Name: Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1½ pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes); 1–2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1–2 tsp sriracha (to taste); 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp lime juice; Chopped cilantro or parsley; Sliced green onions; Sesame seeds

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore the contrast of textures: the golden, crisp exterior of the salmon with its tender, flaky interior, all coated in a vibrant sauce that balances sweetness, heat, and tang. It’s quick to make and versatile—whether served solo, atop rice bowls, or as a taco filling, it always delivers flavor that hits all the right notes.

ingredients

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

For the salmon bites:

1½ pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into 1″ cubes)
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Salt & pepper
Cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For the Bang Bang sauce:

Mayonnaise
Thai sweet chili sauce
Sriracha sauce
Honey
Lime juice

Optional garnishes:

Chopped cilantro or parsley
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

directions

Prep the salmon: I pat the cubes dry, toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optionally cayenne, then let them sit for a few minutes
Make the sauce: I whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. I reserve half for serving and set the rest aside
Cook the salmon: Over medium-high heat, I sear salmon cubes in olive oil, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy inside. I may work in batches to avoid crowding
Toss in sauce: I transfer the salmon to a bowl and gently toss with the reserved sauce, ensuring even coverage .
Garnish and serve: I garnish with cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds. Then I serve immediately to maintain crispiness.

Servings and timing

Yield: about 4 servings (roughly 1½ lb salmon)
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: about 20 minutes

Variations

Air-fryer method: Preheat to 375–400 °F and air-fry 8–10 min, shaking once
Oven-baked: Roast at 400 °F for 10–12 min, then broil 2–3 min for extra crispiness
Greek yogurt swap: Use yogurt instead of mayo in the sauce for a tangier, lighter twist
Spice level: Adjust heat by varying sriracha or cayenne amounts.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. When reheating, I recommend warming in the air fryer or a skillet (350 °F, 3–5 min) to preserve crispiness. Microwaving tends to make them soggy

FAQs

Can I prepare the sauce ahead?

Yes—I often make the Bang Bang sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge in a sealed container

Is this recipe naturally gluten- and dairy-free?

Yes—the prep methods and ingredients are gluten-free and dairy-free, so it’s friendly for both diets.

What’s the best way to tell when salmon is done?

The bites should be golden-crisp outside and just flaky inside; ideally, they reach 145 °F internally

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes—thaw completely, pat dry, and proceed as usual. Cutting evenly sized cubes helps ensure even cooking.

How do I use these in other dishes?

They’re great in bowls (served over rice or greens), added to tacos or lettuce wraps, or set out as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra sauce.

Conclusion

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites have become one of my favourite fast, flavour-packed dishes. They’re crunchy, saucy, and bursting with sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors—all ready in just 20 minutes. I love serving them as a snack, part of a hearty bowl, or a fun dinner. They always impress.