If you’re looking for a bold, flavorful, and unforgettable appetizer or main dish, look no further than Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites. These bite-sized flavor bombs are everything you want in a dish—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that delivers a kick.
Whether you’re planning a dinner party, a game-day snack, or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner, Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are here to impress.
Table of Contents
What Are Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender chunks of salmon, seasoned and lightly coated in a crunchy breading, then pan-fried or air-fried to golden perfection. The magic happens when you toss them in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayo, chili sauce, and just the right amount of heat.
They’re quick to make, totally addictive, and a fun twist on traditional seafood appetizers.
Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy little bites of heaven:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or avocado oil recommended)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup, if you’d like to add a hint of natural sweetness
- Juice of 1/2 lime (adds brightness)
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes. Pat dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.
Sprinkle the salmon chunks evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper for bold flavor.
Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station
In three shallow dishes, create your breading lineup:
- Dish 1: All-purpose flour
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs
- Dish 3: Panko breadcrumbs
Coat each salmon cube in flour, dip in the egg, then press into the breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
Step 3: Fry or Air-Fry Until Golden
Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the salmon bites in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden.
Place the cooked salmon bites on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any leftover oil.
Lighter Option: Pop them in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning them over halfway to ensure both sides get perfectly crispy.
Step 4: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
Taste and tweak to your spice preference.
Step 5: Toss and Garnish
Transfer your crunchy salmon bites to a mixing bowl and pour the Bang Bang sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat every piece.
To finish, top with finely sliced green onions, a pinch of sesame seeds, or a dash of chili flakes for color and kick.
What to Serve with Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Wondering what to pair with Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites? These sides balance the flavor beautifully:
- Steamed jasmine or coconut rice
- Crispy shredded cabbage slaw
- Wonton chips or lettuce wraps for bite-sized serving
- Pickled veggies or cucumbers for tang and crunch
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus for a healthy sidekick
These combinations make the salmon bites a perfect party platter or light dinner option.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them tasty:
- Refrigerate: Store any extra salmon bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) to warm them up until crispy again. Avoid the microwave to preserve the texture.
- Sauce Tip: Keep leftover Bang Bang sauce in a separate sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Dry your salmon well before seasoning—it helps the coating stick and improves crispiness.
- Don’t skip the panko. Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you that satisfying crunch.
- Chill before frying. After breading, let the salmon rest in the fridge for 10 minutes to help the coating stay put.
- Double the sauce. Trust us—you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!
Variations You’ll Love
Want to put your own twist on Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites? Try these:
- Make it keto-friendly by swapping the flour and breadcrumbs for almond flour and crushed pork rinds.
- Use shrimp or tofu instead of salmon for dietary preferences.
- Add some zest by mixing lemon or orange peel into the sauce.
- Serve in tacos or over rice bowls with avocado and cilantro for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect combo of bold flavor, crunchy texture, and spicy-sweet satisfaction. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving something different for dinner, this dish delivers major flavor with minimal effort.
Plus, with so many ways to serve and customize it, Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are guaranteed to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
PrintCrispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are perfectly crispy on the outside with tender, flaky salmon inside. Coated in a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, they make for an irresistible appetizer or snack!
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ginger powder
For Garnish:
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon:
Cut the salmon fillet into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
Set Up Breading Station:
In one shallow bowl, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
Coat the Salmon Bites:
Dip each salmon cube into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it’s well-coated.
Fry the Salmon Bites:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the coated salmon bites in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Adjust the sriracha for more or less heat, depending on your preference.
Toss in Sauce:
Once the salmon bites are fried and crispy, place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over them and toss gently to coat the bites evenly.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
Frying Tip: Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F) before adding the salmon to ensure a crispy texture. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the bites will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
Make it spicier: If you like extra heat, increase the sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Air Fryer Option: If you prefer a lighter version, these salmon bites can be air-fried. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Substitute: Use any firm fish like cod or tilapia in place of the salmon if preferred.
Keywords: Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
