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.
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