Name: Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds salmon, about 4 filets, skins removed, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; ¼ cup (85 g) hot honey, homemade or store-bought; parsley, chopped for garnish

There’s something irresistibly addictive about the combo of sweet heat and tender fish, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe with you today. These little bites pack a punch, thanks to their crispy air-fried edges and that luscious hot honey butter glaze swirling in every morsel.

A white bowl filled with multiple small, golden-brown cubes of cooked chicken laying close together with a slightly crispy and textured outside surface. A wooden honey dipper held by a woman's hand is dripping thick, shiny honey over the cubes, coating the top layers with a glossy golden liquid. The white bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of how fast and flavorful these salmon bites come together. Whether you’re whipping them up for guests or a weeknight dinner, they feel just a bit fancy without the fuss.

Super quick to make: You’ll have these on the table in just about 20 minutes.
Perfect balance of flavors: Smoky paprika with garlicky warmth, all coated in hot honey’s sweet heat.
Air fryer magic: Crispy edges meet tender, juicy salmon every time.
Versatile serving options: Great as a shareable appetizer or a satisfying main with a light side.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before diving into the kitchen, let’s break down the key ingredients. Fresh, skinless salmon is your hero here—choose firm filets with a vibrant color to make sure your bites turn out beautifully. Hot honey is the star of the glaze; if you don’t have store-bought, it’s easy to make your own by mixing honey with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Flat lay of fresh pink salmon cubes neatly arranged, a small pile of golden unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl filled with bright amber hot honey, a small white bowl containing glossy extra virgin olive oil, scattered paprika powder in a small white ceramic bowl, garlic powder in a small white bowl, onion powder in a small white bowl, kosher salt crystals in a small white bowl, whole black peppercorns in a small white bowl, a few sprigs of vibrant green chopped parsley, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon: I use skinless filets to make cutting perfect bite-sized cubes so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the seasonings cling to the salmon and adds a touch of richness.
Paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet backdrop that deepens the flavor.
Garlic powder: Brings that warm, savory note without the bite of fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Adds subtle depth and complements the paprika and garlic perfectly.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Black pepper: A light kick that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Unsalted butter: Blends beautifully with hot honey to create a luscious coating.
Hot honey: The perfect marriage of sweet and spicy that elevates these salmon bites.
Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about the Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your mood or what you have on hand. Whether you want to dial up the spice, tweak the seasoning, or swap out ingredients for dietary needs, these bites are incredibly adaptable.

Variation: For a citrusy twist, I love adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right after tossing the salmon bites in the hot honey glaze. It brightens the flavor beautifully and balances the sweetness and heat perfectly.
Milder Version: If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the hot honey amount or swap it for regular honey to keep that lovely glaze without overwhelming spice.
Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free version, replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. The glaze still gets that luscious texture and richness, just with a subtle flavor change.
Seasonal Twist: In cooler months, adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder elevates the warmth and depth of the seasoning, making this appetizer feel cozy and comforting.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with about twenty small, browned, crispy cubes of seasoned fried chicken. Above the bowl, a metal container is tilted, pouring a thick, greenish sauce over the chicken. The glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface. The focus is close up, showing the texture of the crispy chicken and the smooth sauce being poured. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat for a Perfect Sear

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. This high temperature is crucial to getting that beautiful crisp exterior on your salmon bites while keeping the inside tender and flaky. I usually let the air fryer heat up for about 3–5 minutes before adding the salmon to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Season Every Bite

In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. When you add the salmon cubes, gently toss them with this seasoning mix, making sure every piece is evenly coated. This step is where the flavor magic happens, so take your time coating the bites well without breaking them apart.

Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Place the salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket—crowding them can prevent proper crisping, so cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking or gently tossing the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution. The key indicator here is the salmon’s internal temperature, which should be between 140°F and 145°F for ideal doneness. This guarantees juicy, tender bites every time.

Step 4: Whip Up the Hot Honey Glaze

While the salmon cooks, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter with ¼ cup of your favorite hot honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until fully combined and warm, then immediately remove from heat to avoid burning the butter. This glaze is that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery richness that makes these bites irresistible.

Step 5: Toss and Shine

Once the salmon is perfectly cooked, transfer the bites into the hot honey butter mixture. Gently toss to make sure each piece is coated in the glaze—this not only adds flavor but gives the bites that glossy, mouthwatering finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Move your glazed salmon bites to a serving dish and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a fresh, bright pop of color and flavor to cut through the richness. Serve these warm for the best taste—whether as a tasty appetizer or paired with a crisp salad or steamed veggies for a full meal.

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect balance of sweet heat and tender salmon every time you make this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe.

Even Cooking: Make sure to preheat your air fryer to 390°F before adding the salmon bites; this ensures they cook evenly and develop that perfect slightly crispy exterior.
Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer with some space between pieces for the best air circulation—this keeps each bite nicely crisp and juicy.
Glaze Timing: Toss the salmon in the hot honey butter glaze immediately after cooking while it’s still warm, so each bite gets coated perfectly without the glaze cooling and clumping.
Temperature Check: Use a thermometer to check that the salmon hits 140-145°F internally; going beyond this can dry out the bites, and you want them tender and flaky.

How to Serve Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

A bowl filled with two layers of golden brown fried chicken pieces coated evenly with a shiny, caramelized glaze. Each piece has a crispy texture with small charred spots and is sprinkled lightly with finely chopped green herbs. The bowl is white inside with a dark gray outer surface, sitting on a wooden surface next to a honey dipper with a honey coating. In the blurry background, there is a black bowl holding chopped green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a fresh, herby brightness and a lovely pop of color. You can also sprinkle a little toasted sesame seed or thinly sliced green onions for an extra flavor layer and some texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve these bites alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a light and balanced meal. A side of fluffy rice or quinoa is also great if you want to make it more filling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Hot Honey Salmon Bites in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the glaze on the salmon; it actually helps maintain flavor and moisture.

Freezing

For freezing, spread the salmon bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover salmon bites gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until warmed through to keep them crispy. Alternatively, warm them in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently to preserve the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, simply bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

What is hot honey, and can I make it myself?

Hot honey is honey infused with spicy heat, usually from chili flakes or hot sauce. You can easily make your own by gently warming honey with red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to taste.

How do I know when the salmon bites are done?

The salmon bites are perfectly cooked when their internal temperature reaches 140-145°F. They should flake easily but still remain moist and tender.

Can I adjust the spice level of the hot honey glaze?

Yes! For a milder glaze, reduce the amount of hot honey or substitute with regular honey. You can also customize the heat by adding less chili or using a milder hot sauce when making your own.

Final Thoughts

Making Hot Honey Salmon Bites brings together such an irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors—all in bite-sized pieces. I love how quick and simple it is to prepare, especially when you want something impressive without fuss. Whether you're serving them at your next gathering or enjoying them as a cozy weeknight meal, these salmon bites never fail to delight. I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with smiles!