If you love bold flavors and crave restaurant-style bites at home, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites will steal your heart.
They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated with an irresistible creamy-spicy sauce that will make your taste buds sing.
I’ve served them at gatherings, weeknight dinners, and even game day parties—and they disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crunchy, juicy salmon bites made from scratch
Coated in flavorful breadcrumbs and pan-fried to perfection
Served with creamy Bang Bang sauce—sweet, spicy, and tangy
Ready in under 30 minutes
Crowd-pleasing appetizer or fun dinner idea
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Salmon: Skinless fillets, cut into chunks, are ideal for even cooking
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to the ultra-crispy texture
Eggs & flour: Help the coating stick
Spices: Garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder give the crust extra flavor
Bang Bang Sauce: A blend of mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice
Pro Tips Before You Start
Dry the salmon well: This helps the coating stick and ensures crispiness
Use panko, not regular breadcrumbs: Panko gives the best crunch
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to avoid soggy bites
Adjust spice level: Add more or less sriracha to suit your heat preference
Serve immediately: These are best hot and crispy, fresh out of the pan
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Step 2: In three shallow bowls, prep your breading station:
Bowl 1: all-purpose flour
Bowl 2: beaten eggs
Bowl 3: panko mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper
Step 3: Dredge each salmon cube in the flour, then dip into the egg, and coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko. Set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Heat a skillet with about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Once hot, carefully add the salmon bites in batches and fry for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the Bang Bang Sauce: mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Drizzle the sauce generously over the salmon bites or serve on the side for dipping.
Enjoy immediately!
What to Serve It With
Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
A fresh slaw with cabbage, carrots, and lime
Cucumber salad or avocado slices
Lettuce cups for a low-carb option
As a taco filling with soft tortillas
Variations / Substitutions
Air Fryer Option: Spray coated bites with oil and air fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway
No mayo? Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier sauce
Make it gluten-free: Swap flour and panko for gluten-free versions
Spicy lovers: Add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the coating
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat: Use the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp—avoid the microwave
Sauce: Keep extra Bang Bang sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days
FAQs
Can I bake the salmon bites instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F on a greased baking sheet for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Is the Bang Bang sauce very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. You can control the heat by adjusting the sriracha.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely—just thaw it completely and pat it very dry before breading.
What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the salmon in advance and refrigerate until ready to fry.
Do I have to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko gives the crispiest texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are dangerously good.
Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just craving something crispy and bold, this recipe delivers.
That sweet-spicy sauce? You’ll want to put it on everything.
I hope you love every bite as much as I do!
