If you love bold flavors with a satisfying crunch, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are going to steal the show. They’re golden on the outside, tender in the middle, and smothered in a creamy-spicy sauce that wakes up every bite. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, toss them into a salad, or build them into bowls, these little bites pack a big punch.
What makes them special is the way the flaky salmon holds onto the crispy coating and that addictive bang bang sauce. It’s sweet, spicy, and creamy all at once. These bites are fast to prep, easy to fry or air-fry, and even better than takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
This recipe is a flavor explosion with textures to match. It combines the richness of salmon with the crunch of panko and the zing of a chili-mayo sauce. You’ll love how fast it all comes together, and how it satisfies both comfort food cravings and your need for something fresh and vibrant.
They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, party platters, or meal prepping for a few days ahead. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level, and they stay crispy even after sitting for a while.
What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?
Fresh salmon fillets are ideal, especially skinless and boneless cuts. You want firm, thick pieces so the salmon holds together when cubed and fried. If you only have frozen salmon, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels to avoid sogginess.
Wild-caught tends to be firmer and a bit leaner, while farm-raised has a slightly richer flavor and texture. Both work great—just choose what fits your budget and flavor preferences.
Ingredients for the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are while delivering big on flavor. Each item plays a role in creating that crunchy, creamy, spicy combination that makes these bites irresistible.
- Salmon fillet
- Buttermilk
- Hot sauce
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Lime juice


How To Make the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Prep the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Cut your salmon into bite-sized cubes and toss them in the marinade. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes while you prep the coating.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. In another, add panko breadcrumbs. Remove the salmon from the marinade and dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, then press into the panko to coat well.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
Heat oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to about 350°F. Carefully add the salmon pieces in batches and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning as needed, until crispy and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Taste and adjust spice to your liking. Drizzle over the salmon bites or serve as a dipping sauce.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Serve the salmon bites immediately with a generous drizzle of bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh lime wedges if desired.
How to Serve and Store Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These crispy salmon bites are best served hot and fresh, right after frying. They make a standout appetizer, but they can also be part of a main course when served over jasmine rice, a fresh salad, or even inside lettuce wraps.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore their crispiness, place them in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Microwaving is quick, but you’ll lose some of that crunch.
This recipe makes enough to serve about 4 people as a main course or 6 to 8 as a starter.
What to Serve With Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Steamed Jasmine Rice
A fluffy, lightly seasoned rice balances out the spice and creaminess of the bang bang sauce.
Mango Avocado Salsa
The sweetness of mango and creaminess of avocado play beautifully with the crispy, spicy bites.
Asian Slaw
Crunchy cabbage with a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast and cuts through the richness.
Garlic Noodles
Buttery garlic noodles make a cozy, flavor-packed side that complements the boldness of the salmon.
Cucumber Salad
Refreshing and crisp, it brings a cooling effect that pairs wonderfully with the heat.
Roasted Asparagus
For something warm and earthy, try pairing them with these roasted asparagus.
Creamy Mac and Cheese
Yes, it’s indulgent. And yes, it totally works with these bites when you’re going full comfort mode.
Garlic Edamame
Quick, salty, and simple—a great nibble on the side while you’re frying up the next batch.
Want More Salmon Ideas?
If you loved these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, here are some more salmon recipes to explore on Janet Dishes:
- Try this rich and tangy Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon for a more elegant dinner.
- Our grilled favorite Irresistible Grilled Salmon with the Best Salmon Seasoning is perfect for summer nights.
- Looking for something simple but bold? This Pan-Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce brings flavor with minimal fuss.
- Add some decadence with the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you’re craving seafood pasta.
- And for an easy upgrade to taco night, don’t miss these Steak Tacos with Chipotle Crema, which pair well with the bang bang sauce too!
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest seafood or appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the spice or keep it mild? Did you try air frying instead of pan frying?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better and tastier meals.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and everyday recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to dishes!
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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe made with tender salmon cubes, a crunchy panko coating, and a creamy sweet-spicy sauce. This easy appetizer or main dish is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb salmon fillet
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
1. Whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Cut salmon into bite-sized cubes and marinate for 20 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Place panko breadcrumbs in another bowl.
3. Dredge each salmon cube in the flour mixture, then coat in panko breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil to 350°F in a skillet. Fry salmon cubes in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
5. Mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to make bang bang sauce.
6. Serve salmon bites hot with sauce drizzled or as a dip. Garnish as desired.
Notes
Crispy tip: Chill the breaded salmon for 10 minutes before frying to help coating stick better.
Want it lighter? Try air frying at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
Control heat: Adjust sriracha in the sauce to match your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg