Bang Bang Salmon Bites
why make this recipe
This dish is quick, tasty, and fun to eat. The salmon gets crispy outside and tender inside. The sweet-spicy bang bang sauce adds bold flavor. If you like spicy salmon, try a similar easy meal like Chipotle honey salmon tacos for another simple dinner idea.
introduction
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are small pieces of salmon, crisped in panko and tossed with a creamy sweet-spicy sauce. You can bake or air-fry them. Serve them over rice or in bowls with fresh veggies. The recipe is simple and great for weeknights or party snacks.
how to make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Start by seasoning the salmon and coating it in panko. Bake or air-fry until golden. Mix a quick bang bang sauce from mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime, and honey. Toss the cooked bites in the sauce or drizzle it on top. For a crisp finish, you can use a little oil or an air fryer trick like in other crisp recipes such as crispy honey orange glazed salmon.
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 the oven to 425°F (220°C) or set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season the Salmon:
Pat the salmon cubes dry. Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper and toss the salmon in the spices.
Coat in Breadcrumbs:
Roll the salmon pieces in panko so they stick. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil.
Bake or Air-Fry:
Spread the bites on a baking sheet or air fryer basket. Bake 10–12 minutes or air-fry 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness.
Assemble the Bowls:
Place rice in bowls. Add cabbage, carrots, avocado, and green onions. Top with warm salmon bites and drizzle the bang bang sauce. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.
how to serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Serve hot over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. Add shredded cabbage, carrots, and avocado for crunch and creaminess. You can also serve bites on lettuce leaves or warm tortillas for a hand-held option.
how to store Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Cool the salmon bites before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store sauce separately for best texture. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crisp.
tips to make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Cut salmon into even-size cubes so they cook the same.
- Pat salmon dry so the panko sticks and crisps.
- Use an oil spray for even crisping in the oven.
- If you have leftovers, use them in tacos or bowls like other simple salmon recipes such as salmon tacos.
- Adjust sriracha for milder or hotter sauce.
variation (if any)
- Make it gluten-free: use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes.
- Air-fryer only: skip the oven and air-fry for a faster crisp.
- Low-fat: swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter sauce.
- Make skewers: thread cubes on skewers before cooking for easy serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cutting and coating.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Store sauce in the fridge up to 3 days. Stir before using.
Q: How do I know when salmon is done?
A: Salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque inside. Use a small instant-read thermometer: 145°F (63°C) is fully cooked.
Q: Can I skip the panko?
A: You can, but you will lose the crispy texture. Try crushed nuts for a different crunch.




