Crispy Bang Bang salmon bites are one of those little dinnertime surprises that made their way into our weeknight rotation—and stayed. The first time I made them, I just needed something quick, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how the kids would feel about salmon. But let me tell you, the plate was clean before I even sat down.
What I love most about these crispy Bang Bang salmon bites is how they strike that perfect balance—crunchy on the outside, tender in the middle, and drizzled with a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce that gives a little kick without overwhelming. They feel a bit fancy, like something you’d order out, but they come together right at home with just a few pantry staples.
Whether you’re serving them with rice, tossing them on a salad, or just handing them out with toothpicks at the counter, they’re a fun way to bring a little extra joy to the table—without making a fuss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
I’ve made a lot of salmon dishes over the years, but these crispy Bang Bang salmon bites? They’ve quickly become a weeknight favorite—and here’s why:
– Crispy on the outside, tender inside – Each bite is golden and crunchy, with perfectly cooked salmon at the center.
– That creamy-spicy sauce – It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of heat.
– Quick and flexible – You can bake them, pan-fry, or pop them in the air fryer—whatever works best for your kitchen.
–Kid-friendly and flexible – Even picky eaters enjoy the mild version, while adults can spice it up. For a cozy finish, try these mini chocolate chip muffins.
– Meal prep or party-ready – Serve over rice or as an appetizer. For a heartier dinner, pair with this gluten-free turkey meatloaf.
These crispy Bang Bang salmon bites are simple enough for a weeknight, but special enough to feel like a treat. That’s the kind of recipe I love to keep in my back pocket.
Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
For the salmon bites:
1 pound skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ cup all-purpose flour (or use a gluten-free blend if needed)
2 large eggs, beaten
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free panko works too)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying or spray if baking or air frying
For the Bang Bang sauce:
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
A squeeze of fresh lime juice (optional, but brightens the flavor)
Emma’s Ingredient Notes
- Salmon: Fresh or thawed-from-frozen both work well—just make sure to pat it dry so the coating sticks nicely.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko gives that signature crunch, but crushed rice crackers or cornflakes work in a pinch.
- Mayonnaise: You can swap part or all of it with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds mild heat and just the right touch of sweetness—this one’s a keeper.
- Sriracha: Start small if you’re not sure on spice—it’s easy to add more later but tough to take it out.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites at Home
These crispy Bang Bang salmon bites come together in under 30 minutes and can be cooked three different ways—pan-fried, baked, or air fried. They’re an easy salmon appetizer or quick dinner that feels a little fancy without the fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the salmon
Cut your salmon into 1-inch cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Dry salmon helps the coating stick and turn crisp in the pan or air fryer. - Set up your coating station
Use three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Coat the salmon bites
Dip each piece of salmon in flour, then egg, then the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the coating stick.
Cooking Options
Pan-Fry:
Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon bites for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Let drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with oil. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer, spray with oil, and air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Serve warm with the creamy Bang Bang sauce on the side or drizzled over top—whatever makes your table smile.
Tips for the Crispiest Salmon Bites
Getting that golden crunch on your salmon bites doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few small tricks can make a big difference. Here’s what I’ve learned after a few (delicious) test batches:
- Dry the salmon well
Moisture is the enemy of crisp. Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel before coating. - Use panko or another coarse crumb
Finer breadcrumbs won’t give you that satisfying crunch. Gluten-free panko works beautifully if needed. - Don’t skip the flour step
Flour helps the egg stick, and the egg helps the crumbs cling. It’s worth the extra minute. - Cook in a single layer
Whether you’re baking, frying, or air frying, give each piece of salmon its own space. Crowding = soggy. - Spray or drizzle with oil before baking or air frying
A light coat of oil helps brown the crumbs and gives that crisp texture without deep-frying.
Flavor Variations for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Once you’ve made these crispy Bang Bang salmon bites the classic way, it’s easy to start playing with the flavors. Whether you’re turning up the heat or keeping things mild for little ones, here are a few fun ideas to make this recipe your own:
- Spicy Kick
Add an extra teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the Bang Bang sauce for more heat. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb coating. - Lemon Herb Twist
Replace the paprika with lemon zest and dried dill in the breadcrumb mix. It pairs beautifully with a yogurt-based Bang Bang sauce. - Honey Garlic Glaze
Instead of the traditional sauce, brush the salmon bites with a mixture of honey, garlic, and soy sauce right after cooking. - Kid-Friendly Mild Version
Skip the sriracha in the sauce or swap it with a dash of ketchup for a gentler flavor that’s still creamy and sweet. - Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free
Use gluten-free panko and your favorite egg-free mayo or plant-based yogurt. The result is still crispy, flavorful, and allergy-friendly. - Bite-Sized for Parties
Make smaller cubes and serve them on toothpicks with a bowl of Bang Bang sauce for dipping. Great for game day or casual gatherings.
There’s no wrong way to enjoy these salmon bites—just mix and match until you find your favorite combo.
What to Serve With Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These crispy Bang Bang salmon bites are bold, flavorful, and saucy—so pairing them with something fresh, simple, or a little creamy helps round out the meal. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or setting them out for guests, here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Steamed rice or jasmine rice
The sauce soaks into the rice beautifully, and it makes the bites feel like a full meal. Try coconut rice for something a little tropical. - Crisp salad or slaw
A fresh green salad or a crunchy slaw (like this simple roasted chili corn salsa) balances the heat and gives that cool, crisp contrast. - Lettuce wraps
Serve the salmon bites in butter lettuce leaves with a little extra sauce and some pickled onions. Perfect for lighter dinners or party platters. - Roasted veggies or air-fried broccoli
Something simple and savory—like roasted carrots, snap peas, or air-fried broccoli—keeps the plate balanced without too much fuss. - Noodles or rice bowls
Or if you’re into flavor-packed bowls, try something like this teriyaki turkey rice bowl on another night—it’s just as simple and satisfying. - On their own with toothpicks
These make an easy appetizer—just pop them onto a serving board with sauce on the side. They’re always one of the first things to go.
How to Customize Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
This recipe is so flexible—you can easily adjust it to fit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for little ones, avoiding dairy, or just want to dial up (or down) the spice, here are a few simple ways to make these crispy Bang Bang salmon bites work for you:
- Make it mild
Skip the sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce or use just a tiny drop. A squeeze of ketchup or extra sweet chili sauce will still give it flavor without the heat. - Add more spice
If you’re like my husband and love a kick, stir a little cayenne or chili oil into the sauce. You can even sprinkle red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb coating. - Go dairy-free
Use a plant-based mayo or unsweetened coconut yogurt for the sauce. The flavor stays creamy with a little tang—just as tasty! - Gluten-free option
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. Most large stores carry both now, and they crisp up beautifully. And if you’re looking for more comfort food like this, don’t miss my gluten-free chicken and dumplings—a classic made easy. - Egg-free coating
Try dipping the salmon in plant-based milk or a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) instead of egg. It’s not quite as firm, but it still works. - Lower carb version
Skip the breadcrumbs and bake the salmon pieces with a light drizzle of oil and extra seasoning. You’ll get a crispier texture than you’d expect!
Recipes like this are made to be flexible—so don’t be afraid to tweak things based on what’s in your pantry or who’s at your table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (we usually don’t!), these crispy Bang Bang salmon bites store and reheat surprisingly well. Here’s how I like to keep them tasting fresh and still a little crispy the next day:
Storage
- Fridge:
Store cooled salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the Bang Bang sauce in a separate jar or small container. - Freezer:
You can freeze the cooked salmon bites on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. I don’t recommend freezing the sauce—it’s best made fresh.
Reheating
- Oven or Air Fryer (best choice):
Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped. No need to add oil, but don’t overcrowd the tray or basket. - Microwave (least crispy):
You can microwave them for 30–60 seconds, but the coating will soften. It’s quick in a pinch, but not ideal if you’re craving that crunch. - Reheat only what you’ll eat
Like most crispy things, these are best enjoyed fresh. I try to reheat just enough for the meal so they don’t dry out with a second round of warming.
If you’re making them ahead for a party, you can cook them an hour in advance and re-crisp them in the oven right before serving.
FAQs About Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
How long do you cook salmon bites in the oven?
Bake salmon bites at 425°F (220°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden, crisp on the outside, and tender in the center. A light spray of oil before baking helps them crisp up nicely.
How do you know when salmon is cooked?
Cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork and turn opaque in the center. If you’re unsure, check the internal temperature—it should reach 145°F (63°C). With smaller bites, they usually cook through quickly and stay moist if you don’t overbake.
What to eat with Bang Bang salmon?
Crispy Bang Bang salmon bites go well with rice, slaw, lettuce wraps, or even tossed into a grain bowl with avocado and fresh veggies. If you’re serving them as an appetizer, add some toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping—always a hit!
How to cook crispy skinned salmon?
For full fillets with skin, pat them dry, season well, and cook skin-side down in a hot skillet with oil. Press gently for a minute so the skin stays flat. Let it cook until almost done, then flip for the last 1–2 minutes. It’s a totally different style from crispy Bang Bang salmon bites, but equally delicious.
Final Thoughts from Emma’s Kitchen
I’ve always believed that food doesn’t have to be fussy to be memorable. These crispy Bang Bang salmon bites are one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration—even if it’s just a quiet Tuesday night. They’re quick to pull together, fun to serve, and easy to make your own.
If you’re curious about the health benefits of salmon, this guide from Healthline offers a great overview. It’s always good to know what’s going on your table.
I’d love to know how you served your salmon bites—over rice, in wraps, or straight off the tray. Leave a comment, share a photo, or just drop a hello. You know I love hearing from your kitchens too.
And for your next breakfast? These healthy pumpkin pancakes are a cozy favorite around here—especially on chilly mornings.
