The Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers both crunch and spice in every bite. This recipe is a great way to elevate your seafood game with a blend of textures and bold, tangy heat from the signature bang bang sauce.
Perfect as a party appetizer, dinner main, or even a fun lunch idea, these bites are easy to prepare and cook in either the oven or air fryer. Serve them over a salad, inside wraps, or enjoy them solo for a protein-rich treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a dish that feels gourmet but is totally doable for busy weeknights.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
-
1 lb fresh salmon, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
-
1/2 cup buttermilk
-
1/2 cup cornstarch
-
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon pepper
-
Cooking oil spray (or light drizzle of oil)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
-
1/4 cup mayonnaise
-
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
-
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
-
1 teaspoon honey
Directions:
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 400°F.
-
In a bowl, soak salmon bites in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
-
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
Remove salmon from buttermilk and dredge each piece in the dry coating mix until fully coated.
-
Arrange salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil.
-
Bake or air fry for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
-
While salmon cooks, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl to make the bang bang sauce.
-
Drizzle or toss cooked salmon bites in sauce or serve on the side for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the kind of recipe that brings excitement to your dinner table while staying incredibly simple to prepare. These flavorful, crispy bites combine the tender richness of salmon with a bold, sweet-and-spicy sauce that elevates every single bite. Whether you’re a seafood lover or someone just dipping your toes into the world of fish-based dishes, this recipe is a foolproof crowd-pleaser.
With a light, crunchy coating and that addictive bang bang sauce—usually a creamy mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha—this dish offers restaurant-style quality from the comfort of your kitchen. It’s kid-friendly, adult-approved, and fits a variety of occasions, from weeknight meals to fun party platters.
What Makes These Salmon Bites Special
There are plenty of salmon recipes out there, but this one stands out for its balance of texture and flavor. The bite-sized pieces are coated in a blend of panko and cornstarch, giving you the perfect crisp without the need for deep frying. Instead, the salmon is either air-fried or oven-baked, making this recipe a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice on taste.
The bang bang sauce is where the magic happens. It delivers that sweet, spicy, and creamy profile that coats the salmon beautifully, making every bite memorable. It’s versatile enough to adjust the spice level to your preference, making it a great dish for families and spice lovers alike.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is often praised as a nutritional powerhouse, and for good reason. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, reduce inflammation, and contribute to brain function. It’s also an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, hormone production, and satiety.
Additionally, salmon is packed with vitamins like B12 and D, along with minerals such as selenium and potassium. Choosing salmon as your protein source means you’re not only getting amazing taste, but you’re also fueling your body with nutrients that can support long-term wellness.
Air Fryer and Oven-Baked Options
One of the best things about this recipe is the flexibility in cooking methods. If you have an air fryer, you’ll love how quickly and evenly the salmon bites cook, delivering that crispy texture without any greasiness. For those without an air fryer, the oven-baked version works just as well. A quick spritz of oil ensures that you still get that satisfying crunch while keeping the meal light.
This flexibility means you can adapt the recipe to your kitchen setup, making it perfect for beginners and experienced home cooks alike.
Serving Suggestions
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites can be served in multiple creative ways. Serve them as a main course over jasmine rice or a fresh veggie stir-fry for a balanced meal. You can also add them to tacos or lettuce wraps, drizzle with extra sauce, and top with slaw for an Asian-inspired fusion twist.
For appetizers, skewer the salmon bites with a toothpick and serve with dipping sauce on the side. They also pair well with quinoa, salad bowls, or even inside pita pockets for a quick and satisfying lunch. No matter how you plate them, they’re bound to be the highlight of your meal.
Meal Prep Friendly
If you like to prep your meals ahead of time, this recipe is a winner. The salmon can be cut and marinated in the buttermilk in advance, and the bang bang sauce stores well in the fridge for a few days. You can even coat the salmon pieces and freeze them before baking. Just pop them into the oven or air fryer when you’re ready to eat.
It’s a great option for meal prepping protein ahead of a busy week or even preparing appetizers for a gathering or potluck.
Perfect for Entertaining
When you’re hosting, you want recipes that feel impressive but don’t take hours to make. These salmon bites strike that perfect balance. They look gourmet, they taste gourmet, but they’re incredibly simple to put together.
Serve them on a wooden platter with skewers or tiny forks, add a few lime wedges or chopped green onions for garnish, and your guests will think you spent hours on them. They’re bite-sized, mess-free, and work for everything from casual game nights to elegant cocktail parties.
Customizable for Any Palate
The beauty of Bang Bang Salmon Bites lies in their adaptability. Want them extra spicy? Add more sriracha to the sauce. Prefer something milder? Reduce the chili sauce and swap for a bit of honey and lime for sweetness. You can even use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise to lighten things up or make them dairy-free.
For gluten-free options, simply use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs and make sure your sauces are certified gluten-free. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just tweaking to your taste, this recipe plays well with modifications.
Kid-Friendly and Family Approved
If you’re trying to introduce your kids to fish, this is a great starter recipe. The crispy coating and creamy sauce are irresistible even to picky eaters. You can tone down the spice level and serve the sauce on the side if needed. It’s also a fun, hands-on meal that encourages dipping and finger-food style eating.
For parents looking to sneak more omega-3s into their kids’ diet, this is a smart and tasty solution.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until crisp and warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
You can also freeze the uncooked, breaded salmon bites in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for later use. When ready to cook, bake or air fry straight from frozen—no thawing required.
Pairing Ideas
Complement your Bang Bang Salmon Bites with a side of coconut rice, sesame noodles, or a vibrant cucumber salad. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy sparkling water makes a perfect pairing. For dessert, consider something light like mango sorbet or fruit skewers to balance the spicy-savory meal.
These bites also go well with dipping sauces beyond the classic bang bang sauce. Try teriyaki glaze, spicy mayo, or even a garlic yogurt dip for variety.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines texture, nutrition, and serious flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner, planning a party menu, or looking for something new to meal prep, this recipe offers endless versatility. With the crispy coating and creamy-spicy bang bang sauce, every bite delivers satisfaction. Plus, it’s adaptable to different diets, simple to make, and fun to eat.
This recipe proves that you don’t need a lot of time or ingredients to make something that feels special. So go ahead, give these Bang Bang Salmon Bites a try—you’ll be adding them to your regular rotation in no time.