Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites – Easy, Flavorful & Irresistible Recipe
Golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor — Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a game-changer for seafood lovers! Imagine tender cubes of fresh salmon coated in a light, crunchy crust, then drizzled with a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect mix of heat, sweetness, and crunch — everything you crave in one irresistible bite.
Salmon is often seen as a fancy dinner choice, but this recipe turns it into something fun and approachable. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal, a snack for game day, or an impressive appetizer for guests, these salmon bites deliver restaurant-quality flavor in minutes. The best part? You can make them crispy without deep-frying, thanks to an air fryer or oven method that keeps them light yet satisfying.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a handy table listing the ingredients you’ll need along with their approximate calorie count per serving (based on four servings):
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cubed | 1 lb (450g) | 450 kcal |
| Cornstarch (for coating) | 1/4 cup | 120 kcal |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp | 2 kcal |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp | 3 kcal |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp | 4 kcal |
| Olive oil spray or light drizzle | 1 tbsp | 120 kcal |
| Mayonnaise | 1/3 cup | 250 kcal |
| Sweet chili sauce | 1/4 cup | 140 kcal |
| Sriracha (optional, for spice) | 1 tbsp | 15 kcal |
| Green onions, chopped (for garnish) | 2 tbsp | 5 kcal |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | 1 tsp | 15 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1: Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces). Drying helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispier result.
2: Season and Coat
In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the salmon cubes and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch gives that light, crispy outer layer once cooked.
3: Cook the Salmon
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer and spray lightly with olive oil. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 12–15 minutes, turning once, until crispy on the edges.
Pan-Fry Option: Heat a little oil in a non-stick pan and sear salmon bites for 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and cooked through.
4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha (adjust the spice to your liking). Taste and tweak — you want a balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy.
5: Toss or Drizzle
You can either gently toss the crispy salmon bites in the Bang Bang sauce for a sticky glaze or drizzle the sauce over them before serving for a cleaner look.
6: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful finish. Serve immediately while the bites are hot and crispy.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder version, skip the sriracha or reduce it. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Swap the protein: Try shrimp, chicken, or tofu instead of salmon for a fun twist on the classic Bang Bang flavor.
- Go gluten-free: Cornstarch keeps this recipe naturally gluten-free, but double-check your sauces for any gluten-containing ingredients.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle crushed panko breadcrumbs or tempura flakes on top for extra crispiness.
- Healthier sauce option: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy version of the Bang Bang sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are incredibly versatile! Here’s how to enjoy them:
- As an appetizer: Serve on a platter with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
- In a rice bowl: Pair with steamed jasmine rice, avocado slices, cucumber ribbons, and edamame for a full meal.
- With salad: Toss them over a bed of mixed greens for a protein-packed lunch.
- In tacos: Wrap them in soft tortillas with slaw and sauce for irresistible Bang Bang Salmon Tacos.
- Party snack: Skewer them on toothpicks for easy finger food that disappears in minutes.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
4
servings15
minutes10
minutes300
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantity
Fresh salmon fillet (skin removed, cubed)t1 lb (450g)
Cornstarcht1/4 cup
Saltt1/2 tsp
Black peppert1/4 tsp
Garlic powdert1/2 tsp
Paprikat1/2 tsp
Olive oil spray or drizzlet1 tbsp
Mayonnaiset1/3 cup
Sweet chili saucet1/4 cup
Sriracha (optional, for spice)t1 tbsp
Green onions, choppedt2 tbsp
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)t1 tsp
Directions
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes. Drying helps the coating stick and ensures a crispy finish.
- Season & Coat:
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add salmon cubes and toss until evenly coated.
- Air Fry or Bake:
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Arrange salmon in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust spice level to taste.
- Toss or Drizzle:
- Toss crispy salmon bites in the sauce for a sticky glaze or drizzle it over the top before serving.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Choose the Right Salmon: Fresh, firm salmon fillets like Atlantic or sockeye work best for this recipe. Avoid pre-frozen salmon with added water or glaze — it tends to steam instead of crisp.
Pat the Salmon Dry: Don’t skip this step! Drying the salmon before coating ensures the cornstarch sticks properly and gives you that signature golden crunch.
FAQs
1. What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy blend typically made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Some variations include a touch of honey or lime juice for added flavor. It’s the perfect combination of heat and sweetness that pairs beautifully with crispy salmon bites.
2. Can I make Bang Bang Salmon Bites without an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon bites in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 12–15 minutes or pan-fry them in a little oil until golden and crispy. All three methods work great — the air fryer just gives a lighter, crunchier finish.
3. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon — just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating. Removing excess moisture ensures your salmon gets that perfect crisp texture instead of steaming in the air fryer or oven.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice depends on how much sriracha you add to the Bang Bang sauce. For a mild version, use only sweet chili sauce, or reduce the sriracha. If you love heat, feel free to add extra chili sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
5. How do I store leftover salmon bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving — it can make the coating soggy.
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites bring together the perfect harmony of texture and flavor — crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and coated with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s downright addictive. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
