Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Easy & Ready in 20 Mins!

Name: Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe (Air Fryer or Oven!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon filet, skinless; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 1-2 tbsp sriracha; 1 tsp rice vinegar

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Get ready for your new favorite appetizer: these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are perfectly seasoned, irresistibly crunchy, and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s simply out of this world.

A close-up of a rustic white bowl filled with crispy bang bang salmon bites, generously coated in a creamy orange sauce and garnished with fresh chives. — I mean, does it get any better than this? These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and a whole lot of delicious!

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Key Takeaways

So Easy, So Fast: Seriously, you can have these bites of heaven ready in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those recipes that looks and tastes fancy but is a total breeze to whip up.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of the crispy, savory salmon with that creamy, tangy bang bang sauce is just chef’s kiss. It hits all the right notes.
Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Whether you’re making them for a party or just a fun weeknight meal, everyone goes crazy for these. I mean, who can resist?
Versatile Cooking: You can make them in the air fryer for ultimate crispiness or bake them in the oven. Either way, they’re fantastic. This is truly one of our favorite easy weeknight dinners.

If you love quick and easy dinners with restaurant-worthy flavor, try this One-Pot Chicken Dinner—it’s hearty, comforting, and ready in a flash.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

You’ll love the incredible texture contrast—that super crispy outside giving way to a flaky, tender inside. It’s so satisfying!
That homemade bang bang sauce? Trust me, you’ll want to put it on everything. It’s creamy, a little spicy, a little sweet, and just perfect.
It’s a recipe that feels indulgent and fun, like your favorite restaurant appetizer, but made right at home.
Honestly, it’s like a hug in a bowl, especially when you serve these crispy salmon bites over a bed of fluffy rice.
It’s a fantastic way to get more healthy seafood into your routine without feeling like you’re eating “health food.” You know?
Plus, it’s one of those amazing 5-Ingredient Recipes if you don’t count the pantry staples!

Looking for more feel-good flavor at home? You’ll adore this Grilled Chicken with Bruschetta—bright, juicy, and bursting with fresh tomato goodness.

A Flavor That Brings Everyone to the Table

I still remember the first time I tried a version of this dish at a local food festival. The aroma of something savory and slightly spicy pulled me in, and I walked away with a little paper boat of the most incredible salmon bites I’d ever tasted. They were gone in about 30 seconds! I knew right then and there I had to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. After a few (very delicious) attempts, this recipe was born.

It’s become a staple in my home for everything from quick lunches to appetizer night with friends. It has that special ability to feel both comforting and a little bit fancy, which is my favorite kind of meal. As I mention on my About page, my goal is to create simple, flavorful recipes that bring people together, and this one does exactly that. Every single time.

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

A flat lay of fresh ingredients for bang bang salmon bites on a wooden cutting board, including a salmon filet, panko, cornstarch, and bowls of mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. — The simple ingredients for something truly magical! You don’t need anything fancy to create incredible flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need. The ingredient list is simple, but the flavor is anything but!

Ingredient	Notes / Easy Substitutes
For the Salmon Bites:
1 lb salmon filet	Fresh, skinless salmon works best. You can use frozen, just make sure it’s fully thawed.
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs	These give you the BEST crunch. For a gluten-free option, use GF panko.
1/4 cup cornstarch	This is the secret to getting that coating to stick and crisp up! Arrowroot starch also works.
1 tsp paprika	I like sweet paprika, but smoked paprika adds a lovely, deep flavor.
1/2 tsp garlic powder	A must-have for that savory base.
Salt and black pepper	To taste, of course!
2 tbsp olive oil	Or any neutral oil you have on hand, like avocado oil.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise	Use a good quality mayo for the best creamy texture. For a vegan-friendly sauce, use a vegan mayo.
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce	This is key for that signature sweet and tangy flavor.
1-2 tbsp sriracha	Adjust to your spice level! Start with one and add more if you like it hot.
1 tsp rice vinegar	Adds a little tang to balance the richness of the mayo. Lime juice works in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything too fancy to pull this off!

Air Fryer or a Baking Sheet lined with parchment paper
Mixing Bowls (one for the salmon, one for the sauce)
Whisk
Sharp Knife
Cutting Board

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Step-by-Step

A pair of hands tossing cubed salmon pieces in a glass bowl with a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture before air frying. — Here’s the secret to that perfect crunch! Getting every single piece of salmon nicely coated in the seasoned panko is a game-changer.

Okay, let’s get cooking! This comes together so quickly.

Prep the Salmon: Start by patting your salmon filet completely dry with a paper towel—this is key for getting it crispy! Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes.
Season the Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to make sure all those seasonings are evenly distributed.
Coat the Salmon: Add the salmon cubes to the bowl with the panko mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and gently toss everything together until each piece of salmon is nicely coated. Be gentle so you don’t break up the salmon!
Cook the Salmon Bites:
- For the Air Fryer: Place the coated salmon cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and beautifully crispy.
- For the Oven: Arrange the salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.
Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste it and see if you want more sriracha!
Toss and Serve: Once the salmon is perfectly crispy, transfer the bites to a larger bowl. Drizzle that gorgeous bang bang sauce all over them and gently toss to coat each piece. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and crunchy, maybe with your favorite rice and vegetables.

While you’ve got the oven hot, consider making a pan of this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta—it’s another crowd-favorite with bold flavor.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

I’ve made these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few things along the way!

Don’t Crowd the Pan (or Basket!): This is my number one rule for anything you want to get crispy. Give those salmon bites some space! Cook in batches if you need to. It makes a huge difference, trust me.
Pat That Salmon Dry: I mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. Any excess moisture will steam the salmon instead of crisping it up. A few seconds with a paper towel is a game-changer.
The Double-Dredge (Optional): If you want outrageously crispy salmon, you can do a quick egg wash before tossing the salmon in the panko mixture. It adds an extra layer of crunch that is just divine.
Sauce on the Side: If you’re making these for a party and they might sit out for a bit, consider serving the bang bang sauce on the side for dipping. That way, every bite stays perfectly crispy until it’s eaten. Check out our other easy weeknight dinners for more simple entertaining ideas.
Taste Your Sauce: The sauce is half the fun! Before you toss it with the salmon, give it a little taste. Does it need more spice? A bigger squeeze of lime or dash of vinegar? You’re the chef here!

white bowl filled with crispy bang bang salmon bites

Want another bite-sized appetizer that disappears fast? These Iowa Party Bites are savory, cheesy, and totally addictive.

What to Serve With Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These are so versatile! You can serve them as an appetizer on their own, or make them the star of a meal. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

Make it a Bowl: Serve them over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa with some sliced avocado, cucumber, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Tuck them into Tacos: Warm up some small tortillas and load them up with the salmon bites, some shredded lettuce or slaw, and a little extra sauce.
With a Simple Salad: A crisp, refreshing cucumber and mango salad provides a perfect cool contrast to the spicy, creamy salmon.

To add a sweet finish to your meal, check out this Heaven on Earth No Bake Cake—it’s creamy, fruity, and effortless.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the salmon bites and the sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop the salmon bites back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes until they’re warmed through and crisped up again. I don’t recommend the microwave, as it can make them soggy.

FAQs About Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bang bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s so addictive! It’s typically made from a base of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a kick of sriracha. It’s the perfect complement to these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites.

Can I make bang bang salmon bites in the air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer is my favorite way to make these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites because it gets them extra crunchy with less oil. Just cook them at 400°F for about 7-9 minutes.

What do you serve with bang bang salmon bites?

They are fantastic on their own as an appetizer, but you can easily turn them into a full meal. I love serving these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites over rice, in tacos, or on top of a fresh green salad.

How do I get my salmon bites crispy?

The secret to perfectly Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites is threefold: pat the salmon very dry, use a combination of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs, and don’t overcrowd them in the air fryer or on the baking sheet!

If you’re prepping for the week ahead, don’t miss these Savory Garlic Parmesan Overnight Oats—an unexpected but satisfying make-ahead option.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you love making—and eating!—these salmon bites as much as I do. They are just pure, uncomplicated fun in the kitchen, and the result is always so impressive.

I can’t wait to see your photos and hear how they turned out! If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out or leave a comment below. And if you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch! Happy cooking!

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