Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

There’s something seriously irresistible about crispy bang bang salmon bites—especially when they come out of the oven perfectly golden, crunchy on the outside, and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. I first made these when I needed a quick, flavor-packed appetizer for last-minute guests, and they were gone within minutes!

Made with real Atlantic salmon and a creamy, sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce, these crispy bang bang salmon bites are now a family favorite for everything from casual weeknight dinners to party platters. What I love most is how simple they are to whip up—just 25 minutes, a few pantry staples, and you’ve got a restaurant-style dish right at home. Whether you're serving them as a snack, main, or starter, crispy bang bang salmon bites always hit the spot.

Why Bang Bang Salmon Bites Are Taking Over Dinner Tables

Crispy bang bang salmon bites have totally earned their spotlight in my kitchen—they’ve got that perfect crunch, bold flavor, and feel like something you'd order at a fancy restaurant, but they’re super easy to make at home. I remember the first time I had them at a bistro, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how to recreate those crispy bang bang salmon bites in a healthier way.

That’s when I started baking or air-frying them, and honestly, they’re just as good without all the grease. With tender salmon coated in a golden crust and drizzled with that irresistible sweet chili mayo, these crispy bang bang salmon bites have become a weeknight go-to in my house. Whether I’m serving them over coconut rice, dishing them up on toothpicks for guests, or sneaking a few cold as a protein snack—they never disappoint.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations and Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage
• The Secret to Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
• FAQ
• Why Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Deserve a Spot in Your Weekly Dinner Lineup
• Related
• Pairing
• Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites:

• Fresh salmon fillets (Atlantic salmon works best), skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• Panko breadcrumbs
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs, beaten
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil (for pan searing) or cooking spray (for air fryer)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic, minced

Substitution Ideas: You can use frozen salmon (thawed completely), but fresh works best for texture. For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour and use gluten-free panko. Those avoiding eggs can use buttermilk or even plant-based milk for the coating.

The salmon seasoning blend here creates the perfect base flavor, while the panko gives that signature crunch we're after. Don't skip the honey in the sauce – it balances the heat perfectly!

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Salmon and Make the Sauce

1. Pat your salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting that crispy coating to stick properly. Cut the salmon into uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
2. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko breadcrumbs. This assembly line makes the breading process smooth and mess-free.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level – some folks love extra sriracha while others prefer it milder. This creamy sriracha sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Step 2: Bread the Salmon Bites

1. Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge each salmon cube first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
2. Dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off completely.
3. Roll in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the coating stick properly.
4. Place breaded pieces on a clean plate and repeat until all salmon is coated. Let them rest for 10 minutes for better adhesion.

Step 3: Cook Your Salmon Bites to Golden Perfection

For Pan Searing:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook salmon bites for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F).
3. Don't overcrowd the pan – work in batches if needed for even cooking.

For Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F and spray basket with cooking spray.
2. Arrange salmon bites in single layer without overcrowding.
3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden crispy salmon forms.

For Oven Baked:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange salmon bites on sheet and spray tops with cooking oil.
3. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Toss with Sauce and Serve

1. Once your crunchy salmon bites are perfectly cooked, immediately transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the prepared bang bang sauce and gently toss while the salmon is still hot. This helps the sauce stick better and creates that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
3. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Helpful Hints for Restaurant-Quality Results

The secret to achieving that perfect crispy texture lies in not overcrowding your cooking surface. Whether you're using a skillet, air fryer, or oven, give each piece enough space to get golden on all sides.

For extra flavor, let the breaded salmon sit for 10 minutes before cooking – this helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from falling off during cooking.

Health Benefits and Serving Suggestions

These healthy salmon bites pack impressive nutritional value. Atlantic salmon provides high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, and essential vitamins like B12 and vitamin D. When air-fried or baked, they become a lighter option compared to traditional fried appetizers.

Serve these versatile bites over cauliflower rice for a low carb salmon dish, or create crispy bang bang salmon bites bowls with jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, and sliced avocado. They also work beautifully as part of an Asian-inspired meal alongside vegetable spring rolls and miso soup.

For parties, arrange them on a platter with extra sauce for dipping – they disappear fast! Kids love these salmon nuggets too, making them perfect for family dinners when you want something everyone will actually eat.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Transform this base recipe into different flavor profiles by switching up the sauce. Try a honey sriracha glaze for sweetness, or make a tangy mayo drizzle with lemon and herbs for something lighter. You can also experiment with different coatings – crushed cornflakes add extra crunch, while coconut flakes create a tropical twist.

For those following specific diets, these adapt beautifully. Make them keto-friendly by using almond flour instead of regular flour, or create a dairy-free version by using vegan mayo in the sauce. The basic technique works with other fish too – try it with cod or mahi-mahi for variety.

Equipment

A good non-stick skillet makes pan searing these salmon bites much easier, but a well-seasoned cast iron pan works wonderfully too. If you're going the air fryer route, make sure not to overcrowd the basket – crispy results need proper air circulation.

For oven baking, a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple. A instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness, though with practice, you'll recognize that perfect golden color that signals they're ready.

Storage

Store leftover crispy bang bang salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain that crispy texture when reheating, use your air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or pop them in a 375°F oven for 5-6 minutes.

The sauce keeps well separately for up to a week, so you can make a big batch for multiple uses. These salmon bites don't freeze particularly well due to the coating, but the uncooked breaded pieces can be frozen for up to a month – just cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQ

Why Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Deserve a Spot in Your Weekly Dinner Lineup

Crispy bang bang salmon bites aren't just a recipe—they’re a little kitchen victory waiting to happen. From their crunchy golden crust to that irresistible sweet chili mayo drizzle, these bites turn everyday ingredients into something truly crave-worthy.

They’ve become a weeknight favorite in my home, right alongside feel-good comfort bakes like my German Marble Cake and vibrant, tropical mains like this Creamy Coconut Shrimp. Whether you're hosting friends or just feeding your family on a busy Tuesday night, crispy bang bang salmon bites bring the kind of flavor that makes people pause mid-bite and say, “Whoa, this is good.” If you give them a try, I’d love to see your twist on the recipe—share your creations and tag me, because your kitchen wins are what this blog is all about.

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Crispy bang bang salmon bites recipe: