Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These salmon bites are quick to make, irresistibly crispy, and coated in that iconic bang bang sauce that’s both spicy and creamy. The combination of flaky salmon, light crunch, and velvety sauce hits every craving at once—sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or party platters, this recipe is easy yet restaurant-quality. You can air fry, bake, or pan-sear them depending on your preference—and they taste amazing either way.
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: A Fiery, Flavor-Packed Delight
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and coated in a creamy sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce. They’re quick, addictive, and perfect as an appetizer, rice bowl topping, or party snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for air frying or pan-frying)
- For Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat salmon pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Set up a breading station with cornstarch in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
- Coat each salmon cube lightly in cornstarch, dip in egg, then roll in panko to cover completely.
- To Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil. Arrange salmon bites in a single layer and spray lightly with oil. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- To Pan-Fry: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry salmon bites for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
- Toss cooked salmon bites in the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle it over the top before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake salmon bites at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Adjust the sriracha level for more or less spice.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a healthier Bang Bang sauce.
- Serve over jasmine rice, noodles, or a bed of greens for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer or Main Course
- Method: Air-Fried or Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon Fillets (Skinless)
Fresh, firm salmon cut into bite-sized cubes makes for juicy, tender centers.
Cornstarch or All-Purpose Flour
Creates a light, crisp coating that helps the salmon stay golden and crunchy.
Eggs
Act as a binder for the coating.
Panko Breadcrumbs
Adds irresistible crunch and texture to the salmon bites.
Salt and Black Pepper
Simple seasonings to enhance the flavor of the fish.
Garlic Powder and Paprika
Add depth and mild smokiness to the coating.
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
For frying or air frying to achieve that golden, crispy finish.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
Mayonnaise
Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
Sweet Chili Sauce
Gives sweetness and tang for that signature bang bang flavor.
Sriracha or Hot Sauce
Adds a spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
Honey or Lime Juice (Optional)
Adjusts the flavor to your liking—sweet or tangy.
Chopped Green Onions or Sesame Seeds (For Garnish)
Adds freshness and crunch to finish the dish.
Directions
- Prepare the Salmon:
Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. - Set Up the Coating Station:
In one bowl, place flour or cornstarch. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs. - Coat the Salmon:
Dip each salmon cube first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Place on a tray while preparing the rest. - Cook the Salmon Bites:
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray salmon bites with oil and air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Oven Method: Bake on a lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Pan-Fry Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry salmon bites for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust with honey or lime juice to taste. - Toss or Drizzle:
Once cooked, either toss the crispy salmon bites lightly in the sauce or drizzle it over the top to preserve their crunch. - Serve:
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. Serve immediately with rice, lettuce cups, or as a party appetizer.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes prep time and 15 minutes cooking time.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating. The sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Mango Bang Bang
Add pureed mango to the sauce for tropical sweetness.
Honey Garlic Version
Mix honey and minced garlic into the sauce for a sweeter, milder twist.
Asian Sesame Style
Add sesame oil and soy sauce to the bang bang sauce for a richer, nutty flavor.
Buffalo Bang Bang
Replace chili sauce with buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy version.
Panko-Coconut Crust
Mix shredded coconut into the breadcrumbs for a tropical crunch.
Low-Carb Option
Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Bang Bang Salmon Rice Bowls
Serve over jasmine or coconut rice with cucumber, avocado, and edamame.
Sweet Chili-Lime Glaze
Add lime zest and a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce for brightness.
Teriyaki Fusion
Add a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce to the mix for a sweet-savory balance.
Bang Bang Lettuce Wraps
Serve in butter lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cabbage for a lighter meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before coating to ensure crispiness.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust by adding more or less sriracha.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use dairy-free mayo and check that your breadcrumbs are dairy-free.
Can I use other fish?
Absolutely! Cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi work perfectly.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, baked or air-fried versions come out just as crispy.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to a week—it even tastes better after chilling.
What sides go best with this dish?
Rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp slaw pair beautifully.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely—just cook in batches to keep the bites crispy.
What oil works best for frying?
Use neutral oils like canola, avocado, or vegetable oil for best results.
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are everything you love in one bite—crispy, tender, spicy, and irresistibly saucy. The smoky sweetness of the bang bang sauce paired with the buttery salmon makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, toss it into rice bowls, or plate it over salad, it’s guaranteed to impress. Easy to make, beautifully balanced, and bursting with flavor—this recipe brings restaurant-quality indulgence straight to your kitchen.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share