I’m always on the hunt for recipes that deliver big flavor without a ton of effort, and these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites might be my new favorite discovery. The combination of that perfectly crunchy exterior with tender salmon inside, all coated in that sweet-spicy bang bang sauce? It’s pretty much irresistible. Whether you need a quick appetizer for unexpected guests or want to elevate your dinner routine, this dish delivers every time. And the best part? You don’t need chef-level skills to make something that tastes this good.
Why You’ll Love these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – these Bang Bang Salmon Bites are about to become your new favorite way to enjoy seafood. I’m obsessed with how versatile these little morsels are, perfect for appetizers, salad toppers, or a quick protein-packed dinner.
What makes them irresistible? That sweet-spicy bang bang sauce, for one. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the buttery salmon beneath, for another. And can we talk about how quickly they come together? Just season, cook, sauce, and devour.
No fancy techniques required, just delicious results every time. Seafood skeptics might even convert.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
These salmon bites come together with just a few simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
- 1 lb salmon filet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional for extra crispiness)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for the sauce)
- 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce (for the sauce)
- 2 tsp sriracha (for the sauce)
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—you can adjust the spice level of the bang bang sauce to your preference, or swap Greek yogurt for the mayo if you’re looking for a lighter option with a bit of tang.
How to Make these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Cut your 1 lb salmon filet into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. I like to remove the skin first, which makes the bites easier to eat and guarantees they cook evenly all the way around. When preparing your salmon, consider using high-quality premium baking appliances to enhance your cooking experience.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Toss the salmon pieces in 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil until lightly coated. Then sprinkle with ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and ½ tsp salt, mixing gently to guarantee each piece is evenly seasoned.
Step 3: Add the Cornstarch (Optional)
For maximum crispiness (and who doesn’t want that?), sprinkle 1 tsp cornstarch over the seasoned salmon and toss until evenly distributed. This little trick creates that delightful crispy exterior we’re looking for, almost like a light coating without actual breading.
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method
You’ve got options here. Air fryer fans can arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer (not touching) and cook at 390-400°F for 6-8 minutes. Oven users, place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 8-12 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon cooks, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version), 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce, and 2 tsp sriracha until smooth. This sauce strikes the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy—feel free to adjust the sriracha if you prefer more or less heat.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
The salmon bites are ready when they’re crispy on the outside and just cooked through on the inside. They should flake easily with a fork but still remain moist and tender—nobody wants dry salmon, right?
Step 7: Sauce and Serve
Transfer the hot crispy salmon bites to a serving dish and drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. For maximum flavor impact, serve immediately while the contrast between the crispy exterior and the cool, creamy sauce is at its peak.
What to Serve with Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These addictively crispy salmon bites make a fantastic dinner centerpiece or crowd-pleasing appetizer. For a complete meal, serve them over fluffy jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up that irresistible bang bang sauce. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing offers the perfect cooling contrast to the spicy salmon. Want to keep it light? Arrange them over mixed greens with sliced avocado for a protein-packed lunch. For entertaining, pair with cold sesame noodles or vegetable spring rolls for an Asian-inspired spread. And don’t forget a crisp lager or dry Riesling—both cut through the richness beautifully while complementing those sweet-spicy flavors.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Substitutions and Variations
- Low-carb option: Skip the cornstarch and use almond flour for a keto-friendly coating.
- Fresh additions: Fold chopped cilantro or green onions into the sauce for brightness.
- Crunchy toppings: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, crispy fried shallots, or crushed peanuts.
- Citrus twist: Add a squeeze of lime juice and some zest to the sauce for a tangy kick that really wakes up the salmon.
Leftovers and Storage for these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These bites are definitely best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer or oven when they’re at peak crispiness. That said, leftovers can still be delicious with proper handling:
- Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent sogginess.
- To reheat, avoid the microwave which will make them rubbery. Instead, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture greatly deteriorates upon thawing.
- Pro tip: If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider setting aside some uncooked salmon pieces to prepare fresh the next day—nothing beats that just-cooked crispiness!
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites truly represent comfort food with a gourmet twist. The perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender salmon inside, all coated in that sweet-spicy bang bang sauce, creates a dish that feels special without requiring culinary school expertise. They’re ideal for those busy weeknights when you want something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, or as crowd-pleasing appetizers when entertaining friends. The versatility of this dish means it works equally well alongside a simple salad or as part of an elaborate spread. Sometimes the most satisfying meals come from just a few quality ingredients transformed with a little kitchen magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These in a Regular Oven Without an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! I’d suggest baking them at 400°F for 8-12 minutes until they’re crispy. Just arrange your salmon pieces on a lined baking sheet without overcrowding them for the best results.
Is the Recipe Suitable for Meal Prep or Freezing?
Yes, you can meal prep these! I’d store the cooked salmon separate from the sauce in the fridge for 2-3 days. I wouldn’t recommend freezing as it may affect the texture and crispiness.
How Do I Know if My Salmon Is Fresh Enough?
I look for salmon with bright, firm flesh that doesn’t have a fishy smell. Fresh salmon should have clear eyes, moist skin, and spring back when pressed. Avoid any pieces with discoloration or dry edges.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! I’d recommend thawing it completely first, then patting it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve that delicious crispiness we’re looking for.
Is There a Dairy-Free Alternative for the Bang Bang Sauce?
You can make a dairy-free bang bang sauce using dairy-free mayo instead of Greek yogurt. Just combine it with the sweet chili sauce and sriracha for the same delicious flavor without any dairy.