Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

When salmon meets spice and crunch, something magical happens. These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are proof that flavor-packed dishes don’t have to be complicated. They bring the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and texture, wrapped up in golden bites that vanish fast once served.
This dish transforms basic salmon into bold, addictive bites that work great for dinners, gatherings, or even a solo snack attack. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply chasing something new, these salmon bites offer a playful yet elegant option for your next meal.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites hit all the right notes: crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and covered in that irresistible creamy-spicy bang bang sauce. They’re perfect as an appetizer or a main dish and come together quickly with just a few pantry staples.
They’re also versatile enough to work for weeknights or parties, and they’re way more exciting than your usual fish dinner. Plus, they’re air fryer and oven-friendly.
What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?
You want skinless, boneless salmon fillets that are firm and not overly oily. Fresh or frozen both work—just make sure to thaw thoroughly if using frozen. Wild-caught salmon will give you a firmer texture and richer taste, while farm-raised tends to be more buttery. Aim for center-cut portions so your bites are relatively uniform and cook evenly.
Ingredients for the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Each ingredient in this recipe is there to bring flavor, crunch, or creamy heat. From the seasoned salmon to the sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, every element plays a part in making these bites shine.
- Salmon fillets
- Buttermilk
- Hot sauce
- Cornstarch
- All-purpose flour
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Lime juice


How To Make the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
Cut the salmon into bite-sized chunks and soak them in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce. Let them chill for at least 30 minutes. This step helps tenderize the salmon and infuse it with flavor.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another, beat the eggs. In a third, pour in the panko breadcrumbs. Coat the marinated salmon in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with panko.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Fry the salmon bites in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can air-fry them at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or bake at 425°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
Step 5: Serve
Toss the hot salmon bites in the bang bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Either way, you’re in for something delicious.
How to Serve and Store These Salmon Bites
These crispy bites are best served fresh out of the fryer or oven while they’re hot and crunchy. Serve them tossed in the bang bang sauce or with the sauce drizzled over the top. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties or a flavorful protein to top off a rice bowl or salad.
Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer or oven until warmed and crisp again. They feed about 4 people as a main or 6 as an appetizer.
What to Serve With Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Coconut Jasmine Rice
The subtle sweetness and fragrance of coconut rice balance the spicy zing of the bang bang sauce beautifully.
Crunchy Asian Slaw
Something tangy and fresh works perfectly with the richness of the salmon bites.
Garlic Edamame
A side of garlicky steamed edamame adds fiber, texture, and flavor.
Sweet Potato Fries
A great way to echo the crispiness while adding a slightly sweet counterpoint.
Cucumber Mango Salad
Cool and juicy, this combo refreshes your palate after every spicy bite.
Kimchi Fried Rice
If you’re going bold, go bolder. The funk and heat from kimchi pair well with bang bang flavor.
Pickled Veggies
A light, acidic side will cut through the richness and refresh your taste buds.
Sesame Garlic Noodles
They make for a satisfying, slightly nutty contrast that complements the salmon’s coating.
Want More Seafood Ideas?
If you’re hooked on these salmon bites, here are a few other seafood-inspired dishes from Luna Meals to explore:
- Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa
- Easy Creamy Polenta Shrimp Recipe
- Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa
- Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach Parmesan
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest seafood board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavier on the spice or add your own twist? Try tossing them in honey garlic glaze next time for a different kind of kick!
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for flavor-packed meals!
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are all about that crave-worthy balance of crunch, spice, and creaminess. They’re easy enough for weeknights but special enough to serve guests. With their bold flavor and quick prep, they just might become your new favorite way to eat salmon.
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This crispy bang bang salmon bites recipe features tender salmon chunks marinated, breaded, and fried to golden perfection, then coated in a creamy spicy bang bang sauce. A bold appetizer or main dish, these salmon bites are perfect for seafood lovers and easy weeknight meals. Try them with Asian slaw, sweet potato fries, or coconut rice for a full flavor-packed meal.
Ingredients
1 lb salmon fillets (skinless, boneless, cut into chunks)
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs (beaten)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
1. Cut the salmon into bite-sized chunks and soak them in a mix of buttermilk and hot sauce. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; the second with beaten eggs; the third with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dredge each salmon chunk in the flour mix, then egg, then panko.
4. Heat oil in a skillet and fry until golden brown, or air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes if preferred.
5. For the sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth.
6. Serve the crispy bites tossed in sauce or on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Make sure the salmon pieces are even in size for even cooking.
Chill the breaded salmon for 10 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying / Air Frying / Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg