Easy 20-minute bang bang salmon bites recipe with flavourful bite-sized salmon pieces with spicy, sweet, tangy bang bang sauce. Bursting with flavour! You can bake, air-fry, or pan-fry them. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete satisfying meal.
They’re quick, simple to make, and ideal finger food for parties or weeknight meals! This recipe is totally fuss-free, salmon cooks up in minutes in the air fryer, while the quick bang bang sauce brings the perfect combo of creamy, spicy, and tangy touch!
It's fun to cook and easy to customise, and it works great as a snack, main, or even tasty in wraps and tacos! Once you try it, you'll see why it's on repeat in our family meal. Even the picky eaters love it!
For easier salmon dishes, don't miss out my Teriyaki Salmon Noodles, Honey Garlic Salmon, and Sweet Chilli Salmon recipes. They are equally delicious and simple to make!
If you're a fan of Bang Bang sauce but want to switch things up, Bang Bang Chicken and Bang Bang Shrimp are great alternatives.
Secret to Perfect Salmon Bites
Pat dry them: Start patting the salmon fillets dry and cut them into evenly sized chunks. This helps them absorb the spices, crisp up beautifully, and cook evenly when fried.
Make some space: Air frying works best when the basket isn’t overcrowded, so cook in batches if needed. Let the cooked bites rest briefly before tossing in the sauce. Toss with the bang bang sauce just before serving to keep everything fresh and creamy.
Watch the time! Don’t overcook the salmon, just a few extra minutes can dry it out and reduce the natural nutrients and tenderness.
Tweak it to taste! If you prefer it mild, swap the sriracha for your favourite mild chilli sauce or leave it out entirely, it’s super customisable!
Ingredients we need
- Salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Olive Oil
- Spring onion ( for garnish )
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chilli sauce - store-bought or homemade sweet chilli sauce
- Sriracha or a choice of hot chilli sauce
- Lime juice (for a bit of tanginess)
- Lime zest
How to make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Season the salmon: Dice salmon fillets into medium bite-sized pieces. Toss the salmon pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil in a large bowl. Make sure each piece is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Air fry the salmon: Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F. Place the coated salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make the bang bang sauce: Mix mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, hot chilli sauce, lime juice, and sriracha in a small bowl.
- Serve: Place the fried salmon pieces in a serving bowl and drizzle bang bang sauce. Garnish with spring onions.
Easy Variations to Try
- Try with other fish fillets or protein: This recipe is super flexible. You can swap salmon for other protein, like cod, haddock, chicken, or shrimp.
- Breadcrumb coating: For an extra crispy coating texture, dip the seasoned salmon pieces in egg wash, then dredge in breadcrumbs or cornstarch.
- Top it with toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts on top for a bit of crunch.
- Healthier twist: Use Greek yoghurt instead of mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce for a lighter version.
What to bake or pan-fry?
Pan Frying Option:
Heat the non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle cooking oil and cook the salmon pieces for 2-3 minutes on both sides or until fully cooked.
Oven Bake:
The baking option is ideal for cooking larger batches. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the salmon pieces on it. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Flip halfway through.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Once the salmon bites are completely cooled, pop them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag, they'll keep well for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: When you are ready to serve them again, reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F/180°C for a few minutes or until they are hot and crisp.
FAQ
It’s best to use skin-off salmon fillets as this allows the seasoning to be absorbed but feel free to use skin-on fillets as well.
Yes, but make sure to defrost the salmon completely and pat it dry with a paper towel before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture.
They pair well with a simple salad, rice, noodles, fries, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Yes, absolutely! Just cut it into chunks with the skin on, and place skin side down in the air fryer first, then flip upside down halfway through cooking. This helps skin crisp up nicely.
Look for the one with vibrant colour, deep orange or pink, with a moist surface and a clean, ocean-fresh smell. The flesh should be firm and bounce back when you press gently.
Our Favourite Serving Ideas
I love serving them over steamed rice, jasmine, coconut, or brown rice with freshly chopped coriander or green onions. It's simple yet so satisfying.
We love it in wraps, tacos, or lettuce cups, too. Perfect with avocado and coleslaw.
To make a complete meal, pair bang bang salmon bites with Quick Chilli Garlic Noodles, Spicy Peanut Noodles, or Smashed Cucumber Salad. Add some side dishes and soups like Air Fryer Prawn Toast or Egg Drop Soup. You can just add cucumber, avocado, or tomato slices on the side.
Similar Bite-sized Dishes
From Easy Chicken Tempura to Broccoli Tempura bites and Fish Tempura here are more crispy bites for you to try:
If you've enjoyed this Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe, please share your feedback in the comments and give me star 🌟 ratings!
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📖 Recipe
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Equipment
- air fyer or oven or skillet
Ingredients
- 500 grams Salmon fillets Skin off, dice bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Paprika powder Or chilli powder
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
- 6 tbsp Mayonnaise or greek yoghurt
- 1 tbsp Sweet chilli sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce or a choice of hot chilli sauce
- 2 tsp Lime juice
- 1 tsp Lime zest
Instructions
Season the salmon
- Dice salmon fillets into medium bite-sized pieces. Toss the salmon pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil in a large bowl. Make sure each piece is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Air fry them
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F. Place the coated salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make the bang bang sauce
- Mix mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, hot chilli sauce, lime juice, and sriracha in a small bowl.
Serve:
- Place the fried salmon pieces in a serving bowl and drizzle bang bang sauce. Garnish with spring onions.
Notes
- Pan Frying Option: Heat the non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle cooking oil and cook the salmon pieces for 2-3 minutes on both sides or until fully cooked.
- Oven Option: Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the salmon pieces on it. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Flip halfway through.
- Pat dry the salmon before seasoning to remove excess moisture and absorb the flavour of the spices.
- Customise the Bang Bang sauce: If you don’t have sriracha, substitute it with any hot sauce you prefer or omit chilli sauce for a milder version.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer: Place the salmon pieces in a single layer for even cooking and fry with batches if needed.
- What to serve together: These salmon bites go well with a simple salad, rice, noodles, fries, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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