Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! If you’re looking for a dish that packs a serious punch of flavor, offers an irresistible textural contrast, and can be on your table in under 30 minutes, then get ready for my Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites. These little morsels of perfectly cooked salmon are coated in a vibrant, zesty sauce with just the right amount of kick, making them an absolute delight for your taste buds. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a light main course, or a fun addition to any meal!

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a dish that’s healthy, flavorful, and incredibly fun to eat? I am completely obsessed with Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites because they transform simple salmon into an exciting culinary experience. The key is that amazing Bang Bang sauce – a creamy, sweet, and spicy blend that perfectly complements the rich flavor of salmon. The “crispy” element, whether from baking or air frying, adds that satisfying crunch that makes these bites utterly addictive. They’re fantastic for a quick weeknight dinner, impressive enough for entertaining, and a great way to introduce more seafood into your diet in a delicious way. Plus, they’re so versatile in how you can serve them!

The “Bang Bang” Phenomenon

The “Bang Bang” sauce concept originates from a popular Chinese Szechuan dish called “Bang Bang Chicken” (Bang Bang Ji), which features shredded chicken dressed in a spicy, nutty sauce. In Western cuisine, particularly in casual American dining, the “Bang Bang” term has been popularized by dishes like Bonefish Grill’s “Bang Bang Shrimp.” This sauce typically involves a creamy base (often mayonnaise or Greek yogurt), a sweet element (like honey or sugar), and a spicy kick (Sriracha or chili garlic sauce).

Applied to salmon, this sauce creates a vibrant, approachable flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. The crispy texture, achieved through baking or air frying, adds a crucial textural contrast, mimicking the popular fried versions but in a healthier way. This recipe celebrates that delicious fusion, offering a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to enjoy salmon with a zesty, crunchy, and slightly spicy edge.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these zesty and crunchy Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites:

For the Salmon Bites:

• 1 1/2 lbs skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light or full-fat)
• 2-3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

For Garnish/Serving (Optional):

• Sliced green onions or fresh chives
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Extra lime wedges

Swaps and Notes

• Salmon: Use good quality skinless salmon fillets. Wild-caught salmon is often richer in flavor. Ensure it’s patted dry for crispiness.
• Oil: Olive oil works well, but avocado oil or any neutral high-heat oil can be used.
• Cornstarch: This is essential for creating that crispy exterior. Don’t skip it! It also makes these gluten-free.
• Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise provides the creamiest base. For a lighter version, you can use light mayo or even plain Greek yogurt for part of it, but the flavor will be tangier.
• Sriracha: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the heat level. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you like it spicier.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds a crucial sweet and tangy element to the Bang Bang sauce. It’s often found in the international aisle of grocery stores.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is key for brightness and cutting through the richness. Lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
• Sweetener: The honey or maple syrup is optional, depending on how sweet your sweet chili sauce is and your preference.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s get these crispy, zesty salmon bites cooking!

1. Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels. Cut them into approximately 1-inch cubes.
2. Season Salmon: In a medium bowl, gently toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat with Cornstarch: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned salmon cubes. Toss gently until all pieces are lightly and evenly coated. This step is crucial for crispiness!
4. Air Fry or Bake Salmon:
   • Air Fryer Method: Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through (salmon should flake easily).
   • Baking Method: Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
5. Make Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon cooks, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and optional honey/maple syrup until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning (more Sriracha for heat, more lime for tang, more honey for sweetness) as desired.
6. Coat Salmon: Once the salmon bites are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour about half to two-thirds of the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon. Gently toss until the salmon bites are evenly coated. You can add more sauce if desired, reserving some for dipping.
7. Serve & Garnish: Transfer the coated salmon bites to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions or chives and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Pat Salmon Dry: This is crucial for achieving crispiness, as excess moisture leads to steaming instead of searing.
• Even Cubes: Cut salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
• Don’t Skip Cornstarch: It creates a light, crispy coating and protects the salmon from drying out.
• Don’t Overcrowd Air Fryer/Baking Sheet: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding steams the food instead of crisping it.
• Watch Cooking Time: Salmon cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking, which can make it dry.
• Coat Gently: Salmon can be delicate once cooked, so toss with the sauce gently.
• Serve Immediately: These bites are best enjoyed hot and crispy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are incredibly versatile:

• Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks as a delicious finger food for parties.
• Main Course: Serve over a bed of jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa.
• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon into crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing meal.
• Taco/Bowl: Use them as a protein in a deconstructed taco bowl or a poke-style bowl.
• Salad Topping: Add them warm to a fresh green salad for a boost of protein and flavor.
• Beverage Pairings: A crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling), a light lager, or a refreshing glass of This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days would complement the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored:

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers (sauced or unsauced) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The crispness of the salmon will soften once sauced.
• Reheating: To reheat, place leftover salmon bites (without sauce if possible) in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and re-crisped. Add fresh sauce after reheating if it was stored separately. Microwaving is generally not recommended as it makes the salmon rubbery.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this flavorful and quick dish, you might also like these other easy and delicious meal ideas:

• For another quick and flavorful skillet meal, check out This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
• If you’re looking for a light and refreshing chicken salad without mayo, my A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight!) is excellent.
• For a super easy way to feed a crowd fast, my These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a game-changer.
• And for another fantastic one-pan dinner, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is excellent.

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Final Thoughts

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with a bold and flavorful sauce, can create an incredibly exciting dish. They’re quick, healthy, and undeniably delicious, perfect for brightening up any meal or party.

I hope you give this zesty and crunchy delight a try and experience its amazing flavor for yourself! Let me know in the comments below if these become a new favorite in your household, or what your go-to quick seafood recipes are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!