How to Make High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Ever hit that wall—craving something super tasty, but you want it to be healthy and still full of protein so you don’t feel guilty after? High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are legit my weeknight lifesaver. Nothing fancy, just bite-sized pieces of salmon, tossed up, baked crispy, then dunked in a creamy, spicy sauce. Way easier than whipping up full-on dinners like these cheesy buffalo chicken burritos (which—let’s be real—are also clutch). Trust me, once you’re addicted, you might even hunt for more ways to use salmon like in my crispy honey garlic salmon bites.

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High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

What is High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

So, in plain English, these are salmon chunks coated and blasted in the oven until crispy. Then you slather ’em (generously, if you’re like me) with bang bang sauce. It’s creamy, spicy, and has a little tang, which makes salmon way more exciting than just lemon and herbs. They’re packed with lean protein and go easy on the calories. Think of them as the seafood cousin of crispy bang bang chicken or tossed in a bang bang chicken bowl. The end result’s got crunch, spice, and sweet all in one bite—not even kidding, I could eat a whole tray solo.

High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites served with sauce

High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are oven-baked or air-fried to perfection, coated in panko for a satisfying crunch, and topped with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce—perfect for healthy, flavor-packed meals in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American, asian inspired
Servings 4 serves
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb skinless salmon fillets cut into cubes
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Nonstick spray or light oil optional

Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or light mayo
  • 1 tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease your air fryer basket. This helps keep things from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Prep the salmon: Cut skinless salmon fillets into bite-sized cubes—about 1 to 1½ inches each. Make sure to pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is key to getting that crispy coating to stick properly.
  • Set up your coating station: In one bowl, whisk two eggs. In another, mix together 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. These give your bites that crunchy texture and flavor punch.
  • Coat the salmon: Dip each salmon cube in the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then roll it in the panko mixture, gently pressing to make sure the crumbs stick. You want full coverage but not clumps.
  • Arrange for baking or air frying: Place the coated salmon cubes in a single layer on your parchment-lined tray or air fryer basket. Leave space between pieces so they crisp up evenly. A quick spritz of cooking spray on top can help with browning.
  • Bake or air fry:
  • In the oven: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • In the air fryer: Cook for about 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispness. The outside should be crunchy and the inside flaky and tender.
  • Make the bang bang sauce: While the salmon is cooking, stir together ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or light mayo), 1 tablespoon sriracha, and 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup. Want more tang? Add a splash of rice vinegar. Want more heat? Add extra sriracha.
  • Sauce and serve: Once the salmon bites are crispy and ready, let them cool for a couple of minutes. Then drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top or serve it as a dip on the side—your call.
  • Optional add-ons: Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and flair. Serve over rice, in lettuce wraps, or with roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Notes

Pros

  • High in protein and low in calories
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • No frying needed—oven or air fryer friendly
  • Crunchy outside, tender inside
  • Perfect for meal prep and healthy snacks
  • Customizable spice level
  • Family and kid-friendly

Cons

  • Not ideal for freezing
  • Needs fresh salmon for best results
  • May get soggy if sauce is added too early
  • Not suitable for microwave reheating if you want crispness
Keyword air fryer, Bang Bang Sauce, crispy salmon, healthy seafood, high-protein, low calorie, meal prep, Oven-Baked, party snacks, quick meals, Salmon Bites, spicy salmon, summer recipes, weeknight dinner
High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Honestly, this is one of those recipes that actually makes healthy eating taste fun. First off, these salmon bites are ridiculously easy to make. No deep frying, so you don’t stink up your whole house. Plus, cleaning up is almost zero effort. The coating turns out super crispy without boatloads of oil (high-five for the air fryer or oven). They’re also perfect for meal prep or quick low-cal dinners. So if you love salmon but hate boring food, you’ll probably make these on repeat. I can’t be trusted around them—true story.

How to Make High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites – Quick Overview

Alright, here’s the deal: cut up some fresh salmon into bite-sized cubes. Toss them in a light egg wash and coat with panko crumbs. Bake or air fry until they’re golden and crisp. Then, smother them in bang bang sauce. That’s honestly it. You’ll go from “starving” to “snacking” in under 25 minutes—barely enough time to scroll Instagram.

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High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Key Ingredients for High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

You don’t need a wild shopping list. First, grab some fresh skinless salmon fillets. Next, you’ll want panko bread crumbs (not regular ones, trust me), a couple eggs, and a handful of pantry basics like garlic powder and salt. For the bang bang sauce—it’s just a mix of Greek yogurt or light mayo, a kick of sriracha, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Sounds simple, right? Secret tip: swap regular mayo with Greek yogurt for extra protein and none of the guilt. You can always add more spice if you want your tastebuds to dance.

High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step-by-Step Instructions for High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Start by heating your oven to 425°F or fired up the air fryer, if that’s your thing. Cube the salmon. Easy. Toss those cubes in egg, then roll them around in your panko mixture. They should be covered but not completely caked. Spread them out on a lined baking sheet or in your air fryer basket. Cook for about 12–15 minutes (or until crispy-crunchy, you know what I mean). While those are baking, whip up your bang bang sauce in a bowl. When the salmon’s done, drizzle or dunk—dealer’s choice. Serve hot. Honestly, I usually sneak a few before they hit the table.

What to Serve High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites With

Sometimes you want these all by themselves, but here’s a quick hit list:

  • Over jasmine rice for a fakeout takeout bowl (I swear it’s better than delivery).
  • On top of a fresh salad with loads of crunchy veggies.
  • Piled in lettuce wraps with extra drizzle of bang bang sauce.
  • Or next to roasted veggies, just for good measure.

Makes a killer easy dinner or party snack platter, too. Game nights = sorted.

Top Tips for Perfecting High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Okay, listen up for tried-and-true tricks: First, dry your salmon well before tossing in egg so the coating sticks, not slides off. Press those panko crumbs in a bit with your fingers—it’s not a spa day for the salmon, but do it anyway. Use parchment paper on your tray to avoid sticking (trust me, cleanup is a breeze). Want more of that spicy-sweet sauce flavor? Double the sauce batch. Worst case, you have extra for dipping—win-win. Oh, and don’t overbake the salmon; dry salmon is nobody’s friend. If you like salmon recipes, check out these smoked salmon recipes, or swap in chicken for a twist.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you actually have leftovers (rare occasion in my house), pop those salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last 2–3 days before tasting meh. To revive the crunch, skip the microwave—use the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. The crisp comes back, and the salmon stays tender. If you store the sauce separately, it keeps everything from getting soggy. These bites aren’t freezer stars, but they’ll survive a short stint if you must. Fresh is miles better, though, honestly.

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yep. Just thaw, pat dry, and you’re good. Extra water ruins the crunch.

Is there a good low-calorie substitute for mayo in the sauce?
Absolutely—Greek yogurt is my go-to. Creamy and adds more protein.

Does this work with other fish?
Totally. Try cod or tilapia, but, heads up, cooking time might change.

Is this spicy?
You can dial it up or down. Add extra sriracha if you love the heat or skip half if spice isn’t your thing.

Can I make this gluten free?
Just swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Everything else is already good to go.

High Protein Low Calorie Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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