Savor a crispy, spicy, and creamy bite: Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a quick, crowd-pleasing way to turn tender salmon into a fun weeknight bowl or appetizer.
introduction
Bang Bang Salmon Bites pair juicy, panko-crusted salmon cubes with a sweet-spicy "bang bang" sauce for a contrast of textures and flavors. They’re fast to make, adaptable to an air fryer or oven, and sit beautifully on rice with colorful veggies for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
why make this recipe
- Fast: Ready in about 20–30 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavorful: Crunchy crust + creamy, tangy-sweet heat from the sauce.
- Versatile: Serve as bowls, salads, tacos, or finger-food appetizers.
- Crowd-pleaser: Familiar flavors with a bit of spicy kick that appeals to many palates.
how to make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Follow these steps for crisp, saucy salmon bites that stay tender inside and crunchy outside.
Ingredients :
▢ 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes)
▢ 1 tsp garlic powder
▢ 1 tsp smoked paprika
▢ ½ tsp salt
▢ ½ tsp black pepper
▢ 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
▢ 1 tbsp olive oil or spray for crisping
▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
▢ 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
▢ 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)
▢ 1 tsp honey (optional)
▢ Juice of ½ lime
▢ 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
▢ 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
▢ 1 avocado (sliced)
▢ ½ cup shredded carrots
▢ 2 green onions (sliced)
▢ Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions :
Preheat Oven or Air Fryer:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment, or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season the Salmon:
Pat salmon cubes dry. Toss them gently with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper so each piece is evenly coated.
Coat in Breadcrumbs:
Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Lightly brush or spray salmon cubes with olive oil (or toss briefly in a tablespoon of oil), then press each cube into the panko so they’re evenly coated.
Bake or Air-Fry:
For oven: Arrange bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. For air fryer: Place in a single layer (you may need batches) and air-fry 7–9 minutes, shaking once, until crisp and cooked to your liking.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide cooked jasmine rice between bowls. Top with shredded cabbage, carrots, avocado slices, and green onions. Add the crispy salmon bites and drizzle with bang bang sauce. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.
how to serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Serve hot over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice as a bowl, or arrange on a platter with toothpicks as an appetizer. Add extra lime wedges and more sauce on the side for guests who like extra heat.
how to store Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Refrigerate components separately for best texture: salmon bites, sauce, and rice/veggies in airtight containers up to 2–3 days. Reheat salmon in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Refrigerated bang bang sauce keeps 4–5 days.
tips to make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Dry the salmon well before seasoning for better panko adhesion.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or baking sheet—crowding traps steam and reduces crispiness.
- Use panko for the crispiest crust; toss with a bit of oil for even browning.
- Adjust sriracha to control heat; swap for gochujang for a different spicy-sweet note.
- For extra tang, stir a little rice vinegar into the sauce.
variation (if any)
- Coconut-Crusted: Mix shredded coconut with panko for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers.
- Low-Fat: Use light mayo or Greek yogurt in the sauce and air-fry the salmon.
- Tacos: Serve bites in warm tortillas with slaw and extra lime.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before cutting and coating.
Q: Is the sauce spicy?
A: It’s mildly spicy by default; reduce or omit sriracha to make it milder.
Q: Can I skip the panko and bake the salmon plain?
A: You can, but it won’t have the same crunchy texture. Consider a quick glaze instead.
Conclusion
For a great air-fryer version and visual step-by-step guide, see Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites – I Am Homesteader.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment, or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat salmon cubes dry. Toss them gently with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper so each piece is evenly coated.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Lightly brush or spray salmon cubes with olive oil (or toss briefly in a tablespoon of oil), then press each cube into the panko so they’re evenly coated.
- For oven: Arrange bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- For air fryer: Place in a single layer (you may need batches) and air-fry 7–9 minutes, shaking once, until crisp and cooked to your liking.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness.
- Divide cooked jasmine rice between bowls. Top with shredded cabbage, carrots, avocado slices, and green onions.
- Add the crispy salmon bites and drizzle with bang bang sauce. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.
