Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delightful fusion of tender salmon cubes and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how this recipe transforms simple salmon into a flavorful, crispy delight. The combination of the spicy-sweet bang bang sauce and the tender salmon creates a harmonious blend that satisfies both comfort food cravings and the desire for a healthier meal option. Plus, it's versatile enough to be served in various ways, from rice bowls to tacos.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon Bites:

1½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Optional Garnishes:

Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Directions

Prepare the Salmon:
- I pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely.
- In a large bowl, I combine the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. I toss everything gently to coat the salmon evenly.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. I taste and adjust the heat or sweetness as needed.
Cook the Salmon:
- Air Fryer Method: I preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). I place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. I cook them for 4–5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4–5 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 140–145°F (60–63°C).
- Oven Method: I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I arrange the salmon pieces on the sheet and bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through.
Assemble the Dish:
- Once cooked, I transfer the salmon bites to a serving plate and drizzle them with the prepared bang bang sauce. I garnish with chopped herbs, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–16 minutes
Total Time: 20–26 minutes

Variations

I enjoy customizing this recipe to suit different tastes:

Protein Swap: I sometimes use shrimp or chicken instead of salmon for a different take.
Spice Level: For a milder version, I reduce the amount of sriracha or omit the cayenne pepper.
Serving Options: I serve the salmon bites over rice, in tacos, or atop a fresh salad for variety.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I keep the bang bang sauce separate to maintain the crispness of the salmon.
Reheating: To reheat, I place the salmon bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes or in a preheated oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, I can use frozen salmon. I make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning to ensure the best texture.

Is there a substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?

If I don't have Thai sweet chili sauce, I mix together honey and a bit of hot sauce as a substitute, adjusting to taste.

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. I prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

What sides pair well with bang bang salmon bites?

I often serve them with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I ensure all ingredients, especially the sauces, are gluten-free certified to accommodate dietary needs.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavorful and versatile dish that I find myself returning to time and again. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that are sure to impress.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–16 minutes
Total Time: 20–26 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer, Baked
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of seasoned salmon cooked until perfectly crisp, then drizzled with a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. This flavorful recipe is quick, versatile, and ideal for weeknight dinners, tacos, or party appetizers.

Instructions

Prep Salmon: Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Toss salmon with olive oil and all spices in a large bowl until evenly coated.
Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all bang bang sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
Cook Salmon:
Air Fryer: Preheat to 390°F (200°C). Cook salmon bites in a single layer for 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Bake salmon on a parchment-lined sheet for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Assemble: Place cooked salmon on a serving plate. Drizzle with bang bang sauce and garnish as desired.