Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or a fun dinner idea that packs bold flavor and irresistible crunch, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Each juicy cube of fresh salmon is coated in a crispy golden crust and served with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family dinner, or craving a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe delivers BIG satisfaction with minimal effort.
This dish is inspired by the famous “Bang Bang” flavor profile—creamy, spicy, tangy, a little sweet, and totally addictive. The strong crunch of the coating pairs beautifully with tender, flaky salmon, making it a balanced bite that keeps you coming back for more. And the best part? These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites can be fried, air-fried, or baked, so you can choose exactly how indulgent—or light—you want them.
Let’s dive into how to make this viral-worthy recipe at home!
⭐ Why You’ll Love Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
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Quick & Easy — Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
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Crowd-Pleasing Flavor — Creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce takes salmon to the next level.
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Versatile — Serve as bites, skewer them, or toss them on a bowl or salad.
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Better Than Takeout — Crispy coating + juicy salmon = flavor explosion!
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Gluten-Free Option — Swap regular flour and panko for gluten-free versions.
These little bites combine crispy texture with the boldest, most crave-worthy sauce around… a true flavor match made in heaven!
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon Bites
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1 lb fresh, skinless salmon fillets — cut into 1-inch cubes
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
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1 tbsp sriracha (adjust spice level based on preference)
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp lime juice
💡 Pro Tip: Want a lighter sauce? Swap some mayo for Greek yogurt or add extra lime juice for brightness.
🍽️ Equipment Needed
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Cutting board & sharp knife
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3 medium bowls for dredging
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Skillet or Dutch oven
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Slotted spoon or tongs
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Paper towels
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Wire rack (optional but helps keep bites crisp!)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Cut the salmon into small, even bites—about 1 inch each. Pat them dry well with paper towels. Removing moisture helps the coating stick and creates a crispier crust.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Prepare three bowls:
1️⃣ Flour
2️⃣ Beaten eggs
3️⃣ Panko + garlic powder + onion powder + paprika + salt + pepper
Coat each piece of salmon:
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Dredge in flour → dip in egg → coat fully in panko mixture.
Place coated salmon on a plate while you finish the batch.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a skillet to reach roughly 1 inch deep. Heat over medium until hot and shimmering.
To test: drop in a small breadcrumb → if it sizzles, it’s ready.
Step 4: Fry the Salmon
Add the bites in batches (avoid overcrowding). Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove with tongs and set on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
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Mayonnaise
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Sweet chili sauce
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Sriracha
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Honey
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Lime juice
Creamy perfection!
Step 6: Serve
Drizzle the sauce over the salmon or serve as a dipping sauce on the side. Add sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish if you’d like a fancy touch!
🔥 Cooking Method Variations
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are amazing fried, but here are healthy and alternative options too:
Air Fryer Method
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Spray salmon bites lightly with oil.
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Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flip halfway.
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They’ll still be golden and crisp without the grease!
Baked Method
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Place bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Lightly spray or drizzle with oil.
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Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
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Great for feeding a crowd!
🍯 What Makes the Sauce “Bang Bang”?
Bang Bang Sauce is famous for perfectly balancing four key flavor elements:
| Flavor | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Creaminess | Mayonnaise |
| Sweetness | Honey + Sweet Chili Sauce |
| Spice | Sriracha |
| Brightness | Lime Juice |
💥 Each bite delivers creamy coolness followed by a spicy-sweet punch!
🌶️ Customize Your Bang Bang Heat Level
Whether you like mild heat or you’re a spice lover:
🔥 More heat? Add more sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
🌶️ Less heat? Reduce sriracha and add more honey or mayo.
🥗 Serving Ideas
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are incredibly versatile—here are fun ways to enjoy them:
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Serve on toothpicks as a party appetizer
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Add to rice bowls with avocado and cucumber
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Top salads for a hearty upgrade
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Stuff into tacos with fresh slaw and cilantro
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Layer into sliders with extra sauce
Meal prep win: cook a big batch and use them throughout the week in different recipes!
🔄 Storage & Reheating
✔ Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days
✔ Reheat in:
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Air fryer: 375°F for 3–4 minutes
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Oven: 400°F for 5–8 minutes
Avoid microwaving—they will lose crispiness!
👩🍳 Chef Tips for Extra Crispy Salmon
⭐ Pat the salmon dry—moisture ruins crispiness.
⭐ Press panko gently onto the fish to help it adhere.
⭐ Keep oil hot—too low = soggy bites.
⭐ Fry in small batches—prevent steam buildup.
⭐ Place on a wire rack instead of paper towels if possible.
Want extra crisp? Double-coat the salmon with egg + panko twice.
📌 Make It Gluten-Free
Swap:
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Regular flour → Gluten-free all-purpose flour
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Panko → Gluten-free panko
A perfect option for gluten-sensitive guests!
🧈 Ingredient Substitutions
| Ingredient | Swap Option |
|---|---|
| Salmon | Shrimp, cod, chicken bites |
| Mayo | Greek yogurt or vegan mayo |
| Sweet Chili Sauce | Hot honey or chili mayo |
| Flour | Cornstarch for extra crunch |
| Vegetable oil | Canola, peanut, avocado oil |
Make it your own based on what you have!
PrintCrispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are bold, crunchy, and packed with flavor! Bite-sized pieces of salmon are coated in a seasoned panko crust, fried until golden, and tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or even served over rice for a fun weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
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1 lb fresh skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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Vegetable oil, for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sweet chili sauce
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1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
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Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized cubes. -
Create a Breading Station
In one bowl, add flour.
In a second bowl, add beaten eggs.
In a third bowl, mix panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. -
Bread the Salmon
Coat each salmon cube in flour, dip in egg, then press into the panko mixture. -
Fry Until Crispy
Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry salmon in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. -
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. -
Serve
Drizzle or dip with Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
Notes
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Air Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Keep It Crispy: Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
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Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lime and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer/oven to maintain crunch.
Nutrition Breakdown
(Approx. per serving — fried option)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 365 kcal |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbs | 19g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 7g |
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins—so this appetizer is not just delicious, but nutritious too!
🧄 Flavor Variations to Try
Get creative with your coating and sauces:
🔥 Cajun Style
Add Cajun seasoning to panko + spicy remoulade dip.
🍋 Lemon Pepper Crunch
Zest a lemon into the breadcrumb mix + serve with lemon aioli.
🍯 Honey Garlic
Toss cooked bites in sticky honey-garlic glaze.
🧀 Parmesan Panko
Mix grated Parmesan into panko for a cheesy crust.
So many options… you might never make them the same way twice!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat very dry before coating.
How can I avoid overcooking the salmon?
Remove as soon as the coating turns golden and crisp—salmon cooks fast!
Can I prep these ahead?
You can bread them ahead and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Fry just before serving.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Reduce or omit the sriracha for a mild sauce kids love.
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Final Thoughts
When you want a delicious and memorable appetizer or main dish that’s bursting with restaurant-quality flavor, Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect choice. They’re crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside, and covered in a sauce so addictive you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.
Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, these salmon bites will always impress—and disappear quickly! From family dinners to party trays, they’re a guaranteed hit every time.
Try them once and they’ll become a go-to recipe you’ll crave again and again. Serve them with rice bowls, salads, tacos, or enjoy them straight off the plate with plenty of extra sauce.