This recipe is a super EASY and delicious way to eat salmon and reap all the benefits! In just 15 minutes, you can have these crispy salmon bites with a creamy bang bang sauce on the table. Even those who aren’t a huge fan of salmon will love the crunchy texture combine with the spicy, sweet sauce – and there is no frying involved.
I believe salmon to be one of the best foods you could possibly eat! As one of the best (and only) food sources of the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, research has shown it can help to lower risk of chronic diseases, reduce inflammation, slow cognitive decline, and even help with depression and anxiety.
If you’re looking for new ways to eat salmon, or even if you aren’t sure if you love it, give this recipe a try!
Why You’ll Want to Make These Crispy Salmon Bites
- They’re so simple and delicious: Only a few simple ingredients, and 7 minutes in the air fryer!
- Healthy and nutritious: This recipe is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids- using just a little cornstarch to make them crispy. 276 calories, 26 grams of protein per serving.
- Creamy, rich and delicious: The crispy texture combined with the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce makes for the perfect bite.
INGREDIENTS
- Salmon (12 ounces, fresh or thawed from frozen): Any salmon will work for this recipe. I recommend 3-4 ounces of salmon per serving (which provides 23-25 grams of protein).
- Cornstarch (1/3 cup): The salmon cubes are coated in cornstarch to get that crispy texture without any frying (although you totally could do that).
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): I used a lower-fat olive oil mayonnaise. You could also use Greek yogurt for a healthy, high protein substitute.
- Sweet Thai Chili Sauce (1/4 cup): This sauce gives the bang bang sauce some sweetness.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Use only a tablespoon if you prefer a more mild spice, but feel free to add more if you like spicy!
- Onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.
How to Make Crispy Salmon Bites (With Bang Bang Sauce)
Prep the Salmon
Preheat the air fryer or oven to 400 degrees F.
Pat the salmon dry. Using a sharp knife, cut into bite-sized pieces or cubes. Spray with avocado or olive oil.
Coat the Salmon Bites with Cornstarch
Add cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to a bowl and mix together. Place the salmon bites in the bowl, and gently coat with the cornstarch mixture with a spoon (or your hands).
You could also put the salmon cubes into a bowl, then pour the cornstarch and seasonings on after.
Place the Salmon Bites in Air Fryer (or Oven)
Place the cornstarch-coated salmon cubes into the air fryer (ensure they are not too close together). Air fry at 400 degrees F for 7-10 minutes (depending on your air fryer) – shaking the basked halfway.
If cooking in the oven, place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes (check halfway through) until crispy. You could also pan fry these!
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is cooking, add the sriracha, chili sauce and mayonnaise to a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add onion powder and garlic powder, to taste (optional).
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the salmon bites have cooked, dip into the sauce to maintain that crispy texture. You could also make a rice bowl, and drizzle the bang bang sauce over it!
Related Posts:
— Mediterranean Diet Salmon Recipes
— Tofu Rice Bowl with Greek Yogurt Bang Bang Sauce
— 30+ Delicious Recipes High in Protein and Low in Calories
Recipe Tips:
- Make sure the salmon is pat dry and free of excess water for a more crispy texture.
- Use a very sharp knife when cutting the salmon into cubes – it can be hard to cut through the skin.
What to Serve with Crispy Salmon Bites
I love making a rice bowl with these salmon bites with a side of veggies and drizzling the bowl with the bang bang sauce. Quinoa would be a healthy option to serve with these salmon bites – but really the sky is the limit here!
Serve with a side of broccoli or asparagus for a healthy, low carb meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does This Recipe Make Good Leftovers?
If you’re going to eat these for leftovers – I recommend reserving some of the salmon bites to the side, without the sauce, so they don’t get soggy. Store in fridge for up to 3 days. The best way to reheat them would be to air fry them again for 2-3 minutes!
Can I Use a Different Fish Besides Salmon?
This recipe would work for almost any type of fish. Feel free to try it with a milder whitefish – like cod.
How Do I Know the Salmon is Cooked Perfectly?
The best way would be to use a meat thermometer, and once it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees F – it’s cooked.
How Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Sriracha, cornstarch and mayo are usually naturally gluten-free. Read food labels, and try to find a sweet chili sauce that states it is gluten-free.
What Cooking Oil is Best to Pan Fry In?
Vegetable oil can withhold high temperatures, and is often the best oil to use for frying. However, olive oil is a healthier option that works for pan frying.
Crispy Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh salmon (or thawed from frozen)
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup non-fat, plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer or oven to 400 degrees F. Pat the salmon dry. Using a sharp knife, cut into bite-sized pieces or cubes. Spray with avocado or olive oil.
- Add cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to a bowl and mix together.Place the salmon bites in the bowl, and gently coat with the cornstarch mixture with a spoon (or your hands). You could also put the salmon cubes into a bowl, then pour the cornstarch and seasonings on after.
- Place the cornstarch-coated salmon cubes into the air fryer (ensure they are not too close together). Air fry at 400 degrees F for 7-10 minutes (depending on your air fryer) – shaking the basked halfway.If cooking in the oven, place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes (check halfway through). You could also pan fry these!
- While the salmon is cooking, add the sriracha, chili sauce and mayonnaise to a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add onion powder and garlic powder, to taste (optional).
- Serve and enjoy! These salmon bites can be dipped into the sauce, or it can be drizzled over them (or made into a rice bowl).
Notes
- Make sure the salmon is pat dry and free of excess water for a more crispy texture.
- Use a very sharp knife when cutting the salmon into cubes – it can be hard to cut through the skin.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 4 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 276 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 9.1g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat 1.3g | 7% |
| Cholesterol 62mg | 21% |
| Sodium 416mg | 18% |
| Total Carbohydrate 21.6g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber 0.7g | 3% |
| Total Sugars 6.2g | |
| Protein 26g | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 55mg | 4% |
| Iron 1mg | 6% |
| Potassium 531mg | 11% |
I made these for lunch and it took me less than 10 minutes. That sauce is soo good.