Name: Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat); ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice

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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and irresistible texture, then you absolutely need to try this Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe. Imagine perfectly seasoned, bite-sized pieces of salmon cooked until crispy on the edges and coated with a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce that hits every craving spot. It’s an effortless yet show-stopping appetizer or snack that will have your friends asking for the recipe again and again. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight treat or an impressive party platter, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites bring a delightful fusion of flavors to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with bright orange raw salmon pieces arranged in a loose mound. On top of the salmon, there are several piles of different spices—one dark red-brown, another light yellow, a small white powdery one, and a dark gray spice sprinkled over. The textures include the smooth, slightly shiny surface of the salmon cubes and the fine, powdery look of the spices. The scene is well-lit, showing clear details of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Each element plays its part — from the smoky spices coating the salmon to the sweet heat of the sauce, making this dish both vibrant and savory.

Salmon fillets, 1 ½ pounds: Choose fresh, skinless salmon, cut into generous bite-sized pieces for perfect cooking and flavor absorption.
Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: A light drizzle to help the seasoning stick and to crisp up your salmon bites.
Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements seafood beautifully.
Onion powder, 1 teaspoon: Provides a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall savoriness.
Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon: Brings a mild smokiness that makes every bite interesting.
Salt, ½ teaspoon: Essential for seasoning, balancing flavors, and enhancing the natural taste of the salmon.
Black pepper, ½ teaspoon: Adds a subtle heat and works harmoniously with the other spices.
Cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon (optional): For those who like a bit more fire, this kicks the heat up just right.
Mayonnaise, ½ cup: The creamy base for the famous bang bang sauce, making the dish irresistibly luscious.
Thai sweet chili sauce, ¼ cup: This brings a perfect balance of sweet and spicy to brighten the sauce.
Sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon: Adds a little punch — adjust according to your spice preference.
Honey, 1 tablespoon: Sweetness that rounds out the sauce beautifully, preventing it from being too spicy.
Lime juice, 1 tablespoon: A zingy touch that cuts through richness and adds freshness.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare The Sauce

Start by making the signature Bang Bang sauce that will coat your salmon bites later. Whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until everything is perfectly blended. The combination of creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors will make your taste buds sing.

Step 2: Season The Salmon Bites

In a large bowl, toss your bite-sized salmon pieces with olive oil to help the spices adhere. Then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper on top. Give everything a gentle toss until each piece is evenly coated. This seasoning mix is the secret that gives the salmon its incredible flavor and a lightly smoky, spicy edge.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Pop your air fryer on to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures your salmon bites cook evenly and develop that beautiful crisp exterior we’re aiming for.

Step 4: Air Fry The Salmon Bites

Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to guarantee even cooking with plenty of crispiness on each bite. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to cook in batches. Air fry them for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to brown all sides. You’ll know they’re done when the edges get crispy and the salmon is cooked through but still tender inside.

Step 5: Serve With Bang Bang Sauce

Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a serving plate and generously drizzle with the bang bang sauce you prepared earlier. Don’t be shy with the sauce — it’s what makes these bites truly unforgettable. Keep the rest of the sauce on the side for dipping because everyone loves a little extra kick!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

A rustic dark metal bowl holds a serving of white steamed rice, sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds and small bits of red chili flakes. On top of the rice are several pieces of grilled, golden-brown chicken with a slightly shiny glaze and small green onion pieces scattered over them. To the side of the chicken, a bright green lime wedge sits on the rice inside the bowl. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, with part of a wooden serving board and green garnishes visible in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a fresh and vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped green onions or freshly chopped cilantro over the salmon bites. A tiny bit of toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top adds a lovely nutty crunch and an elegant finish. These simple garnishes add both color and texture, making your dish feel special and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are versatile and pair beautifully with light, refreshing sides. Think a crisp Asian slaw with a hint of lime, steamed jasmine rice to soak up the vibrant sauce, or a side of sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach. These accompaniments balance the richness of the salmon and round out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve your Bang Bang Salmon Bites on mini skewers for easy finger food, or pile them atop cucumber slices for a refreshing bite-sized canapé. For a more casual vibe, assemble them over a bed of mixed greens or sushi rice bowls. Each presentation changes the experience while keeping all that amazing flavor front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just make sure to keep the bang bang sauce separate to avoid sogginess; drizzle it on right before serving again.

Freezing

While freezing salmon bites is possible, it’s not ideal for maintaining their crispy texture. If you do freeze, place the cooked salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze them until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and use within 1 month for best flavor. Thaw gently overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To get that crispness back, reheat the salmon bites in a preheated air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can make them soggy. Reheat just before serving and add fresh bang bang sauce afterwards for a dish that tastes almost as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon fully and pat it dry before seasoning. This helps achieve a better sear and crispness when cooking.

Is it possible to make these salmon bites without an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the salmon bites in a hot oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through to crisp all sides. You can also pan-fry them but be mindful of oil splatter.

Can I adjust the spiciness in the Bang Bang Sauce?

Definitely. The sriracha and cayenne pepper can be reduced or increased depending on your heat preference. For a milder sauce, simply omit the cayenne and use less sriracha.

What side dishes complement Bang Bang Salmon Bites best?

Light, fresh sides like an Asian cucumber salad, steamed rice, or sautéed greens work wonderfully. They balance the rich, spicy flavors and add variety to your meal.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the salmon bites and sauce can be prepared ahead of time. Just keep the sauce separate and add it right before serving to keep the bites crispy and fresh.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe, it’s going to become your new go-to whenever you want something fast, delicious, and impressive. The perfect combination of spice, sweetness, and that gorgeous salmon flavor will keep you coming back for more. So grab that salmon, whip up this sauce, and get ready to enjoy some seriously addictive bites. You’re going to love every mouthwatering moment!