Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

The first time I made Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, it was purely by accident. I had a leftover salmon fillet, a craving for something crispy, and a bottle of sweet chili sauce calling my name. What came out of that quick experiment was a family-favorite recipe that we’ve made ever since. With roots in Southern comfort cooking and Asian fusion flavors, these spicy, crunchy bites of salmon have earned their place on our weekly menu. My kids request Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites almost every Friday now and I’m not complaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re craving something bold, exciting, and super easy to make, Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are exactly what you need. These bites deliver that craveable combination of creamy, spicy, tangy, and crispy in one irresistible little package. They’re oven- or air-fryer-friendly, making them a quick fix for busy nights. Plus, they’re high in protein and flavor, so even picky eaters will be hooked.

Pure Comfort

Few things hit the comfort food checklist like Crispy Salmon Bites. They’re tender on the inside, golden-crunchy on the outside, and smothered in a sauce that’s equal parts creamy and spicy. Much like Swamp Soup Recipe – The Southern Comfort You Need Now, this dish brings that warm-you-up-from-the-inside-out feeling we all crave at the end of a long day.

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

1 pound salmon fillet, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup cornstarch or flour (for dredging)
Vegetable oil (for frying or brushing if baking)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon honey
Juice of half a lime

Optional Garnish:

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

What You Need

Mixing bowls
Tongs or slotted spoon
Whisk
Non-stick skillet or air fryer
Paper towels
Thermometer (optional but helpful)

Time to Cook

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Steps to Make It

Start by marinating the cubed salmon in buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for 10 minutes
Meanwhile, mix all the bang bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside
Dredge the marinated salmon pieces in cornstarch or flour until fully coated
Heat the oil in a skillet or preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Fry the salmon bites in batches for about 2–3 minutes on each side until crispy and golden
If baking or air-frying, cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping once halfway through
Drain excess oil on paper towels
Toss the bites in the sauce or serve the sauce on the side
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving

Make It Perfect

To achieve the ultimate crisp in Crispy Salmon Bites, make sure your salmon is well-drained before coating. A dry surface helps the coating stick and crisp up. If using an air fryer, give the bites a light spray of oil for that golden texture. The sauce should be thick enough to coat but not drown the bites.

Mix It Up

The beauty of Crispy Salmon Bites is how easily they adapt. Try using shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can spice up the sauce with extra sriracha or add a dash of soy sauce for an umami punch. Want inspiration for unique combos? These Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage offer another fun, flavorful twist on seafood bites.

Perfect Partners

Crispy Salmon Bites are great on their own, but even better when paired with: Easy Shrimp Wraps
Refreshing Tzatziki Sauce
Sticky rice or jasmine rice
Asian-style slaw
A chilled drink or iced green tea

Busy Day Hero

Short on time? No problem. Crispy Salmon Bites come together in under 30 minutes. They’re a lifesaver when dinner has to be fast, fun, and full of flavor. Keep frozen salmon on hand and you’re halfway there.

Work Ahead

Make life even easier by prepping the sauce and marinating the salmon a day in advance. Store the sauce in the fridge and let the salmon soak in the buttermilk overnight for ultra-tender bites.

Save Some For Later

Leftovers of Crispy Salmon Bites? Rare but if you do have some, they keep well in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to get the crunch back. Keep the sauce on the side if you plan to save some.

Everyone’s Happy

This recipe checks all the boxes: pescatarian, protein-packed, low-carb (if you skip flour), and 100% craveable. You can tone down the spice for kids or ramp it up for heat lovers. It’s easy to modify and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Good For You Too

Salmon is rich in omega-3s and lean protein, making Crispy Salmon Bites a healthier indulgence. Baking or air frying reduces oil without sacrificing crunch. Use light mayo or yogurt in the sauce to cut calories.

Easy Clean Up

Minimal bowls and pans make this a no-fuss meal. One for the marinade, one for the sauce, and one for dredging—that’s it. Line your pans with parchment or foil for even quicker cleanup.

Switch It Up

Turn these bites into sliders, rice bowls, tacos, or even salad toppers. You can use the sauce as a dip for Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists or drizzle it on Easy Tortilla Wraps for a meal mashup.

Simply Perfect

When you want something bold, crunchy, spicy, and totally addictive, Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites hit the mark. With pantry staples and a quick cook time, this recipe proves simplicity can be sensational.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Crispy Salmon Bites?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating

Can I bake instead of fry Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes

What can I use instead of mayo in the bang bang sauce?
Plain Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo both work well

Are Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites good for kids?
Yes, just reduce or skip the sriracha in the sauce

How do I store leftover Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days

What sides go best with Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Try rice, salad, wraps, or creamy salmon quiche as a brunch-style pairing

Conclusion

With bold flavor, crispy texture, and a sauce that’s downright irresistible, Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites deserve a spot in your recipe rotation. They’re quick, versatile, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this dish will become your new obsession.

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are bite-sized salmon cubes marinated and fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a creamy, spicy, tangy bang bang sauce for an irresistible appetizer or main.

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Ingredients

1 pound salmon fillet, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil for frying or air frying

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon honey
Juice of ½ lime

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

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Instructions

Marinate the salmon cubes in buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice to create the bang bang sauce.
Dredge the marinated salmon pieces in cornstarch or flour until evenly coated.
Heat oil in a skillet or preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Fry the salmon bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden, or air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Place cooked bites on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Toss the salmon bites in bang bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. For a lighter version, use an air fryer instead of deep frying. Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer/Main
• Method: Frying or Air Frying
• Cuisine: Fusion/Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of recipe)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 510mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: crispy salmon nuggets, bang bang salmon recipe, spicy salmon bites, salmon appetizer recipe