These crispy bang bang salmon bites are the perfect combination of tender, flaky salmon and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. They are incredibly easy to make, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a delicious addition to your meal-prep bowls, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The salmon is cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer or oven, then tossed in the irresistible homemade bang bang sauce.
What You’ll Need
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillet, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional)
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Follow these easy steps to create this delicious dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them get extra crispy. In a medium bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the salmon and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Air Fryer Method: Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the outside.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra tang, if desired.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once the salmon is cooked, let it cool for a minute. In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy salmon bites with the bang bang sauce until they are well-coated. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Your Questions, Answered!
How do I store leftover bang bang salmon?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, store the salmon and sauce separately and combine them just before reheating to maintain crispiness. Reheat in the air fryer or oven.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. The salmon is best cooked fresh to ensure it’s crispy.
What type of salmon should I use?
Any type of salmon fillet will work for this recipe. I recommend using skinless salmon to make cubing it easier. Both fresh and previously frozen salmon are great options.
How can I adjust the spice level?
The spice level comes from the sriracha. For a milder sauce, use only 1 tablespoon of sriracha or even less. For a spicier kick, feel free to add more.
Pro-Tips for the Best Salmon Bites
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: The cornstarch is key to getting that perfectly crispy coating on the salmon.
- Serve it Your Way: These salmon bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them over rice, in a salad, in tacos, or on their own as an appetizer.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or garlic to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer or Oven
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillet, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha adjust to your spice preference
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp lime juice optional
Instructions
- Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel. In a medium bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the salmon and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.
- Air Fryer Method: Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Add lime juice if using.
- Once cooked, let the salmon cool for a minute. In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy salmon bites with the bang bang sauce until well-coated. Serve immediately.