Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these crispy salmon bites come out every time — tender, flavorful, and perfectly crispy on the outside. The homemade bang bang sauce adds just the right balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet that really takes this dish to the next level. Whether I serve them as an appetizer or over rice for dinner, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect quick meal when I’m short on time but still want something delicious.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Ingredients

1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice

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

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
Place the seasoned salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is golden and cooked through.
While the salmon cooks, prepare the bang bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl.
Once the salmon is done, transfer it to a serving dish. Drizzle with the bang bang sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 18–20 minutes

Variations

For a spicier version, I like to add extra sriracha to the sauce.
If I want it sweeter, I increase the honey in the bang bang sauce.
Instead of air frying, I sometimes bake the salmon bites at 400°F for 10–12 minutes or pan-sear them in a skillet for 4–5 minutes per side.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes until heated through. This keeps them crispy without drying out the salmon.

FAQs

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

I check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork and make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but I make sure to fully thaw and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking to get the best texture.

What sides go well with bang bang salmon bites?

I love serving them with steamed rice, fresh salad, or even in tacos with slaw for a fun twist.

Can I prepare the bang bang sauce in advance?

Absolutely! I make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Is there a substitute for sriracha in the sauce?

If I don’t have sriracha, I use any hot sauce I like, such as chili garlic sauce or a spicy ketchup.

Conclusion

These crispy bang bang salmon bites have become one of my favorite quick meals to make. The combination of tender salmon and that creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is always a hit at the table. I love how easy they are to prepare and how versatile they can be, whether for a casual dinner or serving guests. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do!