Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the ultimate combination of bold flavor, tender fish, and addictive crunch. Each bite is coated in a seasoned crust, perfectly golden and crisp on the outside while maintaining flaky, moist salmon inside. And when you dip them into that creamy, spicy bang bang sauce? It’s a moment of magic you won’t soon forget.

Whether you’re serving these up as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or turning them into a full meal with rice or salad, this recipe is quick enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough for guests. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep time, these salmon bites are destined to become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

These salmon bites are little flavor bombs. They cook fast, get wonderfully crispy without deep frying, and deliver an irresistible mix of sweet, spicy, and creamy thanks to the signature sauce. You don’t need a lot of oil, and they work perfectly in the air fryer or skillet. Best of all, the bang bang sauce can double as a drizzle for tacos, wraps, or even rice bowls.

What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

Fresh, skinless salmon fillets are best for this recipe. If you can, choose center-cut fillets so your pieces are more uniform in size and cook evenly. Frozen salmon can also be used—just be sure to fully thaw and pat dry before seasoning. Atlantic salmon is mild and buttery, while wild-caught options offer a firmer texture and stronger flavor. It comes down to your preference, but no matter which you choose, you’ll end up with bites that crisp beautifully and soak up that bang bang flavor.

Ingredients for the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

To get those bites perfectly golden and packed with flavor, you’ll want a simple but well-balanced lineup of ingredients. Each one plays a role in either the crunch factor or that creamy, spicy sauce you won’t be able to stop dipping into.

Salmon fillets: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized cubes for easy cooking and crispy edges.
Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the salmon while giving the flour something to cling to.
Flour: Creates the base of the crispy coating.
Cornstarch: Adds that extra light crunch that stays crisp longer.
Garlic powder: A flavor booster that brings depth to every bite.
Paprika: Adds a mild warmth and lovely color to the coating.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavor.
Oil: For frying the bites until golden brown. Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
Sweet chili sauce: Gives the sauce its sweetness and tang.
Sriracha: Delivers that signature kick of heat in the bang bang sauce.
Honey: Rounds everything out with a touch of natural sweetness.

How To Make the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Cut your salmon fillets into even bite-sized chunks. Pat them dry with a paper towel and place them in a bowl with the buttermilk. Let them soak while you prepare the coating.

Step 2: Make the Coating

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoned blend will create the signature crunch when fried.

Step 3: Coat the Bites

Remove the salmon from the buttermilk, shaking off excess liquid, then toss the pieces in the flour mixture until fully coated. Press gently to help the coating stick well.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat about an inch of oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon bites in batches, frying for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon is frying, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the freshly fried salmon bites or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a little extra flair.

How to Serve and Store Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These crispy salmon bites are best served fresh out of the pan, when they’re still piping hot and audibly crunchy. They make an excellent appetizer for parties or game day spreads, but can also shine as a main course with rice, noodles, or a crisp green salad. This recipe feeds 4 people generously, but it’s easy to scale up for larger gatherings.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, skip the microwave and use an air fryer or oven to bring back that crispy texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can turn the coating soggy.

What to Serve With Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

Garlic Fried Rice

The rich garlic notes in fried rice balance the heat of the bang bang sauce and turn these bites into a full, satisfying meal.

Cucumber Sesame Salad

This light, crunchy salad refreshes the palate and pairs beautifully with spicy dishes.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweetness from the fries complements the bold flavor of the salmon, while their crispiness mirrors the texture perfectly.

Pickled Veggies

Add brightness and zing to contrast the creamy sauce. Think pickled red onions, carrots, or radishes.

Avocado Slaw

Creamy, crunchy, and cool — this makes for a fantastic taco-style pairing if you want to wrap the salmon in tortillas.

Roasted Asparagus

Earthy and slightly charred, roasted asparagus brings a wholesome veggie element to your plate.

Noodle Stir Fry

A quick vegetable stir fry with noodles adds another layer of texture and soaks up any extra sauce beautifully.

Mini Slider Buns

Turn your salmon bites into spicy seafood sliders for a fun twist on party food.

Want More Seafood Ideas?

If you’re hooked on these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, you might want to check out more seafood recipes that are just as easy and satisfying:

Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon: If you like a sticky-sweet glaze with a rich buttery base.
Mediterranean Salmon Patties: Packed with herbs and flavor, perfect for lunch wraps or quick dinners.
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole: A creamy, comfort-packed dish for when you want something cozy but still fancy.
Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage Broccoli: A one-pan favorite with bold flavors and easy cleanup.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Rich, creamy, and irresistibly good.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it extra spicy or go light on the sauce? Maybe you tried a different dipping sauce altogether?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

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