Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Sauce

Introduction

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, flavorful cubes of salmon coated in panko and baked or air-fried to perfection. Paired with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce and fresh veggies, they make a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to put together any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil or spray for crisping
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• Juice of ½ lime
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions (sliced)
• Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Press each salmon piece gently into the panko breadcrumbs until well coated. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil.
4. Step 4: For oven baking, place the salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 12–14 minutes until golden and crispy. For air frying, cook in batches at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Step 5: While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until smooth to make the Bang Bang sauce.
6. Step 6: Assemble your bowls starting with a base of cooked jasmine rice. Top with shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and the crispy salmon bites.
7. Step 7: Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• Adjust the sriracha amount to control the spice level in the Bang Bang sauce.
• Swap out jasmine rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime over the finished dish for extra brightness.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness. Keep the Bang Bang sauce separate and stir well before using after refrigeration.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before seasoning and coating to ensure it crisps up well during cooking.

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Sauce

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 83 reviews

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, flavorful salmon cubes coated in panko breadcrumbs and baked or air-fried to perfection. Served over jasmine rice with fresh vegetables and drizzled with a spicy, tangy bang bang sauce, this dish offers a delightful combination of textures and bold flavors, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes (oven) or 8-10 minutes (air fryer)
• Total Time: 27-29 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon Bites

• 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil or spray for crisping

Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• Juice of ½ lime

Bowl Assembly

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions (sliced)
• Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) to prepare for cooking the salmon bites.
2. Season the Salmon: In a mixing bowl, toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. Coat in Breadcrumbs: Press each seasoned salmon piece gently into the panko breadcrumbs to ensure a good coating. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil to help achieve a crispy texture during cooking.
4. Bake or Air-Fry the Salmon: For baking, place the coated salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until golden and crispy. For air frying, place the salmon bites in batches into the air fryer basket and cook at 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crisping.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey (if using) until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
6. Assemble the Bowls: Begin with a base layer of cooked jasmine rice. Top with shredded purple cabbage, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and the crispy salmon bites. Drizzle generously with the prepared bang bang sauce and garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level of the bang bang sauce.
• Using fresh salmon is recommended for best flavor and texture.
• Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crispiness; regular breadcrumbs can be used but may yield a different texture.
• If you prefer a low-carb option, substitute jasmine rice with cauliflower rice.
• For easier cleanup, line your baking tray with parchment paper.
• Cook salmon bites in batches if using an air fryer to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
• Honey in the sauce is optional and can be omitted for a less sweet but tangy flavor.

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, Crispy Salmon Bites, Air Fryer Salmon, Baked Salmon, Spicy Salmon Recipe, Salmon Bowl, Panko Coated Salmon, Quick Dinner