Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Craving something crispy and spicy? These crispy bang bang salmon bites are calling your name. Tiny bites, big flavor!

Each piece is golden, crunchy, and tossed in that famous sweet-spicy bang bang sauce. Crispy outside, juicy inside. Totally crave-worthy.

Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a fun dinner. Fast, easy, and way better than takeout.

Let’s get frying! Grab your salmon and let’s make some crispy magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Flavorful: Each bite bursts with a crispy outside and juicy salmon inside, coated with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce.
• Fast and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep work and simple ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, party appetizers, or even meal prepping for the week.
• Versatile: Serve them over rice, toss into a salad, or tuck into tacos — they fit everywhere.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sauce and coat the salmon ahead of time for easy cooking later.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes

Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish or about 6–8 people as an appetizer.

Difficulty:
Easy. Beginner-friendly but satisfying for experienced home cooks too.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet (if baking) OR large skillet (if pan-frying)
• Tongs or spatula
• Whisk

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious dish together (exact amounts will be in the recipe card at the end):

For the Salmon Bites:

• Salmon Filet: Skinless, boneless, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Mayo: Helps the seasoning stick and adds moisture.
• Onion Powder: For a mild savory flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and warmth.
• Chili Powder: Gives a gentle heat and smoky flavor.
• Garlic Paste: Fresh and punchy, blends smoothly into the seasoning.
• Garlic Salt and Black Pepper: To round out the seasoning with a savory edge.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayo: Creamy base of the sauce.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.
• Sriracha: For a bold, spicy kick.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth.
• Honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic (grated or minced): Adds a fresh pop to the sauce.

Variations for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Make it Spicier: Add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Air Fry It: Cook the salmon bites in the air fryer at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes for an even crispier finish.
• Swap the Protein: Use shrimp or chicken instead of salmon for a twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and check your chili sauce ingredients.

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

1. Prepare the Salmon

• Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures crispiness.
• In a large bowl, toss the salmon with mayo, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, garlic paste, garlic salt, and black pepper.
• Gently mix until every piece is evenly coated.

2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, honey, and freshly grated garlic.
• Set aside. The sauce will thicken slightly as it rests, making it perfect for drizzling or dipping.

3. Cook the Salmon

Stovetop Method:

• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
• Once hot, place the salmon pieces in the skillet without crowding them.
• Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove from heat and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Baking Method:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange the salmon pieces on a lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

4. Drizzle or Toss with Sauce

• Lightly drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy salmon bites, or toss them gently to coat.
• Save a little extra sauce for dipping if you like!

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These salmon bites are super versatile and can be served in a lot of fun ways:

• Rice Bowls: Serve over a bowl of steamed rice with avocado, cucumber, and a drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce.
• Salads: Toss into a fresh green salad with shredded carrots, edamame, and a light sesame vinaigrette.
• Tacos: Tuck the salmon bites into warm tortillas with cabbage slaw and an extra squirt of sauce.
• Appetizer Platter: Pile onto a platter with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side for dipping.

You can also sprinkle them with a little chopped green onion, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Storing Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer to regain the crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible — it can make the coating soggy.

Note: The Bang Bang sauce can be kept separately in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Dry the Salmon: Make sure the salmon is patted dry before seasoning. Extra moisture will prevent it from getting crispy.
• Even Sizing: Cut the salmon into evenly sized pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re pan-frying, give each piece space. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly grated or minced garlic gives the Bang Bang sauce a more vibrant flavor compared to powdered garlic.
• Adjust the Spice: Customize the heat level by adding more or less sriracha depending on your taste.
• Rest the Sauce: Let the sauce sit for a few minutes after mixing to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~25 g
Fat	~20 g
Carbohydrates	~10 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sugar	~5 g
Sodium	~480 mg

(Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning to prevent extra moisture.

Is there a substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?

You can mix regular chili sauce with a little honey to create a similar sweet and spicy flavor.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Can I air fry the salmon?

Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, for extra crispiness without much oil.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a simple, satisfying way to turn basic salmon into something special. With a crunchy bite and a creamy, spicy sauce, this recipe fits into busy weeknights, party spreads, and meal prep plans alike. Once you make these juicy, flavor-packed bites, they’ll become a regular favorite at your table.