I’ll never forget the first time I tried bang bang shrimp at a local restaurant. I was hooked! The creamy, spicy sauce combined with perfectly cooked seafood? Amazing. So, I decided to recreate that magic at home, but with salmon. And let me tell you, these Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a game-changer.
They’re quick, easy, and seriously addictive. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. Keep reading, because you’re about to discover your new favorite way to eat salmon!
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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with these salmon bites. They are ready in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal. The bang bang sauce is an amazing balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will leave you craving more. They are always a hit at parties and gatherings, making you the star of any event.
What is Bang Bang Salmon?
Bang Bang Salmon is essentially bite-sized pieces of salmon coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. While the exact origin is debated, the “bang bang” name is often associated with a popular shrimp dish, known for its flavorful punch.
This version simply swaps shrimp for salmon, creating a healthier and equally delicious appetizer or main course. What makes it so popular? It’s the irresistible combination of textures and flavors, plus the fact that it’s incredibly easy to make.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Let’s break down the key ingredients that make these salmon bites so amazing.
- Salmon: I like using salmon filets for this recipe, and I usually go for skinless because it makes prep easier. You can use fresh or frozen salmon, just make sure to thaw it completely before you start cooking.
- Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy sauce! While some people swear by Kewpie mayonnaise for its richer flavor, regular mayo works just fine.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds the perfect amount of sweetness and a touch of chili flavor. There are tons of brands out there, so pick your favorite.
- Sriracha: For that signature kick! Adjust the amount to your spice preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a little and add more to taste.
- Honey: A touch of honey balances the spice and adds a lovely sweetness.
- Spices: A simple blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the natural flavor of the salmon.
Ingredients for Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make these delicious bites:
- 1 ½ pounds salmon, (about 4 filets, skins removed, cut into 1-inch bites)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- chives, (for garnish)
How To Make Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Step-by-Step
Okay, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for perfect bang bang salmon bites every time.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add salmon bites and gently toss to coat.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well.
- Pour half of the Bang Bang sauce into a separate bowl, reserving it for after the salmon has been cooked. Toss the seasoned salmon bites in the remaining sauce.
- Working in batches, place the salmon bites in an even layer in the basket of your air fryer. (Do not overcrowd.) Air fry for 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook 4-5 minutes more on the opposite side, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
- Transfer the salmon to a plate and drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce.
- Garnish with chives.
Cooking Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Multiple Methods
Don’t have an air fryer? No problem! Here’s how to cook these salmon bites using different methods:
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the sauced salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Pan-Frying: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sauced salmon bites and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the sauced salmon bites on skewers or in a grill basket. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Bang Bang Sauce Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations for the bang bang sauce:
| Substitution | Reason |
|---|---|
| Greek Yogurt | Lower calorie alternative to Mayo |
| Coconut Aminos | Soy-free alternative to Soy Sauce |
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Want to take your salmon bites to the next level? Here are a few tips:
- For Maximum Crispiness: Pat the salmon bites dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps them get nice and crispy in the air fryer.
- Preventing Sticking: Lightly grease the air fryer basket or baking sheet to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Adjusting Sweetness and Spice: Taste the sauce and adjust the honey and Sriracha to your liking.
Looking for another easy recipe for a sweet treat? Why not try this Easy Apple Brownies: The Ultimate Delicious Dessert
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These salmon bites are so versatile! Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, as a main course with a side of rice and steamed vegetables, or on top of a salad.
For a fun twist, try serving them in lettuce wraps with some fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime. Garnish with extra chives or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a pop of color. This recipe would make a great addition to other exciting main dishes available.
Storing and Reheating Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
To store leftovers, let the salmon bites cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the air fryer for a few minutes, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will dry out.
Dietary Adaptations for Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Want to make this recipe fit your dietary needs? Here’s how:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free Thai sweet chili sauce and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Keto: Use a keto-friendly mayonnaise and replace the honey with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
- Whole30: Use a Whole30-compliant mayonnaise (made with avocado oil) and omit the honey.
Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Scaling Up or Down
Need to make more or less? No problem! Here’s a simple ratio for scaling the recipe:
For every 1/2 pound of salmon, use 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/3 teaspoon of paprika, 1/3 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/3 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/3 cup of mayonnaise, 1/6 cup of Thai sweet chili sauce, 2/3 teaspoon of Sriracha, and 1 1/3 tablespoons of honey.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Overcrowding the Air Fryer: This will result in unevenly cooked salmon. Work in batches to ensure the salmon is in a single layer.
- Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon is best when it’s slightly pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
Nutritional Information
Salmon is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. While the nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, a typical serving of these bang bang salmon bites is a good source of protein and healthy fats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best types of salmon to use for bang bang salmon bites?
I recommend using salmon filets, either fresh or frozen. Sockeye, Coho, or Atlantic salmon all work well.
Can I make salmon bites in the air fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is my favorite method for making these salmon bites because it gets them nice and crispy.
How do you cut salmon into cubes?
First, remove the skin from the salmon filet. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes.
What do you season salmon with?
In this recipe, I use a simple blend of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season the salmon.
Can I make Bang Bang Salmon Bites Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cut the salmon into bites ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
How To Store Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, these little bites are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Now, I want to hear from you! What are you waiting for? Go give this recipe a try and let me know how they turned out! Leave a comment below with your questions, suggestions, or photos of your culinary creations. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
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Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add salmon bites and gently toss to coat.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well.
- Pour half of the Bang Bang sauce into a separate bowl, reserving it for after the salmon has been cooked. Toss the seasoned salmon bites in the remaining sauce.
- Working in batches, place the salmon bites in an even layer in the basket of your air fryer. (Do not overcrowd.) Air fry for 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook 4-5 minutes more on the opposite side, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
- Transfer the salmon to a plate and drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce.
- Garnish with chives.
