Listen, if you’re looking for a seafood dish that’s crispy, juicy, and dripping in bold, sweet-heat flavor, then Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are about to change the game for you. We’re talking bite-sized chunks of tender salmon, perfectly seasoned, cooked to crispy perfection, and then drenched in that irresistible Bang Bang sauce. It’s creamy, spicy, a little sweet, and straight-up addictive.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, an appetizer that’ll steal the show, or even a game-day snack that’ll have folks reaching for seconds (and thirds). Plus, you can air-fry, bake, or pan-sear these bad boys, so no matter how you like to cook, you can make this dish work for you.
So let’s jump in, get these flavors poppin’, and take your salmon to the next level!
Why You Need to Make These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
If you’re still on the fence, let me break it down for you:
Crispy Perfection – That golden, crunchy texture on the outside with a juicy, flaky salmon center? You already know that’s gonna hit different.
Flavor Explosion – Smoked paprika, garlic, and a little cayenne? Say no more. And when that Bang Bang sauce comes in with that creamy, sweet-heat kick? It’s a wrap!
Easy & Quick – Whether you air-fry, bake, or pan-sear, you’re looking at less than 20 minutes of cooking time.
Healthier Alternative – Salmon is packed with Omega-3s, and air-frying keeps things light while still delivering that crunch.
Crowd Favorite – Whether it’s a family dinner, party appetizer, or meal prep for the week, these crispy bites will disappear fast.
Now that you know why you need this in your life, let’s get to the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon Bites
- 1 ½ lbs salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha (or more for extra heat)
- 2 tbsp honey
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Prep the Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels—this step is key for that crispy texture.
- Remove any skin and cut the salmon into 1-inch bite-sized cubes.
- In a large bowl, drizzle the salmon with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth.
- Taste and adjust—add more Sriracha for heat or more honey for sweetness. Set aside.
Choose Your Cooking Method
Air-Frying (Best for Crispy Texture with Less Oil)
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Arrange the seasoned salmon in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation.
- Air-fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Baking (Great for Large Batches)
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cooked through and slightly crispy.
- For added crispiness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
Pan-Searing (Quick & Extra Crispy)
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of olive oil.
- Add salmon pieces in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently to brown all sides evenly.
Step 4: Coat in Bang Bang Sauce
- Drizzle it: Place the salmon bites on a platter and drizzle the sauce over them.
- Toss it: Add salmon bites to a bowl, pour sauce over, and gently toss to coat.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips & Tricks
Pat the salmon dry – Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Always pat dry before seasoning.
Don’t overcrowd – Whether air-frying or pan-searing, leave space between each piece.
Use fresh salmon – It makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
Adjust the sauce – Make it your own by tweaking the sweetness or heat level.
Double the sauce – Because, trust me, you’ll want extra for dipping.
15 Delicious Variations for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Spicy Bang Bang Salmon – Add extra Sriracha or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a serious heat boost.
- Lemon Herb Bang Bang Salmon – Add fresh lemon zest and a tablespoon of chopped basil or parsley to the sauce for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Coconut-Crusted Bang Bang Salmon – Roll the salmon bites in shredded coconut before air-frying or baking for a crispy, tropical crunch.
- Teriyaki Bang Bang Salmon – Swap out half the Bang Bang sauce with teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Buffalo Bang Bang Salmon – Mix in some buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy kick. This works great if you’re a wing fan!
- Honey Garlic Bang Bang Salmon – Stir in a tablespoon of minced garlic and a little extra honey into the sauce for a rich, garlicky sweetness.
- Panko-Crusted Bang Bang Salmon – Coat the salmon in seasoned panko breadcrumbs before cooking for an extra-crispy exterior.
- Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Mango Salsa – Serve the crispy bites with fresh mango salsa on top for a sweet and spicy balance.
- Keto Bang Bang Salmon – Swap the honey for a keto-friendly sweetener and use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Bang Bang Salmon – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs (or almond flour) for coating and ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
- BBQ Bang Bang Salmon – Mix half BBQ sauce with the Bang Bang sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.
- Asian Sesame Bang Bang Salmon – Add sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the sauce for a nutty, aromatic flavor.
- Gochujang Bang Bang Salmon – Replace Sriracha with gochujang (Korean chili paste) for deep, fermented spice.
- Cajun Bang Bang Salmon – Season the salmon with a Cajun spice blend before cooking to add Southern heat.
- Avocado Bang Bang Salmon – Blend avocado into the sauce for a creamy, rich texture that tones down the heat slightly.
15 Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – A simple, neutral base that lets the flavors of the salmon shine.
- Garlic Butter Noodles – Rich, buttery noodles balance the heat from the Bang Bang sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add crunch and balance the richness.
- Crispy French Fries – Because everything tastes better with fries, especially when you dip ‘em in extra Bang Bang sauce!
- Sweet Potato Fries – A healthier, slightly sweet alternative that complements the spicy sauce.
- Asian Slaw – A crunchy cabbage slaw with sesame dressing brings freshness and texture.
- Coconut Rice – The creamy, tropical flavor of coconut rice pairs beautifully with the Bang Bang sauce.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Brushed with butter and a hint of lime, this is a killer summer side.
- Cucumber Salad – A refreshing, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette helps cool things down.
- Hawaiian Rolls – Serve the salmon bites in soft Hawaiian rolls as mini sliders!
- Quinoa Salad – A healthy, protein-packed grain salad makes a great side for a well-rounded meal.
- Waffle Fries – Extra crispy and perfect for scooping up sauce!
- Asian Fried Rice – Add a little soy sauce, green onions, and egg to turn your side into a full-on feast.
- Cilantro Lime Rice – Light, citrusy, and the perfect pairing for a spicy dish.
- Grilled Pineapple Slices – A sweet, caramelized fruit side that complements the heat in the sauce beautifully.
Storage Tips & Make-Ahead Advice
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.
- Freezing: Not recommended for best texture.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the salmon and sauce up to a day in advance, but cook fresh for best results.
How Much Should I Make for a Family Gathering?
- 4–6 people: 1 ½ lbs of salmon.
- 8–10 people: 3 lbs of salmon.
- 12+ people: Go big—4 to 5 lbs.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- For the Salmon:
- 1 ½ lbs salmon fillets skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha or more for extra heat
- 2 tbsp honey
- Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped
- Green onions sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Remove skin and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large bowl, drizzle salmon with olive oil. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Toss to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust heat/sweetness. Set aside.
- Air-Fryer (Best for Crispiness):
- Preheat to 375°F.
- Spray basket lightly with oil.
- Arrange salmon in a single layer.
- Cook 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven (Great for Batches):
- Preheat to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or grease it.
- Arrange salmon in a single layer.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, broil last 1–2 minutes for crisp.
- Pan-Sear (Fastest, Extra Crisp):
- Heat non-stick skillet over medium-high with oil.
- Sear salmon in single layer, 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
- Drizzle sauce over salmon bites or toss to coat fully.
- Sprinkle with parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
