Hey y'all! If you're looking for a fun, flavorful way to enjoy salmon, this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe is your new go-to option. These bite-sized, golden-crisp nibbles are bursting with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce that everyone will rave about. They're perfect for parties, appetizers, weeknight dinners, or even meal prepping. Trust me, one bite and you'll be hooked. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Bold flavors: The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce takes these crunchy morsels over the top.
- Fast & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or in bowls and wraps.
- Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters will fall for these crispy, tender bites.
- Healthier than takeout: Packed with protein and baked or air-fried (no deep frying needed).
Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil (for baking/air frying)
For Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and cut into even 1-inch cubes. Place in a bowl.
Step 2: Marinate
Pour the buttermilk over the salmon. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat and let marinate while prepping the coating (about 10 minutes).
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, whisk together panko breadcrumbs, flour, and cornstarch.
Step 4: Bread the Salmon
Lift each marinated salmon piece, letting excess buttermilk drip off, and coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press to coat well.
Step 5: Cook
- Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange breaded salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray with nonstick spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
- Air Fry: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Step 6: Make Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust heat to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Drizzle or toss the crispy salmon bites with bang bang sauce. Serve immediately for best crunch.
Notes for the Best Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- For maximum crunch, use panko breadcrumbs (learn more about why panko is so effective here).
- Don’t overcrowd the tray or air fryer basket—this helps the bites stay crisp.
- Fresh salmon works best, but well-drained frozen salmon can be used too. Read more about thawing frozen seafood from FoodSafety.gov.
Variations of the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and flour.
- Spicy Kick: Increase sriracha or add chili flakes for extra heat.
- Low-Fat: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the sauce and try broiling for extra crispiness.
Required Equipment for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dish
- Tongs or forks
Storage Instructions for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture. Sauce can be kept in the fridge separately for up to 1 week.
Pairings & Serving Tips for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Serve with jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a balanced meal.
- Great atop a bed of greens for a light salad.
- Add to sliders or tortillas for a tasty wrap.
- Pair with a crisp, citrusy white wine or sparkling water.
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Chill the breaded salmon briefly before baking for even crispier results (source).
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate around the bites.
- Cut the salmon pieces similar in size so they cook evenly and stay juicy inside.
FAQ: Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Can I make this recipe ahead?
- Yes, you can prep the salmon and sauce a day in advance. For best texture, bread and cook right before serving.
- Can I use another type of fish?
- Absolutely! Firm white fish like cod or halibut also work well for this recipe.
- Is this recipe spicy?
- The bang bang sauce has a gentle kick, but you can adjust the sriracha for milder or bolder heat to taste.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 12-15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
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2Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
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3Dredge each salmon cube in flour, then egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
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4Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the salmon bites in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
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5In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha to make the bang bang sauce.
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6Toss the crispy salmon bites with the bang bang sauce or drizzle sauce over them. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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