Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ever feel like you’re stuck in a dinner rut? You want something tasty, something fast, but you end up making the same old chicken dish again. I’ve been there, even after years in a hot kitchen.
Let’s break that boring cycle. These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the answer. They’re crunchy, a little spicy, a little sweet, and so easy to make you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner. This recipe will make you feel like a rockstar in your own kitchen.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple stuff you might already have. Don’t let the list scare you; it comes together fast.
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon, skin removed
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha (use less or more depending on how spicy you like it)
- 1 tsp lime juice
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Tools Required
You don’t need any fancy equipment for this. Just the basics will do the job perfectly.
- Air Fryer or Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowls (at least two)
- Whisk
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Follow these simple steps. The key is to work quickly so you can eat sooner!
Step 1: First, let’s prep the salmon. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is super important for getting it crispy. Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is your crispy coating.
Step 3: Add the salmon cubes to the bowl with the dry mix. Gently toss them until every piece is covered. Be nice to the salmon; you don’t want to mash it up.
Step 4: While the salmon gets ready, make the star of the show: the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until it’s smooth. Set it aside.
Step 5: If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they have some space. Spray the tops with a little cooking spray.
Step 6: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy. If you’re using an oven, bake on a lined sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 7: Let the salmon cool for just a minute. Then, put the cooked bites into a large bowl. Pour that amazing bang bang sauce over them and toss gently to coat.
Step 8: Serve them right away. Sprinkle some green onions and sesame seeds on top if you’re feeling fancy.
Pro Tips
After making this a thousand times, I’ve learned a few things. These little tricks make a big difference.
- Dry Salmon is Key: I said it before, but I’ll say it again. Pat that salmon bone dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispy.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the salmon bites space in the air fryer or on the baking sheet. If they’re too close, they will steam instead of getting crispy. Cook in two batches if you have to.
- Sauce at the End: Do not, I repeat, do not mix the salmon with the sauce until you are ready to put it on a plate. The sauce will make the crispy coating soggy if it sits for too long.
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have something on the list? No problem. Cooking is all about making things work for you.
| Ingredient | Substitution Idea | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon | Shrimp, Chicken, or Tofu | Adjust cooking times. Shrimp is faster, chicken is longer. |
| Mayonnaise | Greek Yogurt | For a lighter, tangier sauce. |
| Cornstarch | All-Purpose Flour | It won’t be quite as crispy, but it will work. |
| Panko | Regular Breadcrumbs | Panko gives the best crunch, but regular will do. |
| Sriracha | Any Hot Sauce | Use your favorite to control the heat. |
You can also add other spices to the coating. A pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat or some onion powder would be great.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to get a head start on dinner, you can do a few things ahead of time.
- The Sauce: The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- The Coating: You can mix all the dry ingredients for the coating ahead of time. Store it in a zip-top bag.
- The Salmon: You can cut the salmon into cubes a day ahead. Store it in a covered container in the fridge.
What to Serve with Salmon Bites
These bites are great on their own, but they also play well with others. Here are some ideas to make it a full meal.
| Serving Suggestion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed Rice | The rice soaks up the extra sauce. Simple and perfect. |
| Roasted Veggies | Broccoli or asparagus adds a healthy, crunchy side. |
| Salad | A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the rich sauce. |
| Tacos | Put the bites in a warm tortilla with some slaw for amazing tacos. |
Leftovers and Storage
If you have any leftovers, which is rare, here’s how to store them.
Put the salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for up to 2 days. The coating won’t be as crispy, but they will still taste good.
To reheat, use the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. This will help bring some of the crispiness back. Avoid the microwave if you can; it will make them rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions I get about this recipe.
Q1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Ans: Yes, you can. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before you start. Then, pat it extra dry because thawed fish holds more water.
Q2. My coating isn’t sticking. What did I do wrong?
Ans: Your salmon was probably too wet. The coating needs a slightly tacky, dry surface to cling to. Pat it super, super dry next time.
Q3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Ans: It can be! Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Also, double-check that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free, as some brands are not.
Q4. Can I make this without an air fryer?
Ans: Absolutely. A regular oven works great. Bake at 425°F on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 12-15 minutes.
Wrapping Up
See? That wasn’t so hard. You just made a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. These salmon bites are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for guests.
Now it’s your turn. Go give this recipe a try! Come back and leave a comment to let me know how it went. I love hearing about your kitchen wins.
