These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. They’re made with wholesome salmon, lightly seasoned, and crisped to perfection. The bang bang sauce—creamy, spicy, and just sweet enough—takes this dish to another level. Whether you serve them over rice, in tacos, or as finger food, these salmon bites are versatile, high in protein, and absolutely crave-worthy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
salmon fillets (skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes) cornstarch or flour (for coating) salt black pepper garlic powder paprika oil spray (for air fryer or pan-frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce: mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha lime juice (optional)
Directions
Pat salmon cubes dry with a paper towel.
In a bowl, toss salmon with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Then coat evenly with cornstarch or flour.
For air frying: Lightly spray salmon pieces with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through. For pan-frying: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet and cook salmon over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
While the salmon cooks, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl to make the bang bang sauce.
Toss the cooked salmon bites in the sauce or drizzle over the top just before serving.
Serve warm with green onions or sesame seeds as garnish, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Spicy Version: Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for extra heat.
Low-Carb: Use almond flour or skip the coating for a lighter version.
Bang Bang Salmon Tacos: Serve in tortillas with slaw and avocado.
Rice Bowl: Serve over jasmine or brown rice with cucumber, edamame, and pickled onions.
Oven Baked: Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until cooked through and slightly crisp.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salmon in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed and crisped up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the salmon rubbery and the coating soggy. Store sauce separately and toss just before serving for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and pat it completely dry before seasoning and coating.
What kind of salmon works best?
Any boneless, skinless fillet—like Atlantic or sockeye—works well. Just ensure it’s fresh and firm.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat level is moderate, but you can adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your preference.
Can I bake the salmon bites instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
What’s in bang bang sauce?
Typically mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sometimes lime juice for tang.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, just use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative for the sauce.
How do I keep the coating crispy?
Use cornstarch, don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer, and serve immediately after tossing.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can be if you skip the flour/cornstarch or use a low-carb alternative and a sugar-free chili sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the salmon and sauce ahead, but cook just before serving for best texture.
What sides go well with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Serve with rice, steamed veggies, slaw, or in lettuce wraps for a light and fresh meal.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavorful, protein-packed dish that’s easy to make and fun to eat. With crispy edges and a creamy, spicy glaze, they’re a perfect blend of comfort and bold flavor. Serve them up for a weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or build-your-own bowl night—this recipe is sure to impress
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, bite-sized pieces of salmon coated in a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. Cooked quickly in an air fryer or pan, they make a flavorful appetizer, snack, or main dish.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:Air Fryer or Pan-Fried
Cuisine:Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
1 lb salmon fillets (skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes)
2 tbsp cornstarch or flour (for coating)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Oil spray (for air fryer or pan-frying)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tsp lime juice (optional)
Instructions
Pat salmon cubes dry with a paper towel.
In a bowl, season salmon with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
Add cornstarch or flour to the salmon and mix until evenly coated.
For air frying: Lightly spray salmon with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
For pan-frying: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet and cook salmon over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
While the salmon cooks, prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl.
Once cooked, toss the salmon bites in the sauce or drizzle over the top before serving.
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Add more sriracha or cayenne for extra heat.Use almond flour or skip coating for a low-carb version.Serve in tacos, rice bowls, or lettuce wraps for variety.Store sauce separately to keep coating crispy.Reheat in air fryer or oven; avoid microwave.
