Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites turn an ordinary salmon fillet into golden irresistible flavor bombs coated in a creamy sweet spicy sauce This recipe is a regular hit anytime I crave a playful twist on seafood and the crunch gets even my pickiest eaters excited

My family asks for this every time we have a movie night These bites disappear fast and the sauce is so good you will want to dip everything in it

Gather Your Ingredients

• Salmon fillet: fresh or frozen and thawed for the juiciest tender bites Choose a center-cut fillet for easy even cubes
• All-purpose flour: helps the coating stick to the fish Make sure your flour is fresh for best crispiness
• Eggs: act as the glue that holds the crumbs and seasoning to each bite
• Panko breadcrumbs: create airy crunch Seek out Japanese-style panko for bigger flakes
• Salt and black pepper: basic seasoning that brings out the salmon flavor Use fine sea salt for even distribution
• Oil: for frying or a light mist for air fryer The right oil high-heat options like avocado or canola work best
• Sweet chili sauce: the tangy backbone of the Bang Bang sauce Choose a brand with visible chili flecks for good heat
• Sriracha: provides the spicy kick
• Honey: lends subtle sweetness and balances the sauce
• Mayonnaise: the creamy carrier for all the flavors Go for a full-fat variety for best richness
• Lemon juice: adds brightness and fresh zip

How to Make It

Cut and Dry the Salmon:

Cut the salmon into small even cubes about one inch each Pat as dry as possible with paper towels to help coating stick and salmon brown well

Season and Coat Each Piece:

Gently mix the salmon cubes with salt black pepper and a pinch of paprika if you like Next dredge each cube in all-purpose flour shaking off extra Then dip in beaten eggs letting excess drip off Finally press the cubes into panko breadcrumbs making sure they are fully coated on all sides This layering creates a super crispy shell

Cook the Salmon Bites:

For frying heat about half an inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high When oil is shimmering add salmon cubes in batches Do not crowd the pan Cook about two to three minutes per side until golden Flip gently with tongs Drain on a paper towel For air fryer method arrange coated cubes in a single layer in your basket Cook at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius for eight to ten minutes Turn halfway through until crisp and cooked through

Mix Up the Bang Bang Sauce:

In a bowl combine mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha honey and a splash of lemon juice Whisk until totally smooth Adjust sriracha or honey to your preferred spice level

Dress or Serve:

Lightly toss the hot salmon bites in the sauce or keep sauce on the side for dipping Both ways are delicious Serve with extra sauce if you like

Salmon is my favorite because its buttery flavor stands up perfectly to the bold sauce My kids remember the first time I served this at a backyard party and now they ask for it as a special treat

Flavor Boosters

Crush your panko lightly with your hands for more even coating Pat the salmon dry very well so it browns not steams Double the sauce batch You will want it for more than just salmon

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bites over steamed jasmine rice with sliced avocado and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds For a party appetizer skewer each cube and serve with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side A crunchy Asian slaw is excellent on the side for a fresh contrast

Creative Twists

No salmon Try this with firm white fish such as cod tofu for a vegetarian version or even shrimp If you do not have panko regular breadcrumbs give crunch but will be slightly less airy For a lighter sauce substitute plain Greek yogurt for mayonnaise Add extra sriracha chili flakes or a hint of lime for brightness

Friends who say they never eat fish have admitted these bites won them over At a potluck they vanished before anything else even got noticed

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do you achieve a crispy texture on the salmon bites?

Make sure to dredge the salmon in flour first, then dip in beaten egg and coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs before frying or air frying for extra crunch.

→ Can the bites be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, cook the breaded salmon cubes in a preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy and golden.

→ What makes the Bang Bang sauce sweet and spicy?

The sauce blends mayonnaise for creaminess, sweet chili sauce and honey for sweetness, and sriracha for heat, creating a balanced flavor profile.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Serve the salmon bites over steamed jasmine rice with sliced avocado and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

→ Can you prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be mixed in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve with the salmon bites.