These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are surprisingly simple to whip up, making them a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something exciting, or an impressive appetizer that will vanish in minutes at your next gathering. Forget takeout; you can create this restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen with minimal fuss. The contrast between the crunchy coating and the luscious sauce is pure magic. Ready to elevate your meal routine? Try these crispy bang bang salmon bites tonight—you won’t believe how simple and delicious they are! You’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together.

Ingredients

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1.5 lbs Salmon Fillet: (Tip: Use skinless salmon fillets for easier cubing and a more pleasant eating experience. Atlantic or Sockeye salmon work well.)

1/2 cup Cornstarch: (Tip: Don’t skip the cornstarch! It’s the secret weapon for achieving that ultra-crispy coating that stays crunchy even after saucing.)
1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs: (Optional, but adds fantastic extra crunch)
1 tsp Salt: (Or to taste)

1/2 tsp Black Pepper: (Freshly ground preferred)
3-4 tbsp Cooking Oil: (Avocado, canola, or vegetable oil for frying/baking; less needed for air frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup Mayonnaise: (Tip: Use good quality mayonnaise like Kewpie or Duke’s for the best flavor and creamy texture.)
- 1/2 cup Sweet Chili Sauce: (Thai-style sweet chili sauce is ideal)
- 2-4 tbsp Sriracha: (Adjust according to your heat preference. Start with less, you can always add more!)
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice: (Optional, but adds a nice tang to cut through the richness)
- 1 tsp Rice Vinegar: (Optional, adds another layer of acidity)
Universal Tip: Always pat your salmon (or any protein you want to get crispy) completely dry with paper towels before coating. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!

Universal Tip: Taste and adjust your seasonings at critical stages – season the salmon itself, and definitely taste and adjust the Bang Bang sauce before tossing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these irresistible Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for guaranteed deliciousness:

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Prepare the Salmon:
- Rinse the salmon fillet under cold water and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Why? Removing excess moisture is absolutely crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. Wet salmon will steam instead of crisping.
- Place the salmon on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the salmon into roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them relatively uniform in size. Why? Uniformity ensures even cooking, so you don’t have some pieces overcooked while others are still raw.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and optional lime juice or rice vinegar until smooth and well combined.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Want it spicier? Add more sriracha. Prefer it sweeter? A touch more sweet chili sauce. Like more tang? Add a bit more lime or vinegar. Set the sauce aside. Why? Making the sauce first allows the flavors to meld together while you prepare the salmon. You can easily make this component ahead of time. For different sauce ideas, you can explore variations like this classic Bang Bang Sauce Recipe.

Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until evenly distributed. Why? Combining these dry ingredients ensures each piece of salmon gets an even coating for consistent crispiness and flavor. The cornstarch provides a light, crispy layer, while panko adds a coarser, crunchier texture.
Coat the Salmon:
- Add the salmon cubes to the cornstarch mixture. Gently toss the salmon pieces until each one is thoroughly coated on all sides. You can do this in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the dish. Shake off any excess coating. Why? A complete coating maximizes the surface area that will become crispy during cooking.
Cook the Salmon (Choose Your Method):
- Air Fryer Method (Recommended for Easiest Crisping):
  - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Why? Preheating ensures the salmon starts cooking immediately at the right temperature, promoting better crisping.
  - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or brush with oil.
  - Arrange the coated salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Why? Overcrowding prevents hot air from circulating properly, leading to steaming instead of crisping. A single layer ensures even cooking and maximum crunch.
  - Lightly spray the tops of the salmon bites with oil.
  - Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your bites and your specific air fryer model. Why flip? Ensures both sides get equally crispy.
- Oven Method:
  - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Brush the parchment paper lightly with oil.
  - Arrange the coated salmon bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s space between them. Why? Spacing allows heat to circulate for even cooking and crisping, similar to the air fryer principle.
  - Lightly drizzle or spray the salmon bites with cooking oil.
  - Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Check for doneness – the salmon should flake easily with a fork.
- Pan-Frying Method:
  - Heat about 1/4 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (around 350°F or 175°C if using a thermometer). Why? Sufficient hot oil ensures the salmon fries quickly and develops a crispy crust without absorbing too much oil.
  - Carefully place the coated salmon bites into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Why batches? Adding too much salmon at once will lower the oil temperature significantly, resulting in greasy, less crispy bites.
  - Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy all over.
  - Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked salmon bites and transfer them to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain any excess oil. Why a wire rack? This allows air to circulate underneath, keeping the bottom from getting soggy as it cools.

Sauce and Serve:
- Once all the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour about half to two-thirds of the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the hot, crispy salmon bites. Gently toss to coat evenly. Why gently? Tossing too vigorously can break up the salmon or damage the crispy coating. Start with less sauce; you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
- Serve the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites immediately while they are still warm and crispy. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade, incredibly delicious Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites!

Servings Ideas

Serving these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites is half the fun, and their versatility makes them shine as either a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a show-stopping main course. For an appetizer spread, arrange the glistening bites on a platter lined with crisp lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts) for a fresh contrast and easy handling. Alternatively, thread three or four bites onto small skewers with chunks of pineapple or bell pepper for a colorful presentation. A simple sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions or cilantro adds visual appeal and a layer of fresh flavor.

As a main course, these crispy salmon bites are fantastic served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice, allowing the grains to soak up any extra Bang Bang sauce. For a healthier twist, pair them with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Complement the richness of the salmon with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bok choy.

You could also stuff them into soft tacos with a crunchy slaw or pile them high on a vibrant salad with mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. Plating tip: Always drizzle a little extra Bang Bang sauce over the top just before serving and have a small bowl of extra sauce on the side for those who love it extra saucy! No matter how you serve them, these bites are guaranteed to impress.

FAQs

1. Can I make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites ahead of time?

While the Bang Bang sauce itself can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salmon bites are definitely best enjoyed fresh. The crispy coating will inevitably soften upon sitting and especially after refrigeration. For the best texture, cook the salmon just before you plan to serve it. If you must prep ahead, you can cube the salmon and make the sauce in advance, then coat and cook the salmon right before serving.

2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind they won’t be as crispy when reheated. To reheat and try to restore some crispiness, avoid the microwave as it will make them soggy. Instead, use an air fryer at around 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes or a conventional oven/toaster oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-8 minutes, until heated through and slightly re-crisped. You might want to whip up a little extra fresh sauce for drizzling after reheating.

3. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can use frozen salmon fillets. Ensure the salmon is completely thawed before you begin – preferably overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, the most crucial step is to pat the salmon extremely dry with paper towels to remove as much residual moisture as possible. Excess water will prevent the coating from adhering properly and hinder crisping.

4. How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce? Can I make it mild?

The spiciness level is entirely adjustable! The heat comes from the sriracha. Our recipe suggests 2-4 tablespoons, which gives it a noticeable but generally moderate kick for most palates. If you prefer mild flavors, start with just 1 tablespoon of sriracha, or even less. Taste the sauce and gradually add more until it reaches your desired heat level. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add more sriracha or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

5. What’s the best cooking method for maximum crispiness?

For the absolute crispiest results with the least amount of effort and oil, the air fryer method is generally considered the best. The circulating hot air efficiently crisps up the coating on all sides. Pan-frying also yields very crispy results due to the direct contact with hot oil, but it requires more active cooking and uses more oil. The oven-baked method works well and is hands-off, but might result in slightly less uniform crispiness compared to the other two methods.

6. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, easily! To make gluten-free Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko (readily available in most supermarkets) or omit them altogether (the cornstarch alone provides good crispiness). Ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free if celiac disease is a concern. Also, double-check that your sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise brands are gluten-free.

7. What type of salmon should I use?

Any firm-fleshed salmon fillet will work well. Atlantic salmon is widely available and has a milder flavor and higher fat content, which keeps it moist. Sockeye, Coho, or King salmon are also excellent choices, offering slightly different flavors and textures. The key is to use fillets that are thick enough to be cut into substantial 1-inch cubes. Remember that salmon is a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids; you can learn more about the Health Benefits of Salmon.

Conclusion

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There you have it – everything you need to create incredibly delicious and satisfying Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites at home! This recipe proves that you don’t need complex techniques or hours in the kitchen to produce something truly special. The combination of tender, flaky salmon, a shatteringly crispy coating, and that signature sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you serve them as a fun appetizer or the star of your main course, these salmon bites are guaranteed to be a hit.

Don’t be intimidated; the steps are straightforward, and the results are restaurant-quality. If you enjoy flavorful, easy meals, you might also want to explore our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta for another quick weeknight favorite.

Pro Tip: For an even richer Bang Bang sauce, try substituting half of the regular mayonnaise with Kewpie (Japanese mayonnaise), which is made with egg yolks for extra creaminess.

Pro Tip: Ensure your oil (if pan-frying) or air fryer/oven is fully preheated before adding the salmon. Adding food to a cold pan or appliance is a surefire way to get greasy, soggy results instead of crispy perfection.

Variations to Try:

Bang Bang Shrimp: Swap the salmon for large peeled and deveined shrimp. Adjust cooking time accordingly (shrimp cooks faster).
Spicy Garlic Bang Bang: Add 1-2 cloves of finely minced garlic to the Bang Bang sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Different Protein: Try this method with cubed firm tofu (pressed well) or chicken breast for equally tasty results. If you like crispy chicken, check out our popular Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe too!

Smoky Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the cornstarch coating mix for a subtle smoky flavor dimension.

Give these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites a try soon – you’ll be glad you did!

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are ultra-easy to make, perfectly crunchy, and slathered in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s totally addictive. Whether served as an appetizer or a main, they deliver restaurant-level flavor at home with minimal effort.

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer

Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

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1.5 lbs Salmon Fillet (skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)

1/2 cup Cornstarch
1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (optional)
1 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Black Pepper
3–4 tbsp Cooking Oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1 cup Mayonnaise
1/2 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
2–4 tbsp Sriracha (to taste)

1 tbsp Lime Juice (optional)
1 tsp Rice Vinegar (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes.

Make the Sauce: Mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust to taste and set aside.
Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix cornstarch, panko (if using), salt, and pepper.
Coat the Salmon: Toss salmon pieces in the coating mixture until fully coated. Shake off excess.

Air Fry (Recommended): Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil basket. Cook salmon in single layer for 8–12 min, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place salmon on oiled parchment-lined sheet. Bake 12–15 min, flipping once, until crisp.
Pan-Fry Method: Heat 1/4 inch oil over medium-high. Fry salmon in batches 2–3 min per side. Drain on rack or paper towels.

Sauce & Serve: Toss hot salmon bites with half the Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Use Kewpie mayo for richer sauce. Preheat air fryer or oil fully for best crispiness. Serve over rice or in tacos. For milder spice, reduce sriracha. Sauce can be made ahead and stored for 3 days. Salmon cubes should be even size for uniform cooking.