There’s something magical about the way sweet and spicy flavors dance together—especially when they cling to crispy, golden bites of salmon. I first fell in love with Bang Bang sauce at a little seafood shack by the coast, where the chef drizzled it over fried shrimp. But as someone who adores salmon (and quick weeknight dinners), I knew I had to recreate that magic at home. These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are my answer: tender salmon cubes coated in a crunchy crust, then tossed in a creamy, fiery-sweet sauce. They’re perfect for game day, date night, or just treating yourself after a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb fresh salmon – Skinless and cut into 1-inch cubes (trust me, the even size ensures perfect crispiness!).
• 1/2 cup cornstarch – The secret to that irresistible crunch.
• 2 eggs, beaten – Helps the coating stick like a dream.
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – For extra texture and golden goodness.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp paprika – A cozy flavor boost for the breading.
• Salt and pepper – Because every bite should be well-seasoned.
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise – The creamy base for our Bang Bang sauce.
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce – Sweet with just a whisper of heat.
• 1 tbsp sriracha – Adjust to taste if you’re spice-shy (or add more if you’re brave!).
• 1 tsp honey – For balancing the heat with a touch of floral sweetness.
• Oil for frying – I use avocado oil for its high smoke point, but vegetable oil works too.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

1. Prep the salmon: Pat the cubes dry with paper towels (this is key for maximum crispiness!). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Set up your breading station: In three shallow bowls, add cornstarch to one, beaten eggs to another, and panko mixed with garlic powder and paprika to the third.
3. Bread the salmon: Dredge each cube in cornstarch (shake off excess), dip in egg, then roll in panko until fully coated. Place on a plate and repeat.
4. Fry to golden perfection: Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry the salmon in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply golden. Drain on paper towels.
5. Whisk the sauce: Stir together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as needed.
6. Toss and serve: Gently coat the warm salmon bites in the sauce or drizzle it over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy!

Pro tip: For extra crispiness, let the breaded salmon sit for 5 minutes before frying—this helps the coating adhere better. And if you’re nervous about frying, an air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes works wonders (just spritz the bites with oil first!).

Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

These crispy Bang Bang salmon bites are already a crowd-pleaser, but here are a few ways to tweak them to your liking:

• Spice Level: Adjust the Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to make it milder or spicier. A little goes a long way if you’re sensitive to heat!
• Protein Swap: Not a fan of salmon? Try this recipe with shrimp, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Extra Crispy: For an even crunchier coating, double-dip the salmon pieces in the egg wash and breadcrumbs before frying.

What to Serve With Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These sweet and spicy bites are versatile and pair beautifully with so many sides! Here are a few of our favorites:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The perfect base to soak up any extra sauce.
• Quick Pickled Vegetables: A tangy contrast to the rich salmon.
• Fresh Greens: A simple arugula or cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch.
• Noodles: Toss them with soba or rice noodles for a heartier meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though we doubt it!), here’s how to keep them tasting great:

• Storage: Place cooled salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make them soggy.
• Freezing: These bites freeze well! Store in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, arrange the breaded salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the sauce?
Greek yogurt or sour cream makes a great substitute if you’re not a mayo fan. The sauce will be tangier but still delicious.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Be careful not to overcook, or it’ll dry out.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—just give it a good stir before using.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about these crispy, sweet, and spicy salmon bites—they’re the kind of dish that disappears fast at gatherings (or when you’re treating yourself to a cozy night in). Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main course, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to recipe for impressing guests or just making weeknights feel a little more special. Happy cooking!