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.
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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.
- 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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
The salmon bites are perfectly cooked when their internal temperature reaches 140-145°F. They should flake easily but still remain moist and tender.
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!
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Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious Hot Honey Salmon Bites featuring bite-sized salmon pieces seasoned with paprika, garlic, and onion powder, air-fried to perfection, and tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey butter glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or main course with a fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 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
Hot Honey Glaze
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup (85 g) hot honey, homemade or store-bought
- parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F to ensure even cooking for the salmon bites.
- Season Salmon: In a large bowl, mix together extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed salmon and gently toss until all pieces are well coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Air Fry Salmon: Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the basket size, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
- Prepare Hot Honey Glaze: While the salmon cooks, heat the unsalted butter and hot honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat until melted and warm through. Remove from heat promptly to prevent burning.
- Toss Salmon in Glaze: Add the cooked salmon bites to the warm hot honey butter mixture. Gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly with the glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the glazed salmon bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Hot Honey Salmon Bites are great as an appetizer or serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables as a main course.
- If you don't have an air fryer, these bites can be baked in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- You can use store-bought hot honey or easily make your own by combining honey with chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon to keep it tender and juicy; internal temperature should be 140-145°F.
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot honey used or substitute with regular honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 558 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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