Lately, I’ve been obsessed with recipes that strike the perfect balance between bold flavor and simplicity—and these Bang Bang Salmon Bites absolutely deliver. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and coated with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that’s dangerously addictive, they’ve quickly become a staple in my weeknight rotation. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to upgrade your usual salmon routine, these bites make it effortless to impress.

I love how versatile this dish is—it’s equally great as a quick appetizer, a topping for bowls and salads, or the star of an easy dinner spread. The prep is minimal, the flavor is huge, and the reward? Utter satisfaction. If you’ve never tried salmon like this before, prepare to be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

This dish checks all the boxes: it’s fast, full of flavor, and has that irresistible creamy-spicy combo thanks to the bang bang sauce. You don’t need a ton of ingredients or time in the kitchen, and it works for meal prep just as well as for entertaining. Plus, it’s high in protein, naturally gluten-free, and easy to tweak for different dietary needs.

What Type of Salmon Should I Use?

When making Bang Bang Salmon Bites, the quality of the salmon can really elevate the final dish. I prefer using fresh, skinless, center-cut salmon fillets because they yield even, cube-shaped bites that cook uniformly. If you only have frozen salmon on hand, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning. Wild-caught salmon has a firmer texture and deeper flavor, but farm-raised works well too—just avoid pre-marinated or overly thin cuts.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible, and you can tailor it based on what you have in your kitchen:

Fish Alternatives: If salmon isn’t available, try using firm white fish like cod or halibut. Even shrimp works beautifully with the bang bang sauce.
Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha or hot sauce in the bang bang dressing.
Sauce Base: Swap out mayo for Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Seasoning Blend: You can play with flavors—try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne to your dry rub for a deeper punch.
Gluten-Free Options: Use a gluten-free cornstarch or rice flour instead of regular flour if you’re doing a coating.

Ingredients for This Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Every ingredient in this dish plays a role in building flavor and texture, from the seasoned salmon to the creamy, spicy sauce that pulls it all together.

Salmon Fillets
The star of the dish—choose fresh, boneless, skinless fillets that can be easily cut into uniform cubes. They deliver the rich, buttery base.
Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil)
A light coating helps the salmon crisp up beautifully in the pan or air fryer, locking in moisture and boosting that golden sear.
Smoked Paprika
Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the salmon seasoning with its slightly sweet and smoky profile.
Garlic Powder
A must-have for savory flavor that works its magic without overpowering the delicate salmon.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning the salmon properly and enhancing all the other spices.
Cornstarch
Lightly coating the salmon cubes in cornstarch helps them develop a crispy crust when cooked, giving them that crave-worthy texture.
Mayonnaise
The creamy base for bang bang sauce—it makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
Sweet Chili Sauce
Delivers the signature sweet-heat balance that defines bang bang flavor.
Sriracha
Gives the sauce a spicy kick and depth that makes each bite pop.
Honey (optional)
For those who like a bit more sweetness in their bang bang sauce, honey adds a mellow, golden richness.

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning and cornstarch stick better. Cut the salmon into even, bite-sized cubes—about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Place the cubes in a bowl.

Step 2: Season and Coat

Add olive oil to the bowl of salmon cubes, followed by smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat every piece. Once evenly seasoned, sprinkle in the cornstarch and mix until each cube is lightly dusted. This step ensures a crispy exterior when cooked.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon Bites

For Pan-Searing:
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Once hot, add the salmon bites in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden on all sides, and cooked through.

For Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crisp outside and tender inside.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using) in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as needed.

Step 5: Sauce and Serve

Once the salmon bites are cooked, drizzle or toss them with the bang bang sauce while still warm. For extra flair, serve with additional sauce on the side or drizzle artistically over the top.

How Long to Cook the Bang Bang Salmon Bites

The beauty of this recipe is how fast it comes together:

Pan-Searing Method: Takes about 6–8 minutes total, cooking each side of the salmon cubes for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Air Fryer Method: At 400°F (200°C), the bites need only 7–9 minutes, flipped halfway through for even crisping.

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, with an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–54°C) for a moist center. Don’t overcook—salmon dries out quickly!

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Dry the Salmon Well: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat the salmon cubes dry before seasoning to help the cornstarch and spices stick better and give a golden crust.
Uniform Cubes: Try to cut the salmon into even-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
Don’t Crowd the Pan or Air Fryer: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than crisping.
Preheat Your Air Fryer or Skillet: A hot surface sears the salmon quickly and locks in moisture.
Customize the Sauce: Adjust the spice and sweetness of the bang bang sauce to your liking. It should be bold but balanced.
Serve Immediately: The texture is best right after cooking—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and still warm when coated with that creamy, tangy sauce.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a simple recipe like Bang Bang Salmon Bites, small missteps can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Skipping the Pat Dry Step: Excess moisture on the salmon prevents crisping and makes the cornstarch coating soggy.
Overcrowding the Cooking Surface: Whether using a skillet or air fryer, give the bites space to breathe—crowding causes steaming, not browning.
Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon becomes dry and chalky if left too long over heat. Keep a close eye and aim for just-done.
Uneven Cubes: Irregular cuts cook unevenly—some may burn while others stay raw inside.
Heavy Sauce Application Before Cooking: Don’t coat the salmon with bang bang sauce before cooking—it burns easily. Add it after the bites are cooked.
Using Too Much Cornstarch: A light dusting is all you need—too much makes the coating clumpy and unpleasant.
Neglecting to Taste the Sauce: Always taste and tweak the sauce before serving—it should be creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet.
Serving Cold: These bites shine when served warm and freshly tossed in sauce. They lose their magic if left sitting too long.

What to Serve With Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

Looking to round out the meal? These pairings complement the bold, spicy-sweet flavor of the salmon bites perfectly.

Simple Cabbage Slaw

A crisp slaw with lime and cilantro adds crunch and freshness to contrast the creamy bang bang sauce.

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A fluffy, neutral base that lets the salmon shine. Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Avocado Slices

Cool, creamy avocado balances the spice and adds healthy fats.

Cucumber Salad

Light and refreshing, with a vinegar or yogurt dressing to cut through the richness.

Sticky Rice Paper Rolls

Stuff them with veggies and salmon bites for a fun, hand-held meal.

Cold Sesame Noodles

Noodles tossed in sesame sauce provide a nutty, slightly sweet backdrop for the salmon.

Lettuce Wraps

Use butter lettuce leaves to make fresh wraps with salmon, herbs, and sauce.

Lemon Garlic Broccolini

Adds a zesty, green touch that balances the savory salmon bites.

Storage Instructions

Bang Bang Salmon Bites store surprisingly well, making them a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: While freezing is not ideal for texture (the bites may lose their crisp exterior), you can freeze cooked salmon bites without sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to revive the texture.
Reheating Tips: For best results, reheat salmon bites in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating and dries out the fish.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Here’s a rough estimate for a serving of Bang Bang Salmon Bites, assuming the recipe makes about 4 servings:

Calories: 340–400 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 24g (mostly from salmon and mayo)
Carbohydrates: 8–10g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 4–6g (from sweet chili sauce and honey)
Sodium: 500–600mg (depending on sauce and seasoning)

This dish is packed with protein, rich in omega-3s, and customizable for lighter or lower-carb needs by tweaking the sauce and using less oil or mayo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

Center-cut, skinless salmon fillets work best—they’re thick, uniform, and easy to cut into cubes. Both wild-caught and farm-raised are fine, but wild offers a deeper flavor and firmer texture.

Can I make these salmon bites in the oven?

Yes! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispness, broil the last 1–2 minutes.

Is the bang bang sauce spicy?

It has a mild kick from sriracha, but it’s mostly creamy and sweet. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce to taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Just use a dairy-free mayo or vegan alternative for the bang bang sauce—everything else is naturally dairy-free.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

You can cube and season the salmon ahead of time, and even mix the sauce in advance. Cook the salmon just before serving for best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute with arrowroot powder, potato starch, or even a light dusting of flour. It’s mainly used to help create that crispy coating.

Can I air fry them without oil?

Yes, though a tiny spray of oil helps with browning. They’ll still crisp up nicely due to the cornstarch, but may be slightly less golden.

What’s the best way to serve these for guests?

Serve them on skewers or toothpicks with a drizzle of bang bang sauce and a side of cucumber salad or slaw—easy to eat and crowd-pleasing.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are everything I want in a go-to recipe: bold flavor, quick prep, and wildly satisfying results. Whether I’m putting together a weeknight dinner or whipping up something impressive for friends, these salmon bites never disappoint. They’re versatile enough to serve in a rice bowl, on lettuce wraps, or even tossed into a salad—and that creamy-spicy sauce? Irresistible. Once you make them, you’ll understand why they’re on repeat in my kitchen.