Name: Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 300 g salmon fillet, boneless and skinless 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon paprika; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon olive oil (or use spray if air frying) 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce 1 tablespoon sriracha 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional garnish)

I’m not sure there’s a more addictive appetizer than Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites. I made these on a whim one evening when I had a fresh salmon fillet in the fridge and a craving for something crunchy, spicy, and just a little creamy. These salmon bites come out of the pan perfectly golden with a tender flake inside and a coating of the most irresistible bang bang sauce—spicy, tangy, and sweet all at once. They’ve quickly become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers for parties or quick dinners that feel a little indulgent.

What I love about this dish is how deceptively simple it is to pull together. Bite-sized chunks of salmon are tossed in a few spices, seared or air-fried until crispy, then drizzled generously with bang bang sauce and fresh herbs. It looks and tastes restaurant-quality, but I promise, it’s something you can throw together in under 30 minutes. Whether served as a fun appetizer, stacked into tacos, or over rice bowls, these salmon bites always steal the show.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

They’re packed with flavor—crunchy edges, tender fish inside, and a bold creamy sauce that makes each bite pop. This recipe is quick enough for weeknights, fancy enough for guests, and customizable in so many ways. Whether you’re on the hunt for new seafood dinner ideas or a game-day snack, these salmon bites will not disappoint.

What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

When making Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, I always go for fresh, skinless salmon fillets. Look for center-cut pieces—they’re thicker, more uniform, and make perfect cubes for searing evenly. Atlantic salmon is a popular and buttery option, while wild-caught sockeye has a firmer texture and bolder flavor. Either works, depending on your preference. Just make sure the salmon is boneless and the skin is removed before cutting into chunks.

If frozen salmon is what you have, it’s totally fine—just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted very dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

Options for Substitutions

There’s a lot of room to get creative with these salmon bites if you’re working with different dietary needs or just want to shake things up:

Fish Substitute: Swap the salmon for shrimp, cod, or even tofu for a plant-based version.
Dairy-Free Sauce: Use vegan mayo in the bang bang sauce if you’re avoiding dairy or eggs.
Low-Carb Coating: Instead of cornstarch or flour, try crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch and make sure your sauces (like sriracha) are certified GF.
Spice Level: Control the heat in the sauce by adjusting the amount of sriracha. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

These small tweaks don’t sacrifice flavor, but they do make the recipe work for more people at the table.

Ingredients for These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Salmon Fillets: The star of the recipe. You’ll want boneless, skinless salmon cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking and a tender, flaky interior.
Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth to the salmon’s seasoning blend and enhances the overall flavor.
Paprika: Brings a gentle smoky warmth and helps give the salmon that appealing golden crust.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balance and seasoning—don’t skip them!
Cornstarch (or flour): Creates a light coating that crisps beautifully when cooked, giving the bites that perfect crunch.
Olive Oil (or neutral oil): Used for pan-searing or air-frying the salmon bites. It helps get the edges nice and crisp.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce, rich and smooth.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness, tang, and a gentle heat to the sauce—this is what gives bang bang its signature flavor.
Sriracha: Brings the kick! You can adjust to your preferred spice level.
Fresh Parsley or Chives: A finishing touch of freshness and color right before serving.

Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing texture, heat, and richness for bites that are bursting with flavor.

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a crispy sear. Cut the salmon into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes, making sure they’re similar in size for even cooking.

Step 2: Season and Coat

In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Once seasoned, sprinkle the cornstarch over the top and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. This light coating is what gives the salmon its satisfying crunch.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level if needed—add more sriracha for extra heat or a little honey if you want more sweetness.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon cubes, spacing them out so they don’t steam. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy all around. If using an air fryer, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Once the salmon bites are cooked, drizzle or toss them with the bang bang sauce while warm. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, and serve immediately for maximum crispiness.

How Long to Cook the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Cooking these salmon bites is quick and easy. If you’re pan-searing, each piece needs about 2–3 minutes per side on medium-high heat to get that perfect golden crust while keeping the center juicy and tender. In the air fryer, set it to 400°F (200°C) and cook the bites for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Either method gives you beautifully crisp results in under 15 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Dry the Salmon Well: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Blot the salmon cubes dry before seasoning.
Even Sizing: Cut the salmon into evenly-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: If you’re pan-searing, give the salmon space so it sears instead of steaming.
Serve Immediately: These bites are best enjoyed fresh when they’re still hot and crisp. Don’t let them sit too long before serving.
Customize the Sauce: The bang bang sauce can be spicy or mild, so taste as you go. Add honey for sweetness, more sriracha for heat, or a squeeze of lime for tang.
Double the Batch: If you’re feeding a crowd, these disappear fast. Make a double batch—you won’t regret it!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Drying Step: If you don’t pat the salmon dry, the coating won’t crisp up properly and you’ll end up with soggy bites.
Using Too Much Oil: A little goes a long way. Excess oil can make the coating greasy and heavy instead of light and crisp.
Overcrowding the Pan or Air Fryer: Crowding traps steam and prevents browning. Cook in batches if needed.
Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly. Overcooking will dry it out and make it tough instead of tender and juicy.
Adding Sauce Too Early: Wait until after the salmon is fully cooked and crispy before adding the sauce—adding it too soon makes the coating soft.
Uneven Cube Sizes: Cutting salmon into uneven chunks means some will be overcooked while others are underdone.

What to Serve With Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

Asian-Inspired Slaw

A crunchy cabbage slaw tossed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar adds brightness and crunch.

Jasmine or Coconut Rice

Simple rice is the perfect base for soaking up any extra bang bang sauce.

Steamed or Roasted Broccoli

A great green side to balance the richness of the salmon bites.

Mini Tortillas

Turn these bites into tacos with a little slaw, avocado, and extra sauce.

Pickled Veggies

Quick-pickled cucumbers or carrots cut through the creaminess with a pop of tang.

Edamame with Sea Salt

Warm, salted edamame pods are a satisfying and protein-rich snack on the side.

Sweet Potato Fries

Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the spicy sauce—plus, they’re a crowd favorite.

Lemon Wedges

A fresh squeeze of lemon just before serving gives the dish a bright finishing touch.

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), you can store the crispy bang bang salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, store the sauce separately to keep the salmon from getting soggy.

To reheat, pop the salmon bites into an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–6 minutes until they crisp up again. Microwaving is not ideal—it softens the coating and dulls the texture. If you’ve already tossed them in sauce, they’ll still be tasty, just not as crisp.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: 310
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Cholesterol: 65mg

Note: These numbers will vary depending on the size of your salmon fillets and how much sauce you use. Always adjust based on your ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does bang bang sauce taste like?

Bang bang sauce is creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy. It’s made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha—giving it a bold flavor that pairs perfectly with crispy textures like these salmon bites.

Can I make these salmon bites in the oven?

Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet pan, flipping halfway through. You can also broil for the last 1–2 minutes to crisp the edges.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat level. You can easily adjust it by adding more or less sriracha to the bang bang sauce—or leave it out completely for a milder version.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely, just make sure it’s fully thawed and well-dried before cutting and seasoning. This ensures the coating sticks and crisps up properly.

Can I prep these in advance?

You can cut and season the salmon ahead of time, and mix the sauce in advance. However, wait to coat and cook the salmon until just before serving for best texture.

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

You can mix honey with a bit of vinegar and red pepper flakes as a quick sub. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll give you that sweet-heat effect.

How do I make it healthier?

Try air frying instead of pan-frying, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the sauce, and serve with fresh greens or cauliflower rice.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended—the texture changes too much once thawed. These are best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are that magical mix of quick, flavorful, and fun to eat. They come together in under 30 minutes, deliver big flavor with minimal ingredients, and are endlessly versatile—from weeknight dinners to party platters. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to spice up your usual dinner routine, this is one recipe that’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Serve them hot, drizzle generously, and don’t forget a squeeze of lemon!