Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Short Description

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavorful and spicy appetizer or main dish made from tender salmon pieces seasoned and baked or air-fried to perfection. Tossed in a creamy, zesty bang bang sauce, these bite-sized delights offer a satisfying crunch with every bite, ideal for weeknight dinners, parties, or game day spreads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Bold Flavor: Combines smoky, spicy, and creamy elements in every bite.
Healthier Option: Baked or air-fried rather than deep-fried.
Versatile Dish: Serve as an appetizer, over rice, in lettuce wraps, or tacos.
Family-Friendly: Adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon Bites:

1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
Juice of 1/2 lime

Directions

Preheat Oven or Air Fryer
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Season the Salmon
In a bowl, toss the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Bake or Air Fry
Arrange salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Oven: Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until salmon is crispy and cooked through.
- Air Fryer: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden and crisp.
Prepare Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.
Toss and Serve
Once the salmon bites are done, toss them in the bang bang sauce or drizzle it over the top. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Breaded Option: Coat the salmon in panko before baking for extra crunch.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Taco Filling: Use in tacos with slaw, avocado, and extra sauce.
Dairy-Free: Ensure the mayo is dairy-free to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Not recommended once coated in sauce, but plain cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

What’s in bang bang sauce?

It typically contains mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sometimes honey and lime juice.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce for a milder flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if using gluten-free condiments in the sauce. Always check labels.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prep the salmon and sauce ahead, but cook the salmon just before serving for best texture.

What can I serve with salmon bites?

Serve with rice, salad, roasted vegetables, or inside tacos or wraps.

Can I grill the salmon instead?

Yes, thread salmon onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

How do I know the salmon is cooked?

Salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I use other fish?

Yes, firm fish like cod or mahi-mahi work well.

Can I make this recipe keto?

Use a sugar-free chili sauce and keto-friendly mayo for a low-carb version.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that turns simple ingredients into a bold and satisfying meal. With their golden crispiness and spicy-sweet sauce, these bites are perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a quick weeknight dinner. Serve them your way—over rice, in wraps, or straight from the pan.

[tasty-recipe id=”18028″]