Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh salmon fillets (wild-caught king or Atlantic salmon is best; avoid sockeye, it’s too lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil for a higher smoke point)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that smoky vibe)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie mayo is a game-changer if you can find it)
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice tolerance)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds (white, black, or furikake for flair)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
Instructions
You’ve got options when it comes to cooking these salmon bites, and each method delivers that crave-worthy crispiness. Here’s the lowdown, inspired by the best recipes out there:
Got an air fryer? You’re in luck—this is the fastest way to crispy perfection. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the seasoned salmon bites in the basket, making sure they don’t touch (crowding is the enemy of crispiness). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get golden, crunchy bites with minimal oil. (I Heart Umami swears by this method.)
No air fryer? No problem. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes. For extra crispiness, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just keep an eye on them to avoid burning. (Grammy Recipes nails this technique.)
If you love a good sear, grab a skillet. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon bites and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. This method gives you a restaurant-quality crust and is great for smaller batches. (The Roasted Root has a killer skillet recipe.)
While your salmon is cooking, whip up the sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust—more sriracha for heat, more honey for sweetness. Want a lighter version? Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt, as suggested by I Am Homesteader. Pro tip: Make this ahead and chill it for a few hours to let the flavors meld together. This will enhance the taste of the Bang Bang Sauce, making it even more irresistible.
These salmon bites shine as a standalone appetizer, skewered with toothpicks for easy party snacking. For a heartier meal, pair them with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, or toss them into a fresh salad with greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and radish. For a trendy twist, create a bang-bang salmon bowl with roasted broccoli, avocado, pickled cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra sauce or even coconut aminos for added depth. You can also use them in tacos with crunchy slaw, soft tortillas, and a squeeze of lime for a fun twist.