Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Crispy salmon cubes tossed in a sweet–spicy Bang Bang sauce. Fast, flavorful, and perfect for bowls, wraps, or dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy outside, tender inside — the best salmon texture
• The Bang Bang sauce is creamy, sweet, spicy, and addictive
• Quick: ready in 20 minutes
• Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or party appetizers
• Works with air fryer, oven, or skillet

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites

• 1 lb (450 g) salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Crispy Coating (optional but recommended)

• ½ cup cornstarch or flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika

Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2–3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (more or less to taste)
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp lime juice (optional)

For Serving

• Green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Cooked rice, noodles, or salad (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Salmon

1. Pat salmon cubes dry with paper towels.
2. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Coat for Crispiness

1. Mix cornstarch (or flour) with salt and paprika in a bowl.
2. Lightly toss salmon cubes in the mixture until evenly coated.
   This step makes them extra crispy.

3. Cook the Salmon

Air Fryer Method (Best)

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spray basket with oil.
3. Add salmon bites in a single layer.
4. Air fry 7–9 minutes, shaking once halfway.

Oven Method

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
3. Bake 12–15 minutes or until crispy at edges.

Skillet Method

1. Heat 1–2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high.
2. Sear salmon bites 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

• Mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.

5. Toss & Serve

• Toss cooked salmon in the sauce OR drizzle sauce over the top.
• Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve with rice, veggies, noodles, or inside wraps.

You Must Know

• Pat salmon very dry before coating — this ensures crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd your pan or air fryer.
• Bang Bang sauce is customizable: add more chili sauce for sweetness or more sriracha for spice.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers up to 2 days in the fridge.
• Reheat in an air fryer or oven to keep them crispy.
• Add fresh sauce after reheating for best flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Mayo → Greek yogurt for a lighter version
• Sweet chili sauce → honey + chili flakes
• Salmon → shrimp or chicken cubes
• Cornstarch → flour or panko for crunch

Serving Suggestions

• Over jasmine rice with cucumbers
• In a bowl with cabbage slaw and avocado
• Inside tacos or wraps
• As party appetizers with toothpicks

Pro Tips

• Use skinless salmon; it cooks more evenly.
• Don’t overcook salmon — remove when just flaky.
• Let fried or air-fried bites sit 1 minute before tossing in sauce for crisp edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make them less spicy?
Yes — reduce or remove the sriracha.

→ Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.

→ Can I make them gluten-free?
Use cornstarch and check your chili sauce label.

→ Can I meal prep this?
Yes — store salmon separate from sauce to keep crisp.

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