Pin
These crispy tender salmon bites bring together the irresistible crunch of golden fish and a creamy sweet-spicy bang bang sauce. The result is bold flavor and a fun twist on salmon that always wows at the dinner table. With speedy cook methods like searing baking or air frying these bites are ready in a flash and perfect for a weeknight treat or special get-together.
My family lights up when I set out a platter of these salmon bites. Ever since the first time I served them for game day snacks they have disappeared in minutes.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: Choose bright moist fillets from a trusted fish counter for best flavor
- Olive oil: Helps seasoning stick and promotes crisp edges
- Garlic powder: Delivers gentle savory depth with every bite
- Onion powder: Backs up the salmon flavor and brings balance
- Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smoky complexity and vibrant color
- Cayenne pepper: Kicks up the heat use if you like a little fire
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out flavors choose flaky salt if possible
- Mayonnaise: Makes the sauce creamy look for real egg mayo for richness
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Sweet tangy and a touch spicy adds key bang bang character
- Sriracha: Brings gentle heat and subtle garlic
- Honey: Sweetens and balances the boldness of sriracha and chili sauce
- Lime juice: Lifts the sauce with bright acidity fresh squeezed is best
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Slice into even one inch cubes for uniform cooking. Toss in a bowl with olive oil garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika cayenne salt and black pepper until each piece is coated evenly
- Cook the Salmon:
- For pan frying heat a large skillet on medium high until a flick of water sizzles. Arrange salmon cubes in a single layer. Sear for two to three minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. For baking preheat oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Spread cubes on a lined baking sheet and bake for ten to twelve minutes. For air frying set temperature to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and cook salmon for eight to ten minutes flipping halfway for even crisping
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- While salmon cooks whisk mayonnaise Thai sweet chili sauce sriracha honey and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and creamy
- Finish and Serve:
- Once salmon is golden and just cooked through toss bites in a large bowl with the prepared sauce or drizzle sauce generously over the top before serving. Garnish with chopped scallions sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime if you like
Pin
My favorite part about this dish is the bang bang sauce. We made a double batch the first time and used the extra on shrimp wraps the next day. Now my family expects it every time salmon is on the menu. Watching the kids race to grab the crispiest bite is always a highlight.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to help the coating crisp back up. Keep the sauce separate if you plan to reheat so the coating stays crisp rather than soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If fresh salmon is unavailable frozen and thawed fillets will also work well. For a lighter version substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayo in the sauce. Gluten free eaters should confirm that their chili sauce and sriracha are certified gluten free.
Serving Suggestions
Serve salmon bites over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal. They also shine as a party appetizer or tossed with greens for a hearty salad. Tuck inside warm tortillas with cabbage slaw for salmon tacos that bring a big punch of flavor.
A Little About Bang Bang
Bang bang sauce has roots in Asian inspired American fusion and was popularized by seafood restaurants. Its creamy sweet spicy profile pairs especially well with mild fish or shellfish making it the perfect complement to crisp salmon.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of salmon works best?
Fresh salmon fillets are ideal, but thawed frozen fillets will also produce tender bites if patted dry before seasoning.
- → How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce delivers a gentle heat from sriracha and chili sauce, but you can adjust the spice by adding more or less of each.
- → Can I prepare the salmon without an air fryer?
Absolutely! The dish works beautifully cooked in a skillet or oven—just ensure the salmon is golden and cooked through.
- → Is the dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes. The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check sauce labels to be certain.
- → Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead?
Yes, you can whisk the sauce a day or two in advance and store it chilled until ready to use for extra convenience.
- → What are some serving suggestions?
These salmon bites pair well with steamed rice, fresh greens, or tucked into lettuce wraps for a lighter option.