Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are golden, crunchy salmon cubes served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables and drizzled with a creamy sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce. This easy 30-minute recipe creates a restaurant-style bowl that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or healthy comfort food.
Equipment
- air fryer or oven
- mixing bowls
- baking sheet if using oven method
- parchment paper
- whisk for sauce
- knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon, skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) to ensure the salmon cooks evenly and crisps nicely.
- Place the salmon cubes in a bowl and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Press each piece of salmon into the panko breadcrumbs until well coated. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil to help the coating crisp while cooking.
- Cook the salmon. Oven method: place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes until golden and crispy. Air fryer method: arrange salmon in a single layer and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust spice if needed.
- Assemble the bowls by adding warm jasmine rice to serving bowls. Top with shredded cabbage, carrots, avocado slices, and crispy salmon bites. Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Pat the salmon dry before seasoning so the coating sticks better. Cut evenly sized cubes for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer to keep the salmon crispy. The bang bang sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours to deepen the flavor. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.