Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a modern twist on a popular restaurant-style appetizer, combining crunchy golden salmon pieces with a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. This dish delivers bold flavors and an irresistible texture contrast—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish when served with rice or salad, these salmon bites are versatile enough for both casual family dinners and party platters.
Not only are they delicious, but they are also quick and easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is a convenient way to enjoy restaurant-quality food at home. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave-worthy bites, this recipe will surely become one of your favorites.
rispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites – A Flavor-Packed Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender cubes of salmon coated in a crunchy breading and drizzled with a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- Oil spray or light drizzle of oil (for air fryer/baking) or 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or oven to 425°F (220°C). If frying, heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each salmon cube in flour, dip in egg, then roll in panko mixture until fully coated.
- For air fryer: arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the basket, spray with oil, and cook 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway. For oven: place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle lightly with oil, and bake 12–15 minutes until crisp. For frying: fry in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through, then drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
- Drizzle bang bang sauce over salmon bites or serve as a dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase sriracha in the sauce.
- Salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Can be made ahead by breading salmon and refrigerating for up to 4 hours before cooking.
- Serve with rice or salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon fillet – Fresh, skinless salmon cut into bite-sized cubes makes the base of the dish. Its natural richness pairs perfectly with the spicy-sweet sauce.
Cornstarch – Creates a light coating that crisps beautifully when fried, locking in the moisture of the salmon.
All-purpose flour – Combined with cornstarch, it provides structure and a golden-brown crust.
Eggs – Help the flour and cornstarch coating stick to the salmon pieces.
Panko breadcrumbs – Add an extra layer of crunch, ensuring the salmon bites fry up perfectly crisp.
Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce, balancing the heat with smoothness.
Sweet chili sauce – Brings a touch of sweetness and tang to the sauce, perfectly complementing the spicy notes.
Sriracha – Adds heat and depth to the sauce, creating the signature bang bang flavor.
Honey – Enhances the balance of flavors in the sauce by adding a subtle sweetness.
Green onions – Provide freshness and a pop of color when sprinkled on top before serving.
Oil for frying – A neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil is best for achieving crisp, golden results.
Directions
Begin by preparing the salmon fillet. Pat it dry and cut it into even bite-sized cubes. In three shallow bowls, set up your dredging station: one with flour and cornstarch, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Dip each salmon cube first into the flour-cornstarch mixture, then into the eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated salmon bites in small batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Meanwhile, prepare the bang bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha according to preference.
Toss the crispy salmon bites gently in the sauce until evenly coated, or drizzle the sauce over the bites just before serving to maintain maximum crunch. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings as an appetizer or 2 servings as a main dish. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, with cooking requiring an additional 15 minutes, making it a quick 30-minute recipe.
Storage/reheating
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–7 minutes until warmed and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy. The sauce can be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to make it your own. For a lighter version, the salmon bites can be baked or air-fried instead of deep-fried. Simply coat them as directed, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, or air-fry for 10–12 minutes.
The sauce can also be customized to suit your taste. For extra heat, add more sriracha or even a dash of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter version, increase the honey or sweet chili sauce. A splash of lime juice can brighten the sauce with a citrusy zing.
Instead of salmon, try this method with shrimp, chicken, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian option. The crispy coating and bang bang sauce work beautifully with different proteins and vegetables.
For serving, these bites can be paired with rice bowls, wrapped in lettuce for a lighter meal, or enjoyed as part of a party platter with dipping sauces on the side. The versatility of this recipe ensures it can be enjoyed in countless ways.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating.
Can I bake the salmon instead of frying?
Absolutely. Baking or air frying is a healthier alternative and still results in crispy bites.
What does bang bang sauce taste like?
It is creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy—a perfect balance of flavors.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cut the salmon in advance, but fry the bites just before serving for the best texture.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are ideal for frying.
Can I use skin-on salmon?
Yes, but skinless salmon makes for cleaner bites. If using skin-on, remove the skin before coating.
How do I keep the salmon crispy after frying?
Place the fried pieces on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to medium spice level, but you can adjust the sriracha to make it milder or hotter.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply scale up the ingredients. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
They pair well with rice, salad, noodles, or as part of an appetizer spread.
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a deliciously addictive dish that combines crunchy texture with bold, creamy, and spicy-sweet flavors. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, they are perfect for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or a quick snack that feels indulgent yet approachable. With customizable heat levels and cooking methods, this recipe can be tailored to fit your preferences, making it a must-try for seafood lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
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