Juicy, flaky salmon wrapped in a golden, crispy crust and smothered in a zesty, creamy Bang Bang sauce—what more could you ask for? These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect balance of crunchy and tender, spicy and sweet. Whether you’re making a fun dinner, serving up party bites, or meal-prepping for the week, these bites are sure to steal the show.

Each bite-sized nugget delivers a hit of heat from the creamy chili mayo and a deep umami richness from the salmon. Paired with the crispy crust and a garnish of fresh herbs, this dish is as beautiful to look at as it is satisfying to eat. They’re wildly addictive and shockingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Bold Flavor Explosion: The signature Bang Bang sauce brings tangy, creamy, and spicy all together.
Crispy Texture: Thanks to the perfect coating and hot pan-sear or air fry method.
Easy to Make: Minimal prep and cook time with maximum reward.
Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer, in tacos, over rice bowls, or in lettuce wraps.
Crowd-Pleaser: The perfect snack or game-day appetizer that disappears quickly.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive in, having the right tools on hand makes a big difference:

Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting your salmon into even-sized cubes for uniform cooking.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few to coat the salmon in cornstarch and seasoning, and to prep the Bang Bang sauce.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For easy flipping and retrieving the bites without damaging the crispy coating.
Non-stick Skillet or Air Fryer: A non-stick skillet gives you great crisping with less oil, while an air fryer offers a healthier option.
Paper Towels: To rest your bites post-cooking and absorb any extra oil.
Small Whisk or Spoon: For stirring the sauce until it’s velvety smooth.

Using these tools helps ensure your salmon cooks evenly, stays juicy, and crisps up just right for that irresistible finish.

Ingredients for the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Salmon Fillet: The star of the show. Use fresh, skinless, boneless salmon for the juiciest bites.
Cornstarch: Helps achieve that signature crunch while keeping the salmon tender inside.
Salt & Pepper: Simple, essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
Paprika & Garlic Powder: Add a smoky and savory layer to the coating.
Oil for Frying: Use avocado oil or vegetable oil for high-heat frying.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings the iconic tangy-sweet heat.
Sriracha: Adds depth and kick to the sauce.
Honey: Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
Fresh Chives or Parsley: For a final pop of color and herbaceous lift.

How To Make the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Pat your salmon dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized cubes. This ensures even cooking and a nice crisp edge on each piece.

Step 2: Season & Coat

In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add cornstarch and gently mix until each piece is well coated.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Adjust the spice level to your liking and set aside.

Step 4: Crisp the Salmon

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (or preheat your air fryer to 400°F). Add the coated salmon pieces in batches and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Sauce & Serve

Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the warm salmon bites or serve it on the side as a dip. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh finish.

How to Serve and Store Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Serve these salmon bites hot and fresh for the ultimate crispy texture. They make a fantastic main dish over jasmine rice or in warm tortillas for salmon tacos. For a lighter option, pair them with lettuce cups or a crisp salad.

If you have leftovers (though it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, pop them in the air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating from turning soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

The spice level is customizable. The standard sauce has a gentle kick, but you can reduce or increase the sriracha to your taste.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and coating. Excess moisture can prevent crisping.

Is there a healthier cooking method?

Absolutely! Air frying is a great alternative to pan-frying. It gives you a crispy result with less oil.

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a stir before using.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version. The texture will vary slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

Are these bites gluten-free?

They can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free cornstarch and confirm your chili sauce is also gluten-free.

Want More Salmon Ideas?

If you loved these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, check out these other delicious recipes from the blog:

Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli – a cozy and bright weeknight meal.
Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach Parmesan – flavor-packed and ultra-satisfying.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps – great if you’re into handheld bites with gooey cheese.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce – the comfort food everyone will love.
Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza – light, fresh, and Mediterranean-inspired.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you pan-fry or air-fry? Did you crank up the heat or keep it mellow?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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