The bang bang salmon bites recipe is everything I love in a weeknight dinner—fast, flavorful, and full of protein. These crispy little salmon cubes, tossed in a spicy-sweet sauce, come together in under 30 minutes and taste like your favorite takeout… only cleaner and cheaper.
I’m Sophia, the cook behind The Recipe Trail. As someone who builds meals around protein and balance, this recipe is one of my best discoveries. It’s just as easy as my Garlic Butter Steak Bites—but with a spicy twist that turns every bite into a flavor bomb.
Table of Contents
The Story & Intro
A flavor-packed weeknight win
This dish came to life on a busy Tuesday night when I had salmon fillets but no plan. I cubed, seasoned, and air-fried them, then smothered them in a simple bang bang sauce—just mayo, sweet chili, and Sriracha. That combo turned into a keeper. The heat, the creaminess, the crunch—this bang bang salmon bites recipe instantly earned repeat status in my kitchen.
Now, I use it in so many ways—bowl builds, wraps, tacos. It’s even great party food, especially next to easy sides like Protein Waffles or Boat Dip.
My go-to recipe for protein-rich meals
High-protein recipes like this help keep me fueled without the food fatigue. Salmon is naturally rich in healthy fats and omega-3s, and this method keeps it juicy inside, crisp outside. I often serve these bites with Cottage Cheese Flatbread or snack on leftovers with Cottage Cheese Chips.
That’s why this bang bang salmon bites recipe fits right into what I value most: fast meals with flavor and fuel.
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Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe – Crispy, Creamy & Craveable in Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This bang bang salmon bites recipe is spicy, crispy, and done in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless salmon, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp Sriracha
Instructions
1. Preheat oven or air fryer to 400°F.
2. Pat dry salmon cubes, then toss with oil and dry seasonings.
3. Arrange salmon on baking sheet or air fryer basket without crowding.
4. Bake for 12–15 min or air fry for 8–10 min until crispy.
5. Meanwhile, mix mayo, chili sauce, and Sriracha in a bowl.
6. Remove salmon and drizzle or toss in bang bang sauce.
7. Serve over rice, greens, or as wraps.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Keep sauce separate for best texture when storing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer or Baked
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: bang bang salmon bites recipe, spicy salmon, air fryer salmon
Mastering the Basics of Bang Bang Salmon
What is bang bang sauce made of?
At its core, bang bang sauce is a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet blend that turns any protein into a flavor-packed bite. The traditional base includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. That’s it. You can tweak the ratios based on how bold you like your heat. A touch of lime juice or honey is also popular for added zing or balance.
What makes this sauce perfect for a bang bang salmon bites recipe is the contrast it creates—the cooling creaminess of the mayo offsets the fiery Sriracha, while the sweet chili clings beautifully to crispy salmon skin. It’s an addictive trifecta of flavor and texture.
Homemade versions beat bottled every time. They’re fresher, easy to make in under a minute, and allow full control over sugar or spice levels. If you’re already into making your own dips and sauces like the one used in Boat Dip, this one’s a must.
Key ingredients for perfectly crispy bites
The star of the show in this bang bang salmon bites recipe is boneless, skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch chunks. Choose fresh or thawed fillets that are firm and vibrant in color—coho or Atlantic both work well. You’ll coat the salmon in a simple mix of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper before air frying or baking.
For extra crunch, toss the bites in panko breadcrumbs or a spoonful of cornstarch. If you’re gluten-free, crushed rice crackers or almond flour do the trick.
One pro tip: pat your salmon chunks dry before seasoning. This step helps them brown up better and gives you that craveable edge-to-edge crisp, especially in the air fryer. The technique is similar to how I prep crisp snacks in my Cottage Cheese Chips, and the results are always golden.
That balance of spice, texture, and protein-rich ingredients is what makes this bang bang salmon bites recipe not just popular—but one you’ll come back to over and over. And up next, we’ll walk through two foolproof ways to cook it to crispy perfection.
Cooking Methods That Work
Can I bake salmon bites instead of air frying them?
Yes—baking is a great alternative for this bang bang salmon bites recipe, especially when you’re cooking for more than two. The oven method delivers juicy, golden bites with minimal hands-on time.
To bake them, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the seasoned salmon cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once to ensure even browning. While they won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried bites, they still turn out flavorful and tender inside.
If you’re after speed and crunch, the air fryer’s your best bet. It gives you beautifully crisp edges in under 10 minutes—no flipping required. That’s why so many readers love using the air fryer version of this bang bang salmon bites recipe when time’s tight but flavor still matters.
Tips for cooking salmon bites perfectly
Whether you bake or air fry, a few small techniques go a long way in making this recipe shine. Here’s how to get restaurant-quality results right at home:
- Pat dry before seasoning: Excess moisture prevents browning. Dry bites = crispy bites.
- Use a light oil coating: A teaspoon of avocado or olive oil helps seasonings stick and encourages golden edges.
- Space them out: Don’t crowd the pan or air fryer basket—give each bite room to cook evenly.
- Watch your cook time: Salmon cooks fast. Keep an eye on the final minutes to avoid drying it out.
If you’re already air frying regularly—maybe you’ve tried it with recipes like my Garlic Butter Steak Bites—you’ll love how quickly this comes together.
No matter the method, this bang bang salmon bites recipe finishes strong with that spicy, creamy sauce melting over warm, crisped salmon. It’s a moment you’ll want to savor, bite after bite.
Serving Ideas & Storage Tips
What pairs well with bang bang salmon bites?
One of the best things about this bang bang salmon bites recipe is how easily it turns into a complete, satisfying meal. The flavor is bold—creamy, spicy, slightly sweet—so pairing it with sides that balance or complement that punch is key.
I love serving it over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, then topping it with shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, or cabbage slaw for crunch. If you’re going low-carb, you can skip the grains and build a power bowl with greens, avocado, and lime.
For a crispy sidekick, I often reach for something homemade like my Cottage Cheese Chips or even a fresh veggie platter with extra bang bang sauce for dipping. And if you’re making this for friends, wrap the bites in warm flatbread from my Cottage Cheese Flatbread Recipe to turn them into fusion-style tacos.
This bang bang salmon bites recipe also shines on a grazing board. Just add sliced peppers, mini skewers, some boat dip, and you’ve got an appetizer spread that disappears fast.
Best way to store and reheat leftovers
Leftovers don’t happen often when I make this bang bang salmon bites recipe, but when they do, they reheat surprisingly well—especially if you store them right.
To keep your bites fresh:
- Let them cool completely
- Transfer to an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
For reheating, skip the microwave and opt for the oven or air fryer. Just 5–6 minutes at 375°F will revive the crispiness without overcooking the salmon. I like to reheat the salmon separately and drizzle the sauce fresh after warming.
You can also make the salmon ahead and store the sauce in its own jar. That way, you keep everything tasting just-made even on day two or three.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving guests, this bang bang salmon bites recipe holds up—making it one of the most versatile and craveable high-protein dishes in my regular rotation.
Conclusion
The beauty of this bang bang salmon bites recipe lies in its simplicity and flavor. In just minutes, you get crispy, spicy, and creamy salmon bites that taste like something from a fancy food truck—but made in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers every time. It’s fast, high-protein, and endlessly adaptable. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular on your table—just like it did on mine.
Looking for more quick and satisfying recipes? Explore dishes like Garlic Butter Steak Bites or snack-worthy Protein Waffles next.
Let’s stay connected! Follow me on Pinterest and Facebook for more nourishing recipes and wellness tips you can actually use.
FAQ: Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
What is bang bang sauce made of?
Bang bang sauce is a simple blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Some versions add honey, lime juice, or garlic for extra flavor. It’s creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet—perfect for salmon, shrimp, or even chicken.
Can I bake salmon bites instead of air frying them?
Yes, baking works great! Just preheat your oven to 425°F, line a tray with parchment, and bake the seasoned salmon bites for 12–15 minutes, flipping once. While air frying gives slightly more crisp, baking still creates flavorful, juicy bites.
What goes well with bang bang salmon?
This bang bang salmon bites recipe pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, slaw, avocado, or fresh greens. For added crunch, serve it with Cottage Cheese Chips, or wrap it in warm flatbread for a fun, hands-on meal.
How do you store leftover salmon bites?
Store cooled salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven at 375°F to regain crispness. Keep the sauce stored separately and drizzle it fresh for the best taste.