Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Crispy, Saucy, & 20-Minute Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking for the best crispy salmon recipe that’s sweet, spicy, and absolutely addictive, you just found it.

These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and coated in the most flavorful sauce you’ll ever try.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or meal prep because it comes together in 20 minutes with simple ingredients. And whether you’re an air fryer fan, oven-baker, or stovetop cook, I’ve got you covered with multiple cooking methods.

Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Quick & Easy: From fridge to table in 20 minutes.

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Sweet, spicy, creamy, and totally customizable.

• Versatile: Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Stays delicious for quick lunches the next day.

• Works with Air Fryer, Oven, or Skillet: Pick your method, same great result.

Here’s what you’ll need for this viral Bang Bang Salmon recipe:

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp seafood seasoning or Old Bay

• Salt + pepper to taste

• 2–3 tbsp cornstarch (for light, crispy coating)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayo for the classic version)

• 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat level)

• 1 tsp honey or lime juice for balance

Optional Garnish:

• Green onions

• Sesame seeds

How to make:

1. Pat salmon dry, season, and coat lightly with cornstarch.

2. Cook in air fryer, oven, or skillet until crispy.

3. Mix sauce ingredients until smooth.

4. Toss salmon in sauce, garnish, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Pat Dry First: Moisture keeps salmon from crisping up—dry it well before seasoning.

• Light Cornstarch Coating: 2–3 tbsp is plenty; too much will taste chalky.

• Serve Immediately: Toss salmon in sauce right before serving to keep it crispy.

• Control the Heat: More sriracha = spicier sauce. For kids, keep it mild with just sweet chili sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Bang Bang Shrimp or Chicken: Use the same recipe with shrimp or chicken chunks.

• Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for tamari if you use it in your marinade.

• Dairy-Free: Use avocado instead of Greek yogurt for the sauce.

• Low-Carb: Skip the cornstarch for a lighter, keto-friendly option.

Serving Suggestions

• Over rice bowls with steamed broccoli or asparagus

• On slider buns for salmon sliders

• As an appetizer with toothpicks at parties

• Over salads for a spicy-sweet protein boost

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Reheat: Air fry or bake at 375°F for 5–6 minutes to re-crisp before tossing in fresh sauce.

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Yield 4

Author Kim Alexander

Prep time

5 Min

Cook time

14 Min

Total time

19 Min

These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, saucy, and ready in 20 minutes! Perfect for air fryer, oven, or skillet. A weeknight dinner or party appetizer everyone will love!

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp seafood seasoning or old bay
• Salt + pepper to taste
• 2–3 tbsp cornstarch (for light, crispy coating)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayo for the classic version)
• 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat level)
• 1 tsp honey or lime juice for balance

Optional Garnish:

• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Pat the salmon dry, this step makes or breaks the crispiness.
2. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper + a 1tbsp seafood seasoning or old bay. Sprinkle cornstarch over the top and gently toss to coat.
3. Air Fryer: 400°F for 7–8 min, shaking halfway.
4. Oven: 425°F for 12 min, broil 1–2 min at the end for extra crispiness.
5. Skillet: Sear in a hot pan with a little oil for 2–3 min per side.
6. In a small bowl, whisk Greek yogurt (or mayo), sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey/lime juice until smooth.
7. Add crispy salmon bites to a bowl, drizzle with sauce, toss gently, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I make Bang Bang Salmon Bites in advance?

Yes! Cook the salmon ahead of time but keep the sauce separate until serving to prevent sogginess.

• Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely. Thaw fully, pat dry, and proceed as normal for best texture.

• What if I don’t have sriracha?

Any hot sauce will work—Cholula, Frank’s Red Hot, or even gochujang for a twist.

• Is Bang Bang sauce very spicy?

No, it’s more sweet and tangy with just a kick of spice. Add more or less sriracha to your taste.

Did you make this recipe?

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