Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites offer the perfect balance of crunch and flavor, combining golden-fried salmon with a sweet, spicy, and creamy bang bang sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for quick dinners, appetizers, or snack time, and it’s packed with protein and flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites have quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. I love the way the seasoned panko coating creates a crunchy texture on the outside while the salmon stays perfectly tender inside. And that bang bang sauce? It’s addictively good—creamy, spicy, tangy, and just a touch sweet.

I also like how versatile this recipe is. I can serve it as a party appetizer, a casual snack, or even a light dinner paired with rice or salad. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon Bites:
fresh, skinless salmon fillets
all-purpose flour
eggs
panko breadcrumbs
garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:
mayonnaise
sweet chili sauce
sriracha
honey
lime juice

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon
I start by cutting the salmon into bite-sized cubes—about 1 to 1.5 inches. Then I pat them dry with paper towels to make sure they fry up nice and crispy.

2. Set Up Breading Station
Next, I set up three bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with all the seasonings.

3. Bread the Salmon
Each salmon cube gets coated in flour, dipped into the egg, and finally rolled in the seasoned panko. I make sure they’re well-covered and set them aside on a plate.

4. Heat the Oil
I heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. To check if it’s ready, I drop in a tiny piece of bread—if it sizzles, it’s good to go.

5. Fry the Salmon Bites
I fry the salmon bites for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they’re golden and crispy. Then I drain them on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil.

6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is frying, I whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

7. Serve
Right before serving, I drizzle the bang bang sauce over the hot salmon bites and sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top for garnish.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Substitute Salmon: I sometimes switch it up with shrimp, cod, or chicken breast for a different flavor.

• Breading Options: Crushed crackers or almond flour make great alternatives to panko if I want a different crunch or a gluten-free version.

• Sauce Adjustments: I add more sriracha for extra spice or more honey when I want it sweeter.

• Baking Option: When I want a lighter version, I bake the salmon bites at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To get the crispiness back, I reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes or warm them up in a skillet over medium heat.

FAQs

Can I bake these salmon bites instead of frying them?

Yes, I bake them at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

I like using vegan mayo or a dairy-free alternative when I need a substitute. It still gives that creamy texture.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

I make sure the internal temperature hits 145°F. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when it’s done.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before breading and frying. Moisture can affect the crispiness.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the bang bang sauce?

I increase the sriracha for more heat or reduce it for a milder version. It’s really easy to customize.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are everything I want in a quick and tasty meal—crunchy, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether I’m serving them as finger food for guests or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, they always hit the spot. That combination of crispy salmon and creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is seriously addictive. I know I’ll be making these again and again.