Looking for an easy dinner salmon dish that’s bold, flavorful, and ideal for one or two? These Bang Bang Salmon Bites check all the boxes, crispy on the outside, tender inside, with a sweet-spicy glaze that turns regular salmon into something special.
Why You’ll Love It
- Big flavor without fuss: the sauce (sweet chili, sriracha, lime) makes this sauce for salmon bites something special.
- Works great for salmon recipes for one — you can scale down easily.
- Excellent texture contrast: bite-sized pieces give you crisp edges + juicy centers.
- A smart way to explore best ways to cook salmon, especially in an air fryer or oven.
- Super flexible: swap out sides, adjust heat, or swap sauce ingredients if needed.
Ingredients & “Why They Matter”
| Component | Key Ingredients | Role & Tweaks |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon Bites | Salmon fillets (skinless, diced), olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, optional cayenne | Dicing ensures quick, even cooking; smoky paprika + garlic attract flavor without overpowering salmon’s richness. |
| Bang Bang Sauce | Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice | Balances creaminess, sweet, spicy, and tang — that combo is what makes it “Bang Bang.” Adjust sriracha/honey for milder or hotter version. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep & Dice the salmon: remove skin, cut into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry.
- Season: In a bowl, toss salmon bites with olive oil + garlic & onion powders + smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a little cayenne if you like heat.
- Sauce Mix: Whisk together mayo (or yogurt), Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Set aside.
- Cook: Air fry salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through to crisp all sides. (If using oven: bake on a lined sheet at same temp for ~12-15 mins until edges are crisp.)
- Serve: Transfer salmon bites to a platter, drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce, serve remaining on side for dipping.
Pro Tips
- If using frozen salmon, thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning to avoid sogginess.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or baking tray — space ensures crisp edges.
- Sauce should be added just before serving (or served on the side) to preserve crispness.
- To cut calories, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Serving Ideas & Side Dishes
- Serve over jasmine rice or steamed white/brown rice.
- Pair with an avocado salad or crisp Thai cucumber salad for freshness.
- Toss a quick easy tossed salad with a light vinaigrette to balance richness.
FAQs
Can I make this for one?
Yes — scale down the salmon to ~½ lb (about 225g), adjust seasonings & sauce proportionally. Cooking time stays similar.
How spicy does this get?
It has a gentle kick from sriracha & optional cayenne. To make it mild, reduce or omit them; for more heat, increase sriracha or add a dash of chili flakes.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Use your oven instead: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes or until salmon bites are crispy on the edges.
Can sauce alternatives work?
Totally. Swap Thai sweet chili sauce for a homemade mixture of honey + garlic + your favorite hot sauce, or reduce sugar for a lighter glaze.
Nutrition Estimate (per serving, approx.)
| Element | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | ~34 g |
| Fat | ~35 g |
| Carbs | ~14 g |
| Sugar | ~12 g |
Bottom Line
If you want a fast, flavorful fish dinner, this Bang Bang Salmon recipe delivers — crispy bites, bold sauce, and minimal cleanup. Whether you cook for yourself or company, the sweet-sweet & spicy sauce will steal the show. Try it for dinner tonight.
Bang Bang Salmon
Ingredients
- 1½ lb salmon fillets, skin removed, diced ¾–1 inch
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) — bang bang sauce
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce — bang bang sauce
- 1–2 tsp sriracha, to taste — bang bang sauce
- 1 tsp honey — bang bang sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice — bang bang sauce
Equipment
- Air fryer or rimmed sheet pan
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- Instant-read thermometer
Method
- Pat salmon dry; dice; toss with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk bang bang sauce ingredients (mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime) until smooth; reserve half for serving.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking once. Oven: Roast at 400°F for 12–15 minutes on a rimmed sheet pan.
- Check the thickest piece: 125–130°F for medium or 145°F for USDA doneness; rest 2 minutes.
- Toss hot salmon with the remaining sauce; garnish as desired and serve.