Bang Bang Salmon Bites: The Ultimate 20-Minute Crispy Snack

I still remember the first time I ordered “Bang Bang” anything at a restaurant. It was shrimp, and I was skeptical. How good could a creamy sauce really be? One bite later, I was hooked. The combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy was absolute magic.

But here is the thing: I don’t always want deep-fried shrimp, and I definitely don’t want to pay restaurant prices every time a craving hits. That is where these bang bang salmon bites come in to save the day.

We are taking fresh, healthy salmon and giving it a fun makeover. By cutting the fish into bite-sized cubes, we get maximum surface area for that crispy coating. Then, we toss them in that famous sweet chili mayo sauce. The result? A dish that feels like a guilty pleasure but is actually packed with protein and healthy fats. Whether you air fry them for a light crunch or pan-sear them for a golden crust, this recipe is a total winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Ready in 20 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need flavor fast.
• Irresistible Sauce: The creamy, sweet, and spicy combo is addictive.
• No Deep Frying: We get that crispy texture without the mess of a deep fryer.
• Kid-Friendly: The bite-sized shape makes fish fun for picky eaters (just adjust the spice!).
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, a rice bowl topper, or a taco filling.

The Secret Ingredients for Unforgettable Bang Bang Salmon Bites

You might be surprised to see how simple the ingredient list is. We rely on bold flavors rather than a long list of groceries.

• The Salmon You want fresh, skinless salmon fillets for this. If you can, buy a center-cut fillet. It tends to be thicker and more uniform, which makes cutting equal-sized cubes much easier.
• The “Bang Bang” Sauce This is the star of the show. It is a simple trio: mayonnaise (for creaminess), Thai sweet chili sauce (for that sugary tang), and Sriracha (for the heat). Do not skip the sweet chili sauce; it provides the signature flavor profile.
• The Crispy Coating We aren’t using heavy batter here. A light dusting of cornstarch is the secret. Cornstarch creates a much crispier, lighter crust than regular flour, especially when air-fried or pan-seared. It mimics that tempura texture perfectly.
• The Seasoning The salmon needs flavor before the sauce hits it. We use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper mixed right into the cornstarch. This ensures every bite is seasoned from the inside out.

Bringing Your Bang Bang Salmon Bites to Life, Step by Step

Let’s get cooking! This process moves fast, so have your ingredients ready to go.

Step 1: Prep the Salmon Start by removing the skin from your salmon if it isn’t already removed. Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch big. Try to keep them the same size so they cook evenly.

Pro-Tip: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before cutting. Wet salmon equals soggy coating!

Step 2: The Crispy Coat In a medium bowl, mix your cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the salmon cubes in this mixture. You want a thin, even layer on every piece. Shake off any excess powder.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection (Air Fryer or Pan)

• Air Fryer Method: Spray the basket with oil. Place salmon in a single layer (don’t crowd them!). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Stove Top Method: Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: The Sauce Transformation While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha in a large bowl. Taste it! Add more Sriracha if you want more fire.

Step 5: The Toss As soon as the salmon is done and still hot, transfer it to the bowl with the sauce. Gently toss the cubes until they are fully coated in that glossy, orange-pink glaze.

A Few Pro-Tips for a Perfect Result

I want you to succeed on the first try. Here are my top tips for making the best bang bang salmon bites.

1. Dryness is Key: I cannot stress this enough. If your salmon is wet, the cornstarch turns into a gummy paste instead of a crispy crust. Use those paper towels!
2. Don’t Overcrowd: Whether you air fry or pan sear, give the cubes space. If they touch, they will steam each other, and you will lose that crunch.
3. Sauce Last: Wait until you are ready to serve before tossing the salmon in the sauce. If you do it too early, the breading will get soft.
4. Mayo Matters: Use full-fat mayonnaise for the richest flavor. Light mayo works, but the texture is a bit thinner.
5. Honey Hack: If you run out of sweet chili sauce, you can make a quick substitute with honey, chili flakes, and a splash of vinegar.
6. Garnish Game: Fresh chives or green onions cut through the richness of the sauce. Don’t skip the green stuff!
7. Check the Temp: You don’t want dry fish. According to the USDA, fish is safe to eat at 145°F. Since these are small cubes, they cook very fast—keep an eye on them!

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Variations to Try

Cooking is an art, not a rulebook. Feel free to tweak this recipe to fit your lifestyle!

If you are strictly Gluten-Free, you are in luck. This recipe is naturally close! Just ensure your sweet chili sauce and Sriracha are certified gluten-free (most are). The cornstarch is already safe.

For a Vegetarian Twist, this exact method works wonders with extra-firm tofu or even cauliflower florets. Just press the water out of the tofu first so it gets nice and crispy.

Want to turn up the heat? Make a Firecracker Version. Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dry seasoning mix. You can also dice up fresh jalapeños to throw in at the end.

If you hate mayo, you can try a Yogurt Swap. Use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It will be tangier and less rich, but it saves on calories and adds a probiotic boost.

How to Store & Reheat Your Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Let’s be honest, you probably won’t have leftovers. But if you do, here is the plan.

Storage: Store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: I do not recommend freezing these once they are sauced. The texture of the creamy sauce breaks down and gets oily when thawed.

Reheating: Avoid the microwave! It will make the fish rubbery. Instead, pop the bites back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. They might not be as crispy as fresh, but they will still be delicious.

Perfect Pairings for Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These bites are bold, so they need sides that can stand up to them or offer a cooling contrast.

My absolute favorite way to serve this is over a bowl of steaming rice. It pairs perfectly with our Fluffy Jasmine Garlic Rice to soak up that extra sauce.

For a fresh, crunchy side that cuts through the creamy richness, try serving this with a bright veggie dish. Our Smash Cucumber Salad with Sesame Oil is the ideal refreshing partner.

If you are serving these as a party appetizer, they go great alongside other finger foods like spring rolls or edamame.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Tender cubes of fresh salmon coated in a light crispy crust and tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy mayonnaise-based sauce. A 20-minute meal made in the air fryer or stovetop.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer or Large Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Sharp knife
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

The Salmon:

• 1 lb Salmon Fillet, skinless and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (or cooking spray)

The Coating:

• 2 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

The Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
• 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)

Garnish:

• 1 tbsp Fresh Chives or Green Onions, chopped
• 1 tsp Sesame Seeds

Instructions

 

• Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Remove skin if necessary. Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes.
• Make Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Coat Salmon: Add the salmon cubes to the bowl and toss gently until every piece is lightly coated in the powder mixture. Shake off any excess.
• Cook (Air Fryer Method): Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray basket with oil. Arrange salmon in a single layer. Spray the tops of the salmon with oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• Cook (Skillet Method): Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon cubes and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
• Make Sauce: While salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha in a large bowl.
• Combine: Transfer the hot, cooked salmon immediately into the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
• Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot!

Notes

If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can swap half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. For extra crunch, you can double-coat the salmon: dip in egg wash, then more cornstarch.

Keyword air fryer fish, bang bang salmon bites, crispy salmon, spicy mayo salmon

Conclusion

These bang bang salmon bites prove that you don’t need a deep fryer or a culinary degree to make food that tastes expensive. It’s a fun, flavorful, and fast recipe that brings a little bit of restaurant flair right into your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to take that first bite!

Ready for your next kitchen adventure? Explore more delicious recipes here at SpoonnSpice!