If you are craving a bite-sized explosion of flavor that’s crispy, creamy, spicy, and downright addictive, then these Bang Bang Salmon Bites are exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender chunks of fresh salmon, perfectly seasoned and coated in crunchy panko, baked or air-fried until golden, and then lavishly drizzled with a tangy and spicy Bang Bang sauce that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re serving them as a fun appetizer or a main dish over a vibrant bowl of rice and veggies, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites bring together texture, zest, and a playful kick that makes every mouthful unforgettable. Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection that’s as effortless as it is impressive!

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the flaky salmon and crispy panko crust to the zesty, creamy sauce, every item plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Bang Bang Salmon Bites.

Salmon: Fresh and skinless cubes ensure tender, juicy bites that cook evenly.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without overpowering the salmon’s delicate flavor.
Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth, enhancing the spice blend.

Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors to life.
Panko breadcrumbs: Create that irresistibly light and crunchy coating.

Olive oil or spray: Helps the crumbs crisp up perfectly in the oven or air fryer.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce that rounds out the heat.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness balanced perfectly with a mild kick.

Sriracha: Adjustable spice that gives the Bang Bang sauce its signature zing.
Honey (optional): Adds a touch of natural sweetness to soothe the heat.
Lime juice: Brightens and lifts the sauce with citrusy freshness.

Cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice: A fragrant and fluffy base for serving your salmon bites.
Purple cabbage & shredded carrots: Add crunch, color, and vibrant nutrients.
Avocado: Creamy slices that add richness and balance.

Green onions: Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
Cilantro and sesame seeds: For a final burst of herbaceous brightness and nutty crunch.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven or Air Fryer

Start by heating your cooking device to the perfect temperature—400°F for the oven or 390°F for the air fryer. This ensures your salmon bites get that ideal crispy exterior without drying out. Preheating saves time and helps create a beautiful golden crust.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Take your fresh salmon cubes and toss them gently with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until every piece is evenly coated. This seasoning mix infuses the salmon with layers of flavor that shine through even after coating and cooking.

Step 3: Coat in Panko Breadcrumbs

Next, press each seasoned salmon cube into a bowl of panko breadcrumbs. Be sure the pieces are well-coated to guarantee that signature crunch. Give them a light spray or brush with olive oil to help the breadcrumbs bake up wonderfully golden and crisp.

Step 4: Bake or Air-Fry the Salmon Bites

If baking, arrange the coated salmon pieces on a parchment-lined tray and pop them in the oven for about 12 to 14 minutes. If using an air fryer, cook in batches at 390°F for roughly 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even crisping all around. Both methods yield scrumptiously crunchy bites with tender centers.

Step 5: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While your salmon cooks, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish, with its creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy notes marrying beautifully with the crispy salmon.

Step 6: Assemble the Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

Layer jasmine rice or cauliflower rice in your bowls as the base. Top with shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, creamy avocado slices, and the golden salmon bites. Drizzle generously with the luscious Bang Bang sauce, then finish with green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and toasted sesame seeds for a dish that’s as visually inviting as it is delicious.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a scattering of sesame seeds are the perfect finishing touches. These garnishes add bursts of herbal aroma and a subtle nutty crunch that elevate the dish from tasty to magnificent. Green onions add a hint of sharpness that cuts through the richness of the salmon and sauce wonderfully.

Side Dishes

While these Bang Bang Salmon Bites can shine on their own, pairing them with a crisp Asian slaw or a refreshing cucumber salad amps up the freshness and balances the bold flavors. Serve alongside steamed or sautéed greens to boost the nutrients and create a more rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present Bang Bang Salmon Bites

For a party or casual gathering, serve your Bang Bang Salmon Bites on skewers or mini bamboo boats for easy grabbing. They also work wonderfully as sliders, nestled in soft buns with a drizzle of extra sauce and crunchy slaw for a fun twist. Whether plated fancily or passed around as finger food, they always impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the Bang Bang sauce separate until ready to serve to maintain crispiness. Reassemble the bowls fresh for best results.

Freezing

While the salmon bites are best fresh, you can freeze them individually on a tray before transferring to a sealed bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat carefully to avoid overcooking.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in an air fryer or oven at a low temperature to restore crispiness without drying out the salmon. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy and the salmon tough.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen salmon. Just make sure to pat it dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture and ensure your crispy coating sticks well.

How spicy are Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

The spice level is easily adjustable by the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce. Start with less if you prefer mild heat and add more to taste.

Can I make these salmon bites gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for a delicious gluten-free alternative.

What is the best way to get a crispy coating?

Using panko breadcrumbs combined with a light spray of olive oil before baking or air frying helps achieve that perfect crunch. Don’t overcrowd the pan to allow hot air circulation.

Can I skip the lime juice in the sauce?

While lime juice adds a lovely freshness and balances the sauce’s richness, you can omit it if needed. You might want to add a splash of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are an absolute joy to make and eat, packing big flavor into perfectly bite-sized pieces that everyone will rave about. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a standout appetizer for guests, this recipe delivers crispy, spicy, creamy goodness with simple ingredients and minimal fuss. I encourage you to try these Bang Bang Salmon Bites—you might just find your next signature dish that everyone begs for again and again!

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 27 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, flavorful salmon cubes coated in panko breadcrumbs and baked or air-fried to perfection. Served over jasmine rice with fresh veggies and drizzled with a spicy, tangy bang bang sauce, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and bold flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.

Instructions

Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for crisping the salmon bites.
Season the Salmon: In a mixing bowl, combine salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, tossing until every piece is evenly coated with the spices.
Coat in Breadcrumbs: Press each seasoned salmon cube gently into the panko breadcrumbs to create a crispy shell. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil to help achieve golden crispiness.

Bake or Air-Fry: For oven baking, place salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until golden and crispy. For air frying, cook in batches at 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
Assemble the Bowls: Layer cooked jasmine rice at the base. Top with shredded purple cabbage, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and golden crispy salmon bites. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds.

Notes

Skinless salmon helps achieve an even crispy coating.
Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Adjust sriracha quantity in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level.

Can substitute jasmine rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
If baking, keep an eye on the salmon to avoid overcooking and drying out.
Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes (oven) or 8-10 minutes (air fryer)
Category: Main Dish

Method: Baking or Air Frying
Cuisine: Fusion, American with Asian-inspired flavors

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)

Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 520 mg

Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g

Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 4 g

Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon Bites, Crispy Salmon, Panko Salmon, Spicy Salmon Bites, Asian-inspired Salmon, Easy Dinner, Air Fryer Salmon