Name: Crispy Salmon Bites with Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon fillets (skin removed), cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 3 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce; 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 tsp honey; 1 tbsp chopped chives (for garnish)

These crispy salmon bites are tender on the inside, golden on the outside, and bursting with flavor thanks to a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. I find them perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even as a main dish over rice or salad. Whether I bake them in the oven or use an air fryer, they always come out delicious and satisfying. Crispy Salmon Bites with Sauce

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms simple salmon into bite-sized flavor bombs. The bang bang sauce—made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha—adds a creamy, tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the crispy salmon. I also appreciate the flexibility: I can bake or air fry the bites, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for quick weeknight meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets (skin removed), cut into 1-inch cubes
Olive oil
Paprika
Garlic powder
Kosher salt
Black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

Mayonnaise
Thai sweet chili sauce
Sriracha (adjust to taste)
Honey
Chopped chives (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to create the bang bang sauce.
Reserve half of the sauce for serving. Toss the seasoned salmon cubes with the remaining sauce.
Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
Bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until the salmon is cooked through and slightly crispy.
Drizzle the reserved bang bang sauce over the cooked salmon bites and garnish with chopped chives.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is 16 minutes in the oven or 8–10 minutes in the air fryer, making the total time around 25 minutes.

Variations

Spicier Version: I add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for more heat.
Breaded Bites: For extra crunch, I coat the salmon pieces in panko breadcrumbs before baking or air frying.
Alternative Sauces: Sometimes I swap the bang bang sauce for a honey mustard or teriyaki glaze for a different flavor profile.
Different Proteins: This recipe works well with shrimp or chicken bites as an alternative to salmon.

Storage and Reheating

I store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes until warmed through. I avoid microwaving to maintain the crispiness.

FAQs

What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

I prefer using fresh, skinless salmon fillets like Atlantic or sockeye salmon. They have a rich flavor and firm texture that holds up well during cooking.

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes assembling the dish quicker when I’m ready to cook.

Is it possible to cook the salmon bites on the stovetop?

Absolutely. I heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the salmon bites for about 3–4 minutes per side until they’re cooked through and crispy.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I ensure that the sweet chili sauce and sriracha I use are gluten-free certified. Also, if I decide to bread the salmon, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What sides pair well with these salmon bites?

I like serving them over steamed rice, with a side of sautéed vegetables, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. They also pair well with a simple cucumber salad or avocado slices.

Conclusion

These crispy salmon bites with bang bang sauce are a delightful combination of textures and flavors. I enjoy how easy they are to prepare and how versatile they can be, fitting seamlessly into various meals. Whether I’m hosting guests or looking for a quick dinner, this recipe never disappoints.