Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Name: Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch chunks; 1/2 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Cooking spray or oil (for air fryer or pan-frying); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional); 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)

Posted on May 13, 2025

Spicy & Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites You’ll Want Every Night

Dinner

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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are your new go-to weeknight dinner or party appetizer—deliciously golden on the outside, tender and flaky inside, and tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce that’s totally addictive. Whether you air-fry, bake, or pan-fry them, these salmon bites are ready in under 30 minutes and are packed with flavor. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep or last-minute cravings.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites check all the boxes—crispy, saucy, and loaded with flavor! They’re quick to make, don’t require any fancy ingredients, and the bang bang sauce brings just the right amount of heat balanced by creamy sweetness. Perfect as a main dish over rice or salad, or served as a fun party bite with toothpicks. Plus, it’s easy to make them gluten-free or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. This is one of those recipes that feels like takeout… but better, and way healthier!

Ingredients

To make these crispy salmon bites with that irresistible bang bang sauce, you only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh salmon. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Salmon Bites:

1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or oil (for air fryer or pan-frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

Making Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites is super simple and can be done in three main steps: prep, cook, and toss in sauce. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon chunks dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up! In a bowl, toss the salmon with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Coat in Cornstarch
Add the cornstarch to the salmon and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Shake off any excess.
Cook the Salmon Bites
Choose your cooking method:
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket with oil, place salmon in a single layer, and cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Pan-Fry: Heat 2–3 tablespoons oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Cook salmon bites for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
Toss and Serve
Once the salmon is cooked, let it cool slightly. Toss the bites gently in the bang bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if you’d like!

Servings and Timing

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for two as a main dish or for 4–6 people as an appetizer or snack. They’re also great for meal prep or party platters!

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Servings: Serves 2 as a main, or 4–6 as an appetizer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes (depending on method)
Total Time: 25 minutes or less!

Tips and Variations

Want to make these Bang Bang Salmon Bites your own? Here are some simple ways to switch things up or tailor the recipe to your needs:

Tips:

Pat dry thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness—make sure salmon pieces are dry before coating.
Don’t overcrowd: Whether baking, air-frying, or pan-frying, give each piece space so they crisp up evenly.
Toss gently: Mix with sauce carefully so the crispy coating stays intact.

Variations:

Spice level: Dial down the heat by reducing or skipping the sriracha—or crank it up if you’re a spice lover!
Make it gluten-free: Use arrowroot or rice flour instead of cornstarch and check that your chili sauce is GF.
Add crunch: Toss in some panko breadcrumbs with the cornstarch for an extra-crispy texture.
Change the protein: Try this with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a fun twist.
Serve it over… rice, salad, lettuce wraps, or in tacos!

Storage

Got leftovers? No problem! These salmon bites store well and can be easily reheated for a quick, tasty snack or meal the next day.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Place cooled salmon bites in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Keeps well for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips:

Air Fryer or Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes until warmed and crispy.
Microwave: Not recommended—it softens the coating, but okay in a pinch.

Avoid tossing with sauce before storing—keep sauce on the side for best texture when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cutting and seasoning.

2. What can I substitute for mayo in the bang bang sauce?
You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option, or even vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
The heat is mild to medium. You can reduce or omit the sriracha for a kid-friendly version.

4. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking at 425°F for 12–15 minutes yields a deliciously crisp result, especially with a light oil spray.

5. Can I prep the salmon in advance?
Yes—season and coat the salmon earlier in the day, then store covered in the fridge until ready to cook.

6. What sides go well with this?
Try it with jasmine rice, garlic noodles, a crisp cucumber salad, or in lettuce wraps for a fresh bite.

7. Can I use the sauce for other dishes?
Totally! Bang bang sauce is great on shrimp, chicken, tofu, or even as a dip for fries or roasted veggies.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, crave-worthy dinner or appetizer that’s bursting with flavor, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are it. They’re spicy, creamy, crunchy, and super satisfying—plus easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. Whether you’re air-frying, baking, or pan-frying, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Why You’ll Love Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites