Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 7 reviews

If you’ve been craving a finger-licking, crispy treat that’s bursting with flavor, you’re in for a real delight with this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe. These little bites pack the perfect balance of crispy coating, tender salmon, and a zingy, creamy bang bang sauce that just makes you want to keep coming back for more. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become your go-to appetizer or snack for impressing friends or spoiling yourself on a cozy night in!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Crispy Texture: The combo of panko breadcrumbs with spices creates a crust that’s satisfyingly crunchy without being greasy.
  • Balanced Heat & Sweetness: The bang bang sauce blends creamy mayo with just the right kick of sriracha and honey’s touch of sweetness.
  • Quick & Easy: From prepping to plating in about 25 minutes—great for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
  • Versatility: You can pan-fry or air-fry depending on your preference for indulgence or a healthier option.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, crispy salmon appetizers, spicy salmon bites, easy seafood snacks, flavorful salmon recipes - The image shows a white plate full of small, thick, lightly crispy cubes of salmon, each piece seared to a golden-brown crust on the outside while the inside remains a pale pink. The cubes are arranged closely together, covering the plate. Small sprinkles of chopped green herbs are scattered evenly over the top, adding a fresh touch of color. A light layer of oil or sauce pools under the salmon pieces, giving a slight shine to the plate. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a unique role—from the flaky salmon base to the seasoned panko that crisps perfectly, plus a bang bang sauce that ties it all together beautifully. When you shop, look for fresh salmon with firm flesh to keep those bites juicy inside.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, crispy salmon appetizers, spicy salmon bites, easy seafood snacks, flavorful salmon recipes - Flat lay of fresh skinless salmon fillets cut into cubes, a small mound of all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, panko breadcrumbs mixed with visible flecks of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a white ceramic bowl, small white bowls containing smooth mayonnaise, bright red sweet chili sauce, vibrant orange sriracha, golden honey, and fresh lime juice, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Fresh Salmon Fillets: Skinless and cut into cubes, fresh salmon ensures tender bites that stay moist during frying.
  • All-purpose Flour: This helps the egg adhere better to the salmon for a consistent crust.
  • Large Eggs: The binder that holds the crumb coating in place without making it heavy.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: These create that prized crunchy texture we all crave, plus they soak up flavors without getting soggy.
  • Garlic, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt & Pepper: The spice mix adds subtle warmth and depth to the crust—don’t skip or skimp here.
  • Vegetable Oil: For pan-frying—choose one with a high smoke point so your salmon crisps nicely without burning.
  • Mayonnaise: Rich, creamy base for the bang bang sauce that balances the heat.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings a sweet-spicy flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
  • Sriracha: Adjust this to your heat tolerance—it adds a lively kick to the sauce.
  • Honey: A little sweetness softens the spice and adds a touch of shine to the sauce.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens everything up with acidity—a key finishing touch.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe is—you can easily make it your own. Sometimes, I swap out the sriracha for more chili flakes if I’m craving extra heat, or add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a herby lift. Feel free to experiment!

  • Variation: For a lighter version, I’ve swapped frying with air-frying at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. You still get that crunch with way less oil.
  • Dietary tweak: If you want gluten-free, swap regular panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs—the flavor stays spot on.
  • Seasonal twist: Adding finely chopped fresh jalapeños or a squeeze of orange juice in the bang bang sauce gives it a fun twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bites Like a Pro

Start by cutting your salmon into 1-inch cubes—bite-sized is the goal so they cook evenly and fit nicely on your fork (or fingers!). Pat them dry really well with paper towels; moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so don’t rush this step. Setting up your breading station next makes the process smooth: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with the spices. Having everything ready helps you work fast and tidy.

Step 2: Coat With Care

Dip each salmon cube first in the flour, shaking off excess, then in the egg, and finally roll them in the seasoned panko. The flour helps the egg stick; the egg helps the panko stick. I like to give the panko-coated bites a gentle press so the crumbs cling well, but don’t smush or the salmon might get a little dense.

Step 3: Fry ‘Em to Golden Perfection

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in your skillet over medium heat until shimmering hot. Fry the salmon bites in batches so they crisp evenly—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deep golden crust that squeaks slightly when you touch it with a spatula. Drain on paper towels and resist the urge to overcrowd the pan, or you’ll steam instead of fry.

Step 4: Whip Up That Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon fries, mix the bang bang sauce quickly by stirring together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until smooth. The combo is creamy and spicy with just a hint of sweetness and bright citrus—trust me, it’s addicting.

Step 5: Bring It Together and Serve

Drizzle your bang bang sauce generously over those crispy bites or toss them gently to coat before plating. Serve immediately so they stay crunchy and irresistible. I like serving these with a pile of napkins—it definitely can get messy, but that’s part of the fun!

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

  • Dry Your Salmon Thoroughly: Moisture ruins crispiness, so patting it dry is a game-changer I always swear by.
  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in small batches for even cooking and to keep oil temperature steady.
  • Adjust Sriracha to Taste: If you’re spice-sensitive, start with less and build up—the sauce is easy to tweak.
  • Reserve Heat for Serving: Serve right away for maximum crunch—leftover bites can soften quickly.

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, crispy salmon appetizers, spicy salmon bites, easy seafood snacks, flavorful salmon recipes - The image shows a close-up of golden brown, crispy salmon cubes stacked closely together on a white plate. Each cube has a crunchy outside layer with a light orange-pink inside, slightly flaky texture visible. On top of the front salmon cube, there is a dollop of creamy white sauce with small green herb bits sprinkled on it. A light drizzle of sauce surrounds the cubes on the plate, adding moisture and shine. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing these salmon bites with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness. A dusting of fresh chopped green onions or cilantro adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

These bites go wonderfully with a crisp Asian slaw or even a simple cucumber salad dressed lightly with rice vinegar and sesame oil. For something heartier, I often serve them alongside steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up any extra bang bang sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to serve these on a large platter lined with lettuce leaves and small dipping bowls filled with extra bang bang sauce. You can also skewer a few bites on bamboo sticks for an easy party appetizer that’s finger-friendly and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers (which honestly doesn’t last long!), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the salmon bites fresh up to 2 days. Just keep in mind the texture softens—so try to enjoy them sooner if you can!

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing these bites myself because I prefer them freshly made, but if you do, I’d recommend freezing raw breaded salmon cubes on a parchment-lined tray first, then transferring to a bag. When ready, cook straight from frozen and increase frying time slightly to ensure crispiness.

Reheating

Reheat leftover bites in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back some crisp without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it makes the coating soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use thawed frozen salmon—but make sure it’s fully defrosted and patted very dry before breading to avoid sogginess. Fresh salmon is ideal for best texture and flavor, though.

  2. What makes the bang bang sauce “bang bang” style?

    The classic bang bang sauce blends creamy mayo with sweet chili sauce and spicy sriracha, balanced by a touch of honey and lime. The combination delivers that signature creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor we all love.

  3. Can I bake or air-fry instead of frying?

    Absolutely! For a healthier twist, air-fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Baking is possible too but may not be as crispy as frying or air-frying. Either way, you’ll still get delicious results.

  4. How spicy is the bang bang sauce, and can it be adjusted?

    The spice level depends on how much sriracha you add—start small if you’re sensitive, and add more to taste. You can also replace sriracha with a milder hot sauce or omit it entirely for a sweeter sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together fast, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and weekend entertaining. The crunch, the sauce, the tender salmon—everything just clicks. I can’t recommend it enough, and I know once you try it, you’ll be making it over and over. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender, bite-sized salmon cubes coated in a seasoned panko crust and fried to golden perfection. Topped with a creamy, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang sauce, this appetizer delivers a fantastic combination of crunchy texture and bold flavors that’s perfect for entertaining or a flavorful snack.

Ingredients

Salmon Bites

  • 1 lb fresh, skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 inch depth)

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better crispiness.
  2. Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Bread the Salmon: Coat each piece of salmon first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally dredge in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Set aside on a plate.
  4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking (around 350°F if using a thermometer).
  5. Fry the Salmon Bites: Fry the salmon bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust sriracha to your preferred heat level.
  7. Serve: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy salmon bites or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • For a healthier alternative, air fry the salmon bites at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • To add extra texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top before serving.
  • Patting the salmon dry before breading is key to achieving a crispy coating.
  • If you prefer milder spiciness, reduce or omit the sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

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