Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites for Quick Weeknight Wins Recipe
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavorful and quick-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender salmon cubes seasoned with a smoky spice blend and cooked to crispy perfection by your choice of pan-searing, baking, or air-frying, these bites are generously coated in a zesty, creamy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice. Garnished with fresh herbs or sesame seeds and served with lime wedges, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon Bites
- 1 pound Salmon Fillets, skin removed and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or any neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh garlic
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for less heat)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (fresh is best)
For Garnishing
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley or Green Onions, or Sesame Seeds
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to evenly coat each piece with the seasoning.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until smooth and well combined. Adjust spice and sweetness levels to your taste.
- Choose Cooking Method – Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and cooked through but still tender inside.
- Choose Cooking Method – Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly oiled. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Choose Cooking Method – Air-Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping. Cook until golden and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the cooked salmon bites or toss them together to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an added fresh squeeze of citrus.
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to lighten the sauce.
- For less heat, omit the cayenne pepper and reduce or exclude sriracha.
- The salmon bites can be made ahead and reheated using the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- This recipe adapts well to different cooking methods, so choose based on your available equipment and texture preference.
Keywords: salmon bites, bang bang sauce, quick dinner, air fryer salmon, pan-seared salmon, baked salmon, seafood appetizer, spicy salmon, crispy salmon bites
