Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Air-Fryer or Baked!)
Molly
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the ultimate blend of sweet, spicy, and crunchy. Whether you use the air fryer or bake them in the oven, each bite delivers juicy salmon coated in a golden crust and drizzled with a creamy, zesty bang bang sauce. They’re perfect for dinner, lunch bowls, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Snack
Cuisine American-Asian Fusion
Servings 4 servings
Calories 340 kcal
- Salmon fillets skinless, boneless: Cut into 1 to 1½-inch chunks for bite-size ease.
- Cornstarch: Helps create that ultra-crispy coating without deep frying.
- Salt garlic powder, smoked paprika: Base seasoning blend.
- Olive oil or avocado oil: For searing or skip if using the air fryer.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base for bang bang sauce.
- Sriracha: Brings the heat—adjust to taste.
- Honey: Adds that signature sweetness and balance.
- Rice vinegar or lime juice: Adds brightness to the sauce.
- Green onions or sesame seeds optional: Garnish for a fresh pop.
Prep the salmon: Pat salmon dry with paper towels and cut into chunks.
Coat the salmon: Toss the salmon pieces in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
Cook the salmon:- Pan-fry method: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon in a single layer, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides (about 6–8 minutes).- Air fryer method: Spray salmon bites with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sriracha, honey, and vinegar.
Toss and serve: Add cooked salmon to a large bowl, drizzle with bang bang sauce, and toss gently to coat. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Secret Tips for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
1. Pat the salmon completely dry before coating: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat your salmon dry before tossing it in cornstarch or your coating of choice. This helps ensure ultra-crispy edges whether you’re making air-fryer salmon bites or baking them.
2. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or pan: Space out your salmon bites so hot air can circulate fully—this is key to getting that golden crust. If you’re using the oven instead of an air fryer, place the bites on a wire rack over a baking sheet for better air flow and crispness.
3. Use cornstarch for crunch: For the crispiest bang bang salmon bites, coat the chunks lightly in cornstarch before cooking. It gives the exterior a delicate, shatteringly crisp shell—perfect for soaking up that creamy bang bang sauce.
4. Spice up the sauce with a kick: To elevate your bang bang sauce, try mixing in a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a bold, spicy punch. It balances the creaminess and brings out the flavor of the crispy salmon.
5. Choose skinless salmon fillets for even cooking: Boneless, skinless salmon chunks cook more evenly and absorb flavor better. Aim for uniform 1-inch cubes so every bite of your crispy bang bang salmon has the same tenderness and texture.
6. Let the bites rest before tossing in sauce: After air frying or baking, let the salmon bites rest for 2–3 minutes. This helps the coating firm up slightly and keeps the crunch alive when you drizzle or dip into your bang bang sauce.
7. Add toppings for texture and freshness: Serve your salmon bites with shredded cabbage, green onions, or toasted sesame seeds. These add freshness and a little crunch, creating the ultimate high-protein salmon dinner or appetizer that’s balanced and satisfying.Keyword air fryer salmon bites, bang bang sauce with salmon, crispy bang bang salmon bites, dairy-free salmon recipe, easy salmon meal prep, gluten-free salmon dinner, healthy salmon appetizer, protein-packed seafood dinner, spicy baked salmon recipe, sweet and spicy salmon bites
