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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 58 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a snack or appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and just oozing with crunch, you’ve come to the right place. This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe hits all the right notes—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and smothered in a spicy-sweet sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a favorite to whip up for gatherings or even a cozy night in!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture: The panko breadcrumb coating fries up super crispy without weighing down the delicate salmon pieces.
  • Balance of Flavors: The bang bang sauce blends creamy mayo, sweet chili, and a bit of heat for a harmonious zing that brightens every bite.
  • Quick & Easy: You can whip this up in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
  • Versatility: Whether you fry them or air fry, these salmon bites stay crispy and delicious—great for any home cook.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, Salmon appetizer recipes, crispy salmon bites, spicy sweet salmon snacks, easiest salmon finger foods - 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

Every ingredient in this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe plays its part in building layers of flavor and texture. From the fresh salmon to the perfectly seasoned panko crust and the irresistible bang bang sauce, here’s why these ingredients come together so well.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, Salmon appetizer recipes, crispy salmon bites, spicy sweet salmon snacks, easiest salmon finger foods - 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 ensures the coating sticks beautifully, and fresh salmon offers that tender, juicy center.
  • All-purpose flour: Creates the first dry layer that helps the egg wash and panko crumbs cling perfectly.
  • Eggs: Acts as the glue binding the panko crust to the salmon, locking in moisture.
  • Panko breadcrumbs: The key to getting that extra crunch—way lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
  • Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper: Season your panko mix generously for a flavorful crust that’s never boring.
  • Vegetable oil: Neutral oil for frying to get an even, golden crisp without overpowering the flavors.
  • Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce that balances all the heat and sweetness.
  • Sweet chili sauce: Brings in sweetness paired with mild heat and a hint of tang.
  • Sriracha: Adjustable for spice lovers wanting a bit more kick in the sauce.
  • Honey: Just a touch to round out the savory notes with natural sweetness.
  • Lime juice: Adds that fresh, zesty finish making the sauce zing and brighten each bite.
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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

One of the things I love most about this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe is how easy it is to adjust the flavors so they truly fit your palate. Feel free to get creative and make it yours!

  • Less spicy: If you’re not a big fan of heat, reduce or leave out the sriracha—trust me, the sweet chili and honey still make the sauce tasty enough.
  • More heat: For friends who love a fiery punch, adding extra sriracha or a dash of cayenne to the breadcrumb mix kicks things up.
  • Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free versions or crushed rice crackers for a similar crisp.
  • Air fry version: I’ve swapped frying for air frying when I wanted a lighter bite without losing crunch—perfect for busy days.

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

Step 1: Prep and dry your salmon cubes

After cutting your salmon into bite-sized 1-inch cubes, pat each piece dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because excess moisture can stop the coating from sticking or make it soggy when fried. Dry salmon means crispier bites every time.

Step 2: Create your breading station

Set up three bowls side-by-side—one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Having everything ready makes the breading process smooth and efficient.

Step 3: Coat the salmon

Dredge each salmon cube first in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll around in the seasoned panko mixture. Set these aside on a plate—ready to hit the hot oil!

Step 4: Fry until golden and crisp

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it’s shimmering hot but not smoking. Fry the salmon bites in batches, so they aren’t crowded, for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re looking for that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Patience here is key—don’t rush or flip too often.

Step 5: Whip up the bang bang sauce

While the salmon fries, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the recipe—so give it a taste and adjust heat or sweetness to your liking.

Step 6: Drizzle and serve immediately

Once the salmon bites are perfectly crisp, place them on a paper towel briefly to soak up any extra oil. Then either toss them in the bang bang sauce or drizzle it generously on top. Serve immediately for the best balance of textures and flavors.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

  • Pat Dry Like a Pro: Don’t skip drying your salmon cubes; it ensures the breading adheres and gets super crispy.
  • Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer if you have one—about 350°F (175°C) is perfect for frying; too hot and the coating burns, too cool and it soaks in oil.
  • Season Your Panko Well: Adding garlic, onion powders, and paprika to the panko gives every bite extra flavor without extra effort.
  • Serve Fast: These bites are best enjoyed fresh; soggy bites are no fun, so have your sauce ready and serve right after frying.

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, Salmon appetizer recipes, crispy salmon bites, spicy sweet salmon snacks, easiest salmon finger foods - 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 topping these bites with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions—they add a lovely nutty crunch and fresh pop of color that makes the dish look just as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

Serve your crispy salmon bites alongside a simple Asian slaw or steamed jasmine rice. If you want something lighter, cucumber salad or edamame beans are perfect companions that balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these bites on a wooden platter with small dipping bowls of extra bang bang sauce and a wedge of lime. Garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves and thin chili slices makes it festive and inviting—guaranteed to impress your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they rarely stick around!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I always make sure to separate the sauce from the bites if I’m storing them—you want to keep that crispiness as long as possible.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these salmon bites before by laying them out on a parchment-lined tray until frozen solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. They keep nicely up to a month. Just remember to freeze them without sauce—add that fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the bites in a preheated oven or air fryer around 350°F for a few minutes. This helps regain some of the crispiness without drying out the salmon. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to soften the crust.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it very dry before breading so the coating sticks properly and the bites get that perfect crispy texture.

  2. Is this recipe healthy?

    This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe can be made healthier by air frying instead of deep frying, which reduces the oil content but still gives you a great crisp. Using fresh salmon also packs your dish with omega-3s and protein.

  3. What can I substitute for mayo in the bang bang sauce?

    If you don’t have mayo or prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully. It gives a creamy texture with a bit of tang, keeping the sauce deliciously rich while adding some protein.

  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and replace panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal to keep the crunch intact.

  5. How do I know when the salmon bites are done frying?

    Look for a golden brown color on all sides and a firm texture. The salmon inside should still be tender but opaque. Frying 2-3 minutes per side usually does the trick depending on the size of your bites and heat.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that perfect combo of quick, flavorful, and totally crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating yourself, it’s a recipe that feels impressive without requiring fancy skills or hours in the kitchen. I really hope you give it a go—you might just find a new favorite to put on repeat like I did!

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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 58 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose
Print Recipe

Description

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender salmon cubes coated in a flavorful seasoned panko crust, fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. This appetizer delivers a delightful crunch with a creamy, zesty kick, perfect for parties or quick snacks.

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)

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 Salmon: Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  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 salmon piece first in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the seasoned panko mixture. Place coated pieces aside to set.
  4. Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
  5. Fry Salmon Bites: Fry the salmon pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
  7. Serve: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy salmon bites immediately and serve warm for best taste.

Notes

  • For a healthier alternative, cook the salmon bites in an air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • Enhance texture and flavor by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 pieces
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

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