This recipe for Cajun Bang Bang Salmon Bites came about because I’m always looking for easy, flavorful appetizers. Something a little different, you know?

And these little bites definitely fit the bill! They’re perfect for game day, a party, or even just a fun weeknight dinner.

What makes them special? It’s that combination of spicy, creamy, and crispy – all in one bite-sized package. Plus, they’re surprisingly quick to make.

Recipe Overview: Cajun Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These are basically small pieces of salmon, coated in a flavorful Cajun spice blend, and then pan-fried or air-fried until they’re crispy.

The real magic happens with the Bang Bang sauce – a creamy, sweet, and spicy concoction that perfectly complements the salmon.

It is a delightful appetizer or main course, characterized by its bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Think of them as a fun alternative to fish sticks, but with way more flavor! They’re great served with extra sauce for dipping, alongside a fresh salad, or even tucked into small slider buns.

They are perfect for any occasion.

Detailed Ingredients for Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Salmon: 1 pound, skinless and boneless. I like to use a thicker cut, like center-cut, so it’s easier to cut into cubes.
Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons. You can use your favorite store-bought blend, or make your own! Just make sure it has a good balance of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and oregano.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. For pan-frying or air-frying.
Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup. This is the base of our Bang Bang sauce. I prefer full-fat mayo for the best flavor and texture.
Sweet Chili Sauce: 1/4 cup. This adds sweetness and a little bit of heat to the sauce.
Sriracha: 1-2 teaspoons. Adjust this to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the sauce.
Rice Vinegar: 1 teaspoon. This adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness. You could also use lime juice.
Optional Garnishes: Chopped green onions, sesame seeds.

If you don’t have rice vinegar, a little bit of lemon or lime juice will work in a pinch. It is used for the tangy flavor. And if you’re out of sweet chili sauce, you can use a mix of honey and a dash of red pepper flakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Bites

Prepare the Salmon: First, make sure your salmon is completely dry. Pat it down with paper towels. Then, carefully cut it into 1-inch cubes. Try to make them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Season the Salmon: Put the salmon cubes in a bowl and sprinkle them with the Cajun seasoning. Toss gently to make sure every piece is coated. You want that flavor in every bite!
Cook the Salmon (Pan-Frying): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the salmon cubes in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan – you might need to do this in batches. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. They should flake easily with a fork.
Cook the Salmon (Air-Frying): Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and cooked through.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Taste it and add more Sriracha if you want it spicier!
Combine and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a plate. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon, or serve it on the side for dipping. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if you’re using them.

Variations & Tips for Cajun Bang Bang Salmon

Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to control the heat.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the salmon and the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the salmon just before serving.
Storage: Leftover cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat leftover salmon in a skillet or air fryer until warmed through. The microwave can make it a bit soggy.
Serving Suggestion: Add some rice or salad for more servings.

Key Details

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Equipment you’ll need: Large skillet or air fryer, small mixing bowl, cutting board, knife.

Cajun Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Crispy and flavorful Cajun Bang Bang Salmon Bites are easy to make and perfect as an appetizer or main course. Salmon cubes coated in Cajun spices, cooked until golden, and drizzled with a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound salmon skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1-2 teaspoons Sriracha
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Optional: Chopped green onions sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Pat the salmon cubes completely dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes.
In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
For pan-frying: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through.
For air-frying: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While salmon is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl to make the Bang Bang sauce.
Transfer cooked salmon to a plate and drizzle with Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.