Crispy bang bang salmon bites are the perfect mix of bold flavor and satisfying crunch. These bite-sized salmon pieces are coated in a light seasoning, air-fried or baked to crispy perfection, and finished with a sweet and spicy homemade bang bang sauce. It’s an easy and delicious recipe that transforms simple salmon into an irresistible meal or snack.
Inspired by the famous bang bang shrimp, this salmon version offers the same creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy taste — but with the rich flavor of tender salmon. Whether you cook them in the air fryer for extra crunch or bake them in the oven, these crispy salmon bites come together quickly with minimal effort.
Best of all, this recipe is family-friendly, perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or party appetizers. You can serve them as part of a rice bowl, in tacos, over salads, or simply on their own with extra creamy bang bang sauce for dipping.
If you love salmon recipes that are easy, full of flavor, and packed with texture, these crispy bang bang salmon bites will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s get started and discover how to make crispy bang bang salmon bites at home!
Table of Contents
Key Benefits For Crispy bang bang salmon bites
Crispy bang bang salmon bites offer more than just a fun twist on fish. Below are some highlights that make this dish a standout choice:
- Balanced Nutrition: Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Opt for wild-caught salmon if possible, as it contains additional nutrients, though farm-raised is still an excellent option.
- Simple Cooking: Whether you decide to use an air fryer or your oven, this bang bang salmon recipe is straightforward. The steps are easy to follow, making it suitable for anyone looking for a new dinner idea.
- Bold, Tangy Taste: The bang bang sauce has a unique sweet, spicy, and creamy profile. A mix of sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and a pinch of heat creates an unforgettable taste that works beautifully on fish.
- Versatile Methods: You can air fry at 400 degrees or bake—both deliver a crispy finish without frying in oil. If you prefer to bake the salmon bites, the result is equally tasty.
- Crowd Appeal: These salmon bites are a delightful option for gatherings, daily meals, or quick lunches. They please a broad range of palates.
- Easy Cleanup: Both an air fryer and oven require minimal cleanup. Cooking surfaces are typically simple to rinse or wipe clean, which is great news if you’re busy or just don’t want a sink full of dishes after preparing air fryer salmon bites.
- Leftovers: Leftover bang bang salmon bites can be stored and reheated with minimal loss of quality. This means you can prepare extra and enjoy them the following day.
Ingredients
To whip up these bang bang salmon bites, you’ll need a few key items. Gather the following before starting:
- Salmon: Around two pounds of salmon, cut into bite-sized chunks, or salmon cubes. You can use salmon filets or salmon fillets, whether fresh salmon or frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw and pat the salmon dry if it’s been frozen.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: An important piece of the bang bang sauce. You’ll need around four tablespoons, though feel free to adjust for your desired heat and sweetness.
- Mayonnaise: This ingredient provides the creamy element in the sauce. You only need a few spoonfuls.
- Hot Sauce or SrirachaThis gives your sauce a spicy punch, perfect for drizzling over salmon bites in the oven. You can add more if you want extra heat or scale back for milder flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Adds subtle depth to both your marinade and final sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for a basic seasoned salmon. Adjust the quantity based on your taste.
- Sesame Seeds: Optional, but a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds visual appeal and a light pop of flavor.
- Oil Spray: If you’re using an air fryer or the oven, a quick spray of oil helps produce that crispy edge.
- Extra Spices: Feel free to include ingredients like paprika, onion powder, or a hint of cayenne. It’s your kitchen, so customize freely.
Remember, you can also create a homemade bang bang sauce that suits your needs. Some prefer adding a spoonful of honey or a small amount of sugar to boost sweetness. You can try it out and see which version you like best.
How To Make crispy bang bang salmon bites
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through the steps to create these bang bang salmon bites recipe. bang bang salmon bites. We’ll cover both the air frying and baking methods so you can pick what fits your routine.
Step 1: Cut and Prep the Salmon
- Cut the salmon Cut the salmon into uniform chunks—this ensures that each flavorful salmon bite cooks evenly. piece of salmon cooks evenly. Try to keep them about one or two inches wide.
- Check for salmon skin. You can remove it if you don’t want that extra layer, though some enjoy the crispy edges it can provide.
- Pat the salmon carefully with a paper towel to remove extra moisture.
- Season the salmon lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Feel free to use other spices if you want a more adventurous flavor. Once the bites are seasoned, set them aside.
Step 2: Make Bang Bang Sauce and Optional Marinade
- To make the bang bang sauce, combine sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly. Feel free to add garlic powder or onion powder for added taste. Some call this combination a Bang bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sriracha, and other ingredients for a flavorful dip. a few simple ingredients, and it’s what gives these salmon bites their signature punch.
- If you’d like to create marinated salmon bites, set aside a portion of the sauce. Coat the salmon evenly with the seasoning and let it sit for around ten minutes. This quick marinade deepens the flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
- Air Fryer Method for making delicious air fryer bang bang salmon.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the salmon bites in the basket in a single layer. This step is key to getting that crunchy finish, so avoid stacking.
- Bites in the air fryer should cook for about eight to ten minutes, depending on size. Flip them halfway to ensure even browning.
- Once your salmon is cooked (check for an internal temperature of the salmon at about 145°F), remove them from the basket.
- Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Some cooks like to drizzle the salmon with oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake the salmon bites for about ten to twelve minutes. If you desire a browner edge, set your oven to a low broil for the final couple of minutes.
- Keep a watchful eye so your bites don’t overcook. Salmon can become dry if left in too long, so aim for an internal temperature of around 145°F.
- If you want to also bake the salmon without marinade, just season your cubes and pop them right in the oven.
Step 4: Add the Signature Sauce
- Once your cooked salmon has that inviting, crispy texture, remove it from the heat.
- Either drizzle the prepared bang bang sauce on top or toss the bites in a bowl with the sauce. Doing so while they’re still warm helps the flavors mingle perfectly.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Boost the Crisp: To ensure your salmon bites come out crunchy, dry them well. A light spray of oil can help seal in moisture and promote browning.
- Seasoned Salmon Variety: Feel free to experiment with different spices. Lemon pepper or Cajun seasoning can transform basic salmon cubes into something even more exciting.
- Air Fryer or Oven Flexibility: Both methods achieve a crispy bang bang salmon. The air fryer can be faster and often yields a crispier exterior, while the oven can handle larger batches on the top rack of the oven.
- Bang Bang Chicken Option: If you want another protein, you can adapt this approach to chicken. Just adjust the time to make sure the meat cooks fully.
- Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Fillets: Instead of bites, you can coat a larger fillet in marinade or sauce, then roast or air fry. Cooking time will vary depending on thickness.
- Leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Store any extras in an airtight container. To maintain a crunchy edge, reheat the salmon in the air fryer for a minute or two.
- Marinated Salmon Bites: If you have spare time, let your salmon soak in a bit of sauce or seasoning blend for 20–30 minutes before cooking. This delivers a richer flavor inside and out.
Serving Suggestions
Salmon bites are a delightful addition to any table. Here are a few ways you can serve them:
- Salmon Bowl: Put the finished bites over rice, add fresh veggies, and drizzle extra bang bang sauce. This is an easy way to create a one-bowl meal with plenty of texture.
- Salad Topper: Dress up a salad with these crispy bites for a more substantial meal. Drizzle the bang bang sauce across leafy greens for a zesty twist.
- Taco Filling: Grab tortillas, fill them with salmon, and top them with shredded cabbage or avocado. A little squeeze of lime brings everything together.
- Side Sauces: Keep extra bang bang sauce handy for dipping, or try pairing them with tangy slaw. You can even do a mix of sauces like bang sauce and yum yum style dressings for variety.
- Garnish the Salmon Bites: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped cilantro. This quick step brightens up your presentation.
Looking for more creative salmon ideas? Try this rich and flavorful Coconut Miso Salmon Curry for a cozy dinner option.
Conclusion
Bang bang salmon bites merge sweet, spicy, and crunchy elements in every morsel. They are a fun way to shake up your regular routine, and you can personalize the heat level with more or less chili sauce. Whether these bites are made in the air fryer or the oven, you can rely on them to impress guests or satisfy your own cravings. They’re simple enough for a busy weeknight and elegant enough for special occasions.
By following this guide, you can make bang bang salmon bites Each bite is packed with flavor from the first bite of salmon with bang bang sauce. For those who love the sweet-and-spicy dynamic of this sauce, try making a bigger batch of it to enjoy across multiple meals. The sauce keeps well in the fridge, letting you drizzle the bang bang sauce on just about anything you’d like.
If you want to place the salmon cubes on top of a fresh salad or tuck them into tacos, the possibilities are nearly endless. Once the salmon is golden and reaches a safe temperature, it’s ready to become the star of your table. For further exploration, you could try bang bang chicken using this same sauce approach. In short, these easy bang bang salmon bites prove that salmon can be creative and full of surprises.
Love salmon? Don’t forget to check out this delicious Coconut Miso Salmon Curry for another unique way to enjoy salmon.
FAQs
How do I store the salmon bites in an airtight container?
Simply let the bites cool, then move them to a sealed container. Place the bites in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days.
Can I serve these bites in other ways?
Yes! They make fantastic toppings for pizza, fillings for sandwiches, or you can enjoy them as finger food. Salmon bites pair well with a range of sides and sauces.
Should I pat the salmon dry if I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Pat the salmon thoroughly to ensure that moisture doesn’t interfere with the crispness. This step helps coat the salmon in seasoning or sauce evenly.
What is the difference between salmon filets and salmon fillets?
They refer to the same thing—portioned pieces of fish. Some people use the spelling “filets,” while others use “fillets.” Either can be used to create crispy salmon in this recipe.
Is there a perfect time to add the sauce?
Many prefer Prepare the bang bang sauce by whisking together the ingredients for a creamy bang bang sauce. beforehand. You can drizzle or toss the sauce as soon as the fish is cooked. It’s also possible to make bang bang marinade for a head-start on flavor, but finishing with sauce once the salmon is hot gives you maximum impact.
Can I use the same method for other seafood?
Absolutely. You can try cod or shrimp if you want a break from salmon. The instructions remain similar, though cooking times may vary.
How do I ensure the bites are seasoned well without overpowering the sauce?
A gentle coat of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is enough. The bang bang sauce does most of the heavy lifting for flavor.
Do I have to check the temperature of the salmon?
Yes. Ensuring the salmon reaches around 145°F confirms it’s safe to eat. Overcooking might dry it out, so watch closely.
Why does the recipe call for a single layer in the air fryer basket?
Layering the fryer basket in a single arrangement ensures the hot air circulates each piece. Overlapping leads to steaming instead of crisping.
Could I call this a salmon bites recipe for parties?
Certainly. Label it a party-friendly salmon bites recipe that offers a unique alternative to typical finger foods.
crispy bang bang salmon bites
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 2 pounds salmon fillets or filets cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray for air fryer or baking
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional, for garnish
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon:
- Cut salmon into 1-2 inch cubes.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, sriracha, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Salmon:
- Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place salmon cubes in a single layer.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange salmon cubes evenly and spray lightly with oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Add the Sauce:
- Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the cooked salmon bites or toss them in a bowl to coat evenly.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with rice, salad, or your favorite sides.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 380 kcal |
Total Fat | 22g |
Saturated Fat | 4g |
Protein | 32g |
Carbohydrates | 9g |
Fiber | 0g |
Sugar | 5g |
Sodium | 580mg |