Description

These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring crispy baked or air-fried salmon cubes with a spicy-sweet creamy sauce. Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a fun snack, they deliver bold flavor and a satisfying crunch without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Cooking spray or neutral oil for misting
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1–2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste)
1 teaspoon lime juice
Thinly sliced green onions (optional garnish)
Toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Chopped cilantro (optional garnish)

Instructions

Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let rest for 5 minutes.
In one bowl, beat the egg until frothy. In a second bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch together.
Dip each salmon cube into the egg, letting excess drip off, then toss in the panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks. Set coated bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in your air fryer basket.
For oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray the bites lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
For air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bites in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and air-fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crisp and cooked through.
While the bites cook, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl. Adjust heat to taste.
Transfer salmon bites to a serving plate, drizzle with Bang Bang sauce, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers and arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch. Do not overcrowd the tray or basket for best crispiness. Sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days. Salmon bites can be breaded up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerated before cooking. Leftovers reheat best in the oven or air fryer.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 5-6 bites with sauce
Calories: 210
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 420
Fat: 11
Saturated Fat: 2
Carbohydrates: 10
Fiber: 1
Protein: 15

Keywords: bang bang salmon, salmon bites, party appetizer, crispy salmon, air fryer salmon, baked salmon bites, spicy salmon, easy appetizer, gluten-free option, seafood snack