Description
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. This recipe is a breeze to whip up and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you make it in the air fryer or the oven!
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
1 lb salmon filet, skinless and cut into 1-inch cubes
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
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tbsp sriracha (to your spice level)
1 tsp rice vinegar
Instructions
Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon filet completely dry with a paper towel. 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.
Coat the Salmon: Add the salmon cubes to the bowl with the panko mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and gently toss until each piece is nicely coated.
Cook the Salmon:
Air Fryer Method: Place the salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Oven Method: Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Make the Sauce: While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth.
Toss and Serve: Transfer the hot, crispy salmon to a large bowl. Drizzle with the bang bang sauce, gently toss to coat, and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t Crowd the Pan (or Basket!): Give the salmon bites space to get crispy. Cook in batches if you need to.
Pat That Salmon Dry: This is the most important step for a crispy coating! Any moisture will steam the salmon.
Sauce on the Side: If making ahead for a party, serve the sauce on the side for dipping to keep the salmon perfectly crunchy.
Adjust the Spice: The sauce is easy to customize. Start with 1 tbsp of sriracha and add more if you like it spicy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 357 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: bang bang salmon, crispy salmon bites, air fryer salmon, salmon appetizer, easy salmon recipe, spicy salmon