Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Get ready to fall in love with Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites—a dish that’s equal parts crunchy, spicy, and downright addictive! These little bites of salmon goodness are coated in a crispy golden crust and tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce that will have you licking your fingers. Perfect for appetizers, meal prep, or a quick dinner, this recipe is a total game-changer. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Versatile
Serve them as an appetizer, over rice, or even in tacos. The possibilities are endless!
Budget-Friendly
Salmon is a great source of protein, and this recipe stretches it into multiple servings with simple pantry ingredients.
Quick and Easy
Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and a quick fry or bake option.
Customizable
Adjust the spice level, swap the coating, or even make them gluten-free—these bites can be tailored to your taste!
Crowd-Pleasing
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in the most irresistible sauce—everyone will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients
Ingredients in Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
This dish is all about bold flavors and crunchy textures, and it starts with these simple ingredients:
Salmon
Fresh, boneless, skinless salmon fillets cut into bite-sized cubes. The star of the show!
Buttermilk
Helps tenderize the salmon and gives the coating something to cling to.
Cornstarch & Panko Breadcrumbs
The secret to that ultra-crispy coating! Cornstarch makes it light and crispy, while panko adds extra crunch.
Spices (Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper)
A simple yet flavorful blend to season the salmon perfectly.
Egg
Acts as a binder to help the crispy coating stick.
Oil (for frying or spraying if baking)
For that golden, crispy finish!
Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich—this is the base of the sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
- Sriracha: For an extra spicy kick (adjust to taste!).
- Honey or Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
Instructions
Prep the Salmon
Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Marinate
Place the salmon in a bowl with buttermilk and let it sit for 10 minutes. This helps tenderize the fish and ensures a crispy coating.
Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix the cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Salmon
Dip each salmon piece into beaten egg, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick.
Cook to Perfection
- Frying Option: Heat oil in a pan and fry the salmon bites for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
- Baking Option: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place salmon on a greased baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
Toss and Serve
Gently toss the crispy salmon bites in the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle the sauce on top for a crispier texture.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350-400 (varies based on cooking method and sauce amount)
(Note: Exact nutrition values depend on portion sizes and ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These bites are incredibly versatile! Here’s how you can enjoy them:
- Over a bed of rice with steamed veggies for a complete meal.
- In lettuce wraps for a light and fresh option.
- Stuffed into tacos with slaw and avocado.
- As an appetizer with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
- Over a salad for a protein-packed lunch.
Additional Tips
- Want extra crunch? Double-coat the salmon by dipping it in egg and breadcrumbs twice!
- Adjust the spice level. Like it hotter? Add more sriracha. Want it mild? Reduce or skip the sriracha.
- Keep them crispy. If baking, broil for the last 2 minutes for a crispy finish.
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free panko and cornstarch.
- Make ahead. Prep the salmon and sauce in advance—just fry or bake when ready!
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting and coating.
2. Can I make this in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
3. How spicy is Bang Bang sauce?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the sriracha amount to make it spicier or milder.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Replace buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk with a squeeze of lemon juice.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
6. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
7. What sides go well with this dish?
Try jasmine rice, roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or even fries!
8. Can I use chicken instead of salmon?
Yes! Use bite-sized chicken pieces and follow the same steps—just adjust cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
9. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Coat the salmon, store it in the fridge, and cook just before serving. The sauce can also be made in advance.
10. Can I use store-bought Bang Bang sauce?
Sure! But homemade is super easy and tastes fresher.
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are everything you want in a dish—crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, they’re guaranteed to impress. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer / Main Course
- Method: Frying (or Baking alternative)
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A flavorful twist on classic seafood, these crispy salmon bites are perfectly seasoned and coated with a crunchy crust. Tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, they make an irresistible appetizer or main dish that’s both fun and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon pieces with salt and pepper.
- Coat: Dredge each salmon piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat. Fry the salmon bites in batches for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Mix until smooth.
- Toss & Serve: Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the hot salmon bites or serve on the side as a dip. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, try baking the salmon bites at 400°F for 12–15 minutes instead of frying.
- Adjust Sriracha and honey to suit your spice and sweetness preferences.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~6–8 bites (per serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg