side in oil or 8–10 minutes in the air fryer, flipping halfway through.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce.
7. Toss the cooked salmon bites in the sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes

Variations

• Baked Version: Bake salmon bites at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and cornstarch instead of flour.
• Lighter Sauce: Substitute Greek yogurt for part or all of the mayonnaise.
• Extra Spicy: Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
• Taco Filling: Serve the bites in warm tortillas with slaw and avocado for bang bang tacos.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, bake or air fry the salmon bites at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and re-crisped. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
It’s best to store the salmon and sauce separately and combine just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it very dry before coating to ensure crispiness.

What kind of oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bang bang sauce can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.

Can I skip the breadcrumbs?

You can use just a cornstarch or flour coating, but the breadcrumbs add extra crunch.

How do I keep the salmon from overcooking?

Cook quickly over medium heat and remove as soon as the pieces are opaque and flaky inside.

Can I use this recipe with other proteins?

Yes, the method and sauce work well with shrimp, chicken, or tofu.

What should I serve with bang bang salmon bites?

They pair well with rice, noodles, a fresh salad, or in lettuce wraps.

Can I freeze cooked salmon bites?

It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can freeze and reheat in an air fryer or oven to regain some crispness.

Is the bang bang sauce dairy-free?

Yes, as long as the mayonnaise you use is dairy-free.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a fun, flavorful way to enjoy salmon with a spicy twist. With their golden crust and irresistible sauce, they’re sure to become a favorite for parties, dinners, or anytime you need something bold and delicious. Quick to make and packed with punchy flavor, this is a salmon dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender cubes of salmon coated in a crunchy breading and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. This fun and flavorful dish is perfect as an appetizer, main course, or taco filling.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Main Course
• Method: Frying, Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/3 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying or air frying
• Chopped green onions or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (to taste)
• 1 tbsp lime juice or rice vinegar

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Instructions

1. Pat the salmon cubes dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Set up three dredging bowls: one with cornstarch or flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each salmon piece first in cornstarch, then in egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat or preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Fry the salmon bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, or air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce.
7. Toss cooked salmon bites in the sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use gluten-free panko and cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
• Greek yogurt can be used to lighten the bang bang sauce.
• Air frying or baking is a great alternative to pan-frying for less oil.
• Best to coat salmon just before cooking to prevent sogginess.
• Store salmon and sauce separately to keep bites crispy when reheating.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4 oz salmon with sauce)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg