Craving something that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet glaze? Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the show-stopping answer. Each golden-brown cube of salmon is pan-seared or air-fried to perfection, then tossed in a rich Bang Bang sauce that’s tangy, bold, and irresistibly smooth.
This dish delivers the ultimate balance of texture and flavor — perfect as a fun appetizer, weeknight dinner, or party favorite. Plus, it’s quick to make and packed with healthy omega-3s for a nourishing meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe (Sweet, Spicy & Unbelievably Crispy!)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are bite-sized, pan-seared salmon pieces coated in a flavorful spice mix, tossed with a creamy sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce, and garnished with herbs and sesame.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for preferred heat level)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Remove skin and cut into 1-inch cubes.
2. Place salmon in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Toss to coat.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust to taste.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Add salmon in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
5. Sear salmon 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Drizzle or toss the salmon bites with the Bang Bang sauce.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can serve these salmon bites as an appetizer, over rice, or in tacos.
For a lighter version, bake or air-fry the salmon instead of pan-frying.
Adjust the sauce to match your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Table Of Content
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Healthy Twist: No deep-frying needed — lightly pan-seared or air-fried for that crisp finish.
- Flavor Explosion: The Bang Bang sauce blends sweet chili, sriracha, mayo, and honey for a truly mind-blowing flavor combo.
- Crowd Favorite: Bite-sized pieces that disappear fast at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon Bites
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha (adjust for spice)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Salmon
Pat salmon dry with a paper towel. Remove the skin, then cut into even cubes. Drizzle with olive oil and coat evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2 – Cook It Up
- Pan-sear: Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Cook salmon cubes 2–3 minutes per side until crisp.
- Air-fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Bake: 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes until edges are golden.
Step 3 – Whip Up the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Taste and tweak — more sriracha = spicier, more honey = sweeter.
Step 4 – Toss & Serve
Coat the salmon in the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle over top for a lighter touch. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or parsley.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and high-quality protein. According to Healthline, regular salmon intake can support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function — making this dish not just delicious but powerful for your body, too.
Serving Ideas & Perfect Pairings
These crispy salmon bites shine in any setting:
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or with roasted veggies.
- Add to a fresh salad for a protein-packed lunch.
- Tuck them into tacos or bowls for a quick dinner upgrade.
- Pair with a chilled drink or sparkling lemonade for the ultimate meal.
For another crispy comfort dish, try our Oven-Baked Cheesy Tacos Crispy and Loaded.
Variations & Make-Ahead Tips
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free sweet chili sauce and mayo.
- Spicy Upgrade: Add crushed red pepper or extra sriracha.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cook salmon ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat and coat with sauce just before serving.
- Oven-Only Option: Skip oil and bake for a lighter version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: Leads to steaming instead of crisping.
- Skipping the pat-dry step: Moisture prevents browning.
- Adding sauce too early: Wait until after cooking to keep the salmon crispy.
Homemade Bang Bang Sauce Variations
Experiment with flavors! Try adding:
- Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
- A splash of soy sauce for savory depth.
- Crushed garlic or ginger for extra zing.
Check out Allrecipes’ Bang Bang Sauce Guide for more inspiration.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to maintain crispiness.
2. Is Bang Bang sauce spicy?
Mildly — you can easily adjust heat by reducing or adding sriracha.
3. What sides go best with this dish?
Try rice, broccoli, or even our Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe for a hearty family meal.
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites combine crunch, spice, and sweetness in every irresistible bite. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re a guaranteed hit for dinners, parties, or quick meals at home. Once you try them, they’ll become your go-to salmon recipe — bold, vibrant, and completely addictive.
