Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites – A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

I still remember the first time I made these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites. I had a few salmon fillets left in the fridge, and I wanted to do something fun, crispy, and full of bold flavor. The idea of bite-sized, crunchy salmon cubes coated in a creamy, spicy sauce instantly came to mind. What came out of the kitchen that day was nothing short of incredible—a golden, crispy exterior giving way to tender, flaky salmon, all drenched in a tangy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce that wakes up your taste buds.

What I love most about this recipe is how it takes a simple piece of fish and transforms it into something exciting and crowd-pleasing. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, pair it with a bowl of rice, or toss it over a fresh salad, these salmon bites always make a bold impression. My friends often request this dish whenever we get together, and it has become one of my go-to recipes when I want to serve something fast but flavor-packed.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with these crispy salmon bites for several reasons. First, the texture contrast is unbeatable—crunchy on the outside and juicy inside. The homemade bang bang sauce, with its balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors, elevates every bite. This recipe is also quick to prepare, which makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests. Best of all, it doesn’t require deep frying, so you can keep things light and mess-free.

Versatile

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a starter at a dinner party, a fun game-day snack, or even turn it into a full meal by pairing it with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies. You can also tweak the spice level of the bang bang sauce to suit your preference, or use the bites to fill tacos or lettuce wraps.

Affordable

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are not only delicious—they’re also budget-friendly. Salmon, especially frozen or canned options, can be an affordable protein, and the remaining ingredients are pantry staples. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find items. It’s an accessible way to make a gourmet-style dish at home without spending too much.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 500g salmon fillet, skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Cooking spray or light oil, for air frying or pan-frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp honey

• 1 tsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice as an alternative)

How to Prepare This Recipe

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are surprisingly easy to prepare, and the results speak for themselves. With just a few steps, you’ll go from raw salmon to golden, crunchy bites smothered in a creamy, spicy sauce. I usually prep everything in advance so the cooking process is smooth and efficient. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe is approachable and customizable, making it perfect for any skill level.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the salmon
Start by cutting the skinless salmon fillet into evenly sized bite-sized cubes. Try to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps the coating stick better.

Step 2: Set up the breading station
Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour and season it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the salmon
Take each salmon cube and dredge it in the flour mixture first, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally press it into the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure every side is well-covered so it crisps up beautifully during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the salmon bites
You can cook these in an air fryer, in the oven, or in a lightly oiled skillet—whichever method you prefer.

– Air fryer method: Preheat to 200°C (400°F). Lightly spray the salmon bites with cooking oil and air fry them in a single layer for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
– Oven method: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Arrange the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden.
– Skillet method: Heat a light layer of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Fry the salmon cubes for about 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar (or lemon juice). Taste and adjust the heat level if needed. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey; if you prefer more tang, squeeze in a touch more lemon juice.

Step 6: Toss or drizzle the sauce
Once the salmon bites are done cooking, you can serve them in two ways. Either drizzle the sauce on top or gently toss the salmon in the sauce until coated. If you want them to stay extra crispy, I suggest serving the sauce on the side for dipping.

Step 7: Garnish and serve
For an elegant finish, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh herbs on top. You can also add toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills or tools. From start to finish, you can have this dish on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights or when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and full of flavor.

Customizable

One of the great things about these salmon bites is how easily you can customize them. If you’re watching your spice intake, reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce. Want it creamier? Add more mayo. Looking for a gluten-free version? Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can even switch out the protein and try this same recipe with chicken or shrimp.

Popular with Many People

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are always a hit. They’re loved by both adults and kids and have that restaurant-style flair that makes them feel a little special. The combination of textures and flavors is addictive in the best way. Serve them at gatherings, pack them for lunch, or enjoy them solo—they’re bound to be a favorite in your kitchen.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely. Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cutting it into cubes. Removing excess moisture is essential to help the coating stick and achieve a crispy finish.

What can I use instead of sriracha in the bang bang sauce?
If you prefer a milder version or don’t have sriracha on hand, you can substitute it with a dash of hot sauce, chili garlic sauce, or leave it out entirely. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful with the sweet chili and mayo combination.

Can I prepare the salmon bites ahead of time?
You can bread the salmon pieces and store them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. However, for the crispiest results, it’s best to cook them just before serving.

Can I bake the salmon bites instead of air frying?
Yes. Baking works well. Arrange the breaded bites on a lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Is there a dairy-free version of the sauce?
You can use dairy-free mayonnaise to make the sauce. The rest of the ingredients are already dairy-free.