Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

The Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe for Spicy Food Lovers

Seafood enthusiasts adore these crispy bang bang salmon bites that burst with tantalizing flavor and irresistible crunch.

Tender salmon pieces get coated in a spicy, creamy sauce that elevates every single bite.

The recipe combines zesty mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha for maximum taste excitement.

Each morsel delivers a perfect balance of heat and richness that will make your taste buds dance.

Perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, these salmon bites remain delicately moist within.

Quick to prepare and stunning to serve, they work brilliantly as an appetizer or main course.

You’ll find these bites impossible to resist, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites with a Kick

  • Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings, these salmon bites deliver maximum flavor with minimal preparation time.
  • Air fryer method ensures crispy exterior and tender interior without complex cooking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
  • Versatile spice blend allows easy adjustments to suit personal taste preferences, from mild to spicy, creating a personalized dining experience.
  • Salmon provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, transforming a simple recipe into a heart-healthy meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Ingredients Checklist for Salmon Bites

Main Ingredients:
  • Salmon: Fresh fish cut into bite-sized cubes for a quick and delicious appetizer.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking in the air fryer.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Paprika, Brown Sugar, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: A balanced spice mix that creates a sweet and spicy coating for the salmon.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Water, Mayonnaise, Sriracha, Sweet Chili Sauce: A creamy and tangy sauce that adds bold flavor and complements the spiced salmon bites.

Tools for Cooking Bang Bang Salmon Bites

  • Air Fryer: Essential tool for perfectly crispy salmon bites with minimal oil.
  • Mixing Bowls: Two small bowls for preparing sauce and seasoning mix.
  • Mason Jar: Great for shaking and mixing sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements for spices and sugar.
  • Cutting Board: For cutting salmon into even cubes.
  • Sharp Knife: To cleanly slice salmon into bite-sized pieces.
  • Paper Towels: To pat salmon dry before seasoning.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and adds light coating.
  • Tongs: For safely turning salmon bites during cooking.

How to Make Spicy Salmon Bites at Home

Step 1: Create Creamy Sauce

Grab a bowl or mason jar and combine the sauce ingredients.

Whisk or shake until everything blends smoothly.

Tuck the sauce in the refrigerator to chill.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit of water to reach your perfect drizzling consistency.

Sauce ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha
  • Honey
  • Lime juice
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 2: Craft Flavor Explosion Seasoning

Mix your spice blend in a small bowl, combining:
  • Paprika
  • Brown sugar
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Step 3: Prep Succulent Salmon

Gently pat salmon cubes with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Transfer to a mixing bowl, spritz with cooking spray, and tumble with the spice mixture until every cube is gloriously coated.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Spritz air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Arrange salmon bites in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.

Cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, giving the basket a gentle shake midway.

Watch for a golden exterior and tender, juicy center.

Salmon should be just cooked through but still wonderfully moist.

Step 5: Serve and Drizzle

Transfer crispy salmon bites to a serving plate.

Generously drizzle with the chilled bang bang sauce.

Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra pizzazz.

Pro Tips for Crispy Salmon Bites

  • Pat salmon cubes completely dry before seasoning to ensure crisp exterior and prevent steaming in air fryer.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, reducing or increasing for milder or spicier results.
  • Thin bang bang sauce with water if too thick, ensuring smooth drizzling over cooked salmon bites.
  • Arrange salmon in single layer without overcrowding, allowing hot air to circulate and create uniform crispness.
  • Replace salmon with chicken or tofu for alternative protein versions while maintaining similar cooking method.

Salmon Bites Flavor Ideas to Explore

  • Spicy Shrimp Swap: Replace salmon with large shrimp for a seafood alternative, keeping the same Bang Bang sauce and spice blend.
  • Tofu Veggie Delight: Substitute salmon with firm tofu cubes for a plant-based version, maintaining the crispy air fryer cooking method.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free mayonnaise and omit brown sugar, ensuring all spices are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
  • Low-Carb Protein Variation: Swap brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the sweet-spicy flavor profile.

Salmon Bites Ready for Sharing

  • Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair these zesty salmon bites with complementary sides that enhance their bold taste.
  • Creamy Cucumber Salad: Whip up a cool, tangy cucumber salad with dill and Greek yogurt to balance the spicy kick of the salmon.
  • Rice Bed Delight: Serve over jasmine or cilantro-lime rice to soak up the delicious Bang Bang sauce and add a soft texture contrast.
  • Quick Veggie Crunch: Add a side of roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini strips for a light, nutritious accompaniment that adds color and freshness to the plate.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Storage Tips

  • Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap salmon bites tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
  • Warm refrigerated salmon bites at 350F for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness and preserve moisture.
  • Heat leftovers in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and texture between each interval. Drizzle extra sauce to keep bites juicy and prevent them from drying out.

FAQs

  • What are Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

A crispy, spicy appetizer made with salmon cubes seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked in an air fryer, then drizzled with a creamy, tangy sauce.

  • Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the salmon completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure crispy results and even cooking.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

  • Do I need an air fryer to make these bites?

While an air fryer provides the best crispy texture, you can also bake the salmon bites in an oven at 400F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Print
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Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling bang bang salmon bites combine crispy panko with zesty sriracha mayo for an irresistible appetizer. Delectable morsels promise a flavor explosion that will delight seafood enthusiasts at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) skinless salmon filets, cut into 1-inch cubes

Salmon Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1.5 teaspoons honey
  • 1.5 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Whisk together sauce ingredients in a bowl or mason jar until thoroughly blended. Thin with water if needed, then chill in refrigerator.
  2. Heat air fryer to 400°F. Combine dry spices in a separate mixing bowl, creating a complex seasoning blend with layered flavors.
  3. Use paper towels to meticulously dry salmon cubes, removing excess moisture for optimal texture and seasoning adherence.
  4. Lightly coat salmon pieces with cooking spray, then thoroughly toss with prepared spice mixture, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Lightly grease air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Arrange salmon bites in a single, uncrowded layer to promote even cooking.
  6. Cook salmon for 5-7 minutes, rotating midway through cooking process. Verify doneness by checking for opaque, flaky texture while maintaining internal moisture.
  7. Remove salmon bites from air fryer and let rest briefly. Drizzle with prepared chilled sauce just before serving to enhance flavor profile.

Notes

  • Moisture Control Pat salmon cubes thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior and preventing soggy bites.
  • Spice Customization Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, using less for mild flavor or more for extra kick without overwhelming the salmon’s delicate taste.
  • Serving Flexibility Drizzle Bang Bang sauce just before serving to maintain crisp texture, or serve sauce on side for personalized dipping experience.
  • Alternative Cooking Methods Easily adapt recipe for oven or stovetop by maintaining same temperature and cooking time, using a well-oiled baking sheet or skillet for similar results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 276
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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