Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a fast favorite for seafood lovers. Whether made in the air fryer or baked in the oven, these flavorful bites come together in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or as a protein-packed snack, this dish delivers big flavor in small bites. If you enjoy quick salmon recipes with a bold twist, this one is sure to become a go-to.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites use simple, accessible ingredients that come together fast. Below is everything you need to make the salmon bites and the bang bang sauce.
For the Salmon Bites:
• 1 lb salmon fillet – skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil – to coat the salmon before air frying
• 1 tsp garlic powder – for seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika – adds color and light smokiness
• ½ tsp salt – enhances flavor
• ¼ tsp black pepper – adds balance
• ½ cup cornstarch – helps create a crispy coating
• Cooking spray – for the air fryer basket
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• ¼ cup mayonnaise – forms the creamy base
• 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce – gives sweetness and mild heat
• 1 tbsp sriracha – adds a spicy kick (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup – balances the heat with extra sweetness
• 1 tsp lime juice – brightens the sauce
These ingredients make about 3–4 servings, depending on portion size. Be sure to pat the salmon dry before seasoning to help the coating stick and ensure a crispy finish in the air fryer.
Instructions
Follow these clear steps to make crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites with bold flavor and a quick cooking time. The air fryer keeps things fast and mess-free.
Step 1: Prep the salmon
Pat the salmon dry using paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes a crispy texture. Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: Season the salmon
Place the salmon cubes in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Coat with cornstarch
Add the cornstarch to the bowl or a large zip-top bag. Toss until the salmon pieces are coated on all sides. Shake off any excess.
Step 4: Arrange in the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the salmon in a single layer without overlapping.
Step 5: Air fry the salmon
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The bites should be golden and crispy outside, and the salmon cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Make the bang bang sauce
While the salmon cooks, make the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
Step 7: Toss or drizzle
Once cooked, let the salmon cool slightly. Then, either drizzle the bang bang sauce on top or toss the salmon bites in half the sauce for full coverage.
Step 8: Serve hot
Serve immediately with extra bang bang sauce on the side or over a bed of rice, noodles, or greens.
These crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently for later.
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites:
• Use fresh salmon: Fresh salmon fillets deliver the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning.
• Dry the salmon well: Moisture prevents crispiness. Pat the salmon with paper towels before seasoning and coating.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crisping. Work in batches if needed.
• Shake halfway: Flipping or shaking the basket midway helps ensure even browning on all sides.
• Toss gently in sauce: If you prefer a fully coated bite, toss the salmon in sauce just before serving to preserve its crispy texture.
Tasty Variations to Try:
• Oven-baked version: Don’t have an air fryer? Bake the salmon bites at 425°F for 12–15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crisp.
• Coconut crust: Mix a bit of unsweetened shredded coconut into the cornstarch coating for a subtle tropical flavor.
• Spicy version: Add extra sriracha or crushed red pepper to the bang bang sauce if you want more heat.
• Salmon bowl upgrade: Serve the salmon bites over rice with shredded cabbage, cucumber, and a drizzle of sauce for a quick salmon bowl.
• Low-carb twist: Skip the cornstarch and air fry seasoned salmon for a lighter version. Serve with steamed veggies or over greens.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are versatile and work great in a variety of meals. Here are some easy and flavorful ways to serve them:
• Salmon rice bowl: Add the crispy salmon bites to a bowl of steamed jasmine or brown rice. Top with shredded cabbage, cucumber, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce.
• Taco night: Use the salmon bites as a filling for soft tortillas. Add slaw, fresh herbs, and a lime wedge for quick salmon tacos with a kick.
• Appetizer platter: Serve the bites with toothpicks and a side of creamy bang bang sauce for dipping. Great for parties or game night.
• Crispy salmon salad: Toss the salmon on top of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Finish with a light vinaigrette and a spoonful of sauce for a spicy-sweet punch.
• Grain bowl or noodles: Pair the bites with quinoa, soba noodles, or couscous. Add vegetables and herbs for a fresh and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites
- 1 lb salmon fillets cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
- green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon pieces dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8–10 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl to make the Bang Bang sauce.
- Remove the salmon bites and let them rest for 5 minutes. Then toss gently with half of the prepared sauce.
- Serve the coated salmon bites drizzled with extra Bang Bang sauce and topped with chopped green onions.
Notes
- Calories: 340
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 490mg
- Potassium: 540mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin A: 240IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are everything you want in a quick and flavorful meal—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in a bold, creamy bang bang sauce. Whether served as an appetizer, over rice, or in a taco, they’re a crowd-pleasing option that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
The best part? They cook in under 15 minutes in the air fryer, making them ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With a few pantry ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy restaurant-style crispy salmon bites without the hassle.
FAQs
What does salmon taste best with?
Salmon pairs well with fresh, bold flavors like citrus, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and creamy or spicy sauces. In this recipe, the bang bang sauce adds a sweet and spicy balance that complements the richness of the fish.
What sauce goes with salmon?
Salmon goes great with many sauces including lemon butter, teriyaki glaze, garlic cream sauce, or spicy mixes like bang bang sauce, which combines sweet chili, sriracha, and mayo for a bold finish.
What to marinate salmon with?
A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce, or honey works well. For extra heat, add sriracha or a pinch of cayenne. Just 15–30 minutes of marinating enhances flavor without overpowering the salmon.
What is bang bang sauce made of?
Bang bang sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sometimes a splash of lime juice or honey. It’s creamy, sweet, and mildly spicy—perfect for crispy salmon bites.
