Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the ultimate quick-and-easy dish for seafood lovers. Crisped to perfection in the air fryer and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, they’re everything you want in a flavorful bite. Whether you serve them as a starter, in a rice bowl, or stuffed in tacos, they’ll become a weekly favorite.

This recipe takes only 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish, and the combination of Thai sweet chili, honey, and sriracha brings just the right kick. You can make them mild or fiery depending on your preference, and they’re just as good for weeknight dinners as they are for entertaining guests.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1 teaspoon sriracha

• 1 teaspoon honey

• ½ teaspoon lime juice

Directions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a bowl, toss salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.

3. Arrange salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. While cooking, mix mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl to make the sauce.

5. When the salmon is done, drizzle or toss with the sauce.

6. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 280 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings

What Are Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a modern twist on the famous “Bang Bang” flavor profile that typically involves a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce paired with a crispy protein. Traditionally used in shrimp dishes, the sauce has gained popularity across different proteins, and salmon is an especially rich and satisfying choice. These bite-sized salmon cubes are seasoned and cooked until crisp, then coated in a signature sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili, sriracha, and honey. It’s a mouthwatering blend that brings together heat, sweetness, tanginess, and umami in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, game days, and even holiday appetizers. It’s quick to prepare—usually under 20 minutes from prep to plate—and requires only a few pantry staples. The salmon bites are versatile enough to be used as an appetizer, in tacos, over rice bowls, or tossed into a salad. Plus, since it can be made in the air fryer, it’s both fast and a little healthier than deep frying.

The flavor is bold and dynamic, with a creamy base sauce balanced by the kick of sriracha and the sweetness of honey. The salmon itself becomes slightly crisp on the outside while staying moist and flaky on the inside, giving you the perfect texture contrast with every bite.

A Healthier Take on a Crowd Favorite

Unlike deep-fried versions of similar recipes, this version uses the air fryer or oven, making it lighter without sacrificing the flavor or crispness. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and important nutrients like B vitamins and selenium. It’s an excellent option for those looking to eat healthier while still enjoying flavorful, indulgent meals. The Bang Bang sauce can also be tweaked to lower sugar or fat content by using low-fat mayo or substituting Greek yogurt.

Versatility of the Recipe

One of the biggest benefits of Bang Bang Salmon Bites is how easily the dish adapts to different occasions and dietary needs. Want a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free mayo and chili sauce. Want to make it spicier? Increase the sriracha. Prefer it milder? Use just a touch of the chili sauce and skip the cayenne.

You can also change up the serving format. Serve them as-is for finger food at parties, slide them into lettuce cups for a low-carb wrap, or pair them with steamed rice and vegetables for a balanced dinner. They also work well inside tortillas for fish tacos with a twist, or over noodles for an Asian fusion bowl.

Perfect for Meal Prep

These salmon bites also store well, making them excellent for meal prepping. You can cook a batch, store them in the fridge, and enjoy them over a few days in different forms. While best served fresh for ultimate crispiness, the cooked salmon can be reheated in the air fryer or oven to restore some texture. The Bang Bang sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 5 days.

If you’re someone who likes to prep ingredients ahead of time, you can cube the salmon and keep it seasoned and ready to cook, then whip up the sauce when it’s mealtime.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites

To ensure crispy, flavorful bites every time, here are a few pro tips:

• Pat your salmon dry before seasoning to help it crisp up better.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed to get even crisping.

• Flip the salmon halfway through cooking to ensure all sides are evenly browned.

• Let the salmon rest for a minute or two before tossing with the sauce. This helps maintain some of that outer crispiness.

• Drizzle the sauce right before serving or serve it on the side to preserve texture.

Customizing Your Bang Bang Sauce

The Bang Bang sauce is what elevates this dish, and it’s incredibly customizable. For those who want to switch things up:

• Add a dash of soy sauce or fish sauce for more umami.

• Use a dash of lemon or orange zest for a citrus kick.

• Mix in crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for texture.

• Swap sriracha for gochujang or harissa for a different kind of heat.

• Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to brighten the flavor.

This sauce is also great for dipping other appetizers like chicken bites, tempura veggies, or spring rolls. Consider making extra to keep in the fridge—it’s that good.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few serving ideas to make your Bang Bang Salmon Bites even more exciting:

• Tacos: Serve in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and a drizzle of extra sauce.

• Rice Bowl: Pair with jasmine or brown rice, steamed broccoli, and pickled carrots.

• Salad Topper: Add to a bed of greens with cucumbers, red onions, and a light vinaigrette.

• Appetizer Platter: Arrange with toothpicks on a party tray, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

• Lettuce Wraps: Use butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a low-carb, fresh crunch.

How to Store and Reheat

Once cooked, Bang Bang Salmon Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in an air fryer or oven rather than a microwave to maintain the crispy exterior. You can also freeze the uncooked, seasoned salmon cubes in a zip-top bag and thaw them before cooking. However, the sauce is best made fresh or stored separately in the fridge.

If you’re meal prepping, keep the sauce separate and only toss the salmon when ready to eat to avoid sogginess.

Why It’s Great for Entertaining

These bites are visually appealing, flavor-packed, and easy to serve, making them an ideal choice for gatherings. Their bite-size shape means no forks required, and they hold up well even at room temperature. You can double the batch for larger crowds or serve with a variety of dipping sauces for an appetizer bar.

Add garnishes like chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, or lime wedges for extra color and flair on your serving platter.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon Bites bring together the best of all worlds: bold flavor, satisfying texture, quick prep, and nutritional benefits. This dish is proof that you don’t need complex techniques or hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an exciting lunch option, or a show-stopping party appetizer, this recipe has you covered.

Its sweet and spicy profile appeals to a wide range of palates, and its versatility makes it easy to customize. From rice bowls to tacos, lettuce wraps to salads, the possibilities are endless. With simple ingredients and under 30 minutes of total time, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites are sure to become a go-to favorite in your home kitchen.