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

Let me introduce you to a total game-changer — the Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe. These tender, flavorful cubes of salmon are air fried to crispy perfection and then drenched in a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze that’ll have you hooked from the very first bite.

In the white bowl, many small golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken sit close together, each with a slightly crispy, textured outer layer. A woman's hand holds a wooden honey dipper above the bowl, dripping shiny, thick honey that glistens as it falls onto the warm chicken, adding a glossy shine and extra moisture. The honey highlights the rich, warm browns and soft orange tones of the chicken pieces. The background is a soft white marbled texture. 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 these salmon bites. They’re quick to throw together, perfect for when guests drop by unexpectedly, or when you want a delicious, healthy meal without the fuss.

Fast and Easy: Ready from prep to plate in just 20 minutes.
Air Fryer Magic: Crisp outside with juicy, tender salmon inside.
Sweet & Spicy Balance: The hot honey glaze adds a perfect zing without overpowering.
Versatile Serving: Great as an appetizer or paired with your favorite sides for dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To nail this recipe, fresh salmon is key along with a simple yet flavorful spice mix. The hot honey glaze ties everything together with a luscious combo of butter and spicy sweetness that I just love.

Flat lay of fresh cubed salmon pieces, a small pile of paprika powder, a small pile of garlic powder, a small pile of onion powder, coarse kosher salt crystals, whole black peppercorns, two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, hot honey in a small white ceramic bowl, and a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, all arranged symmetrically 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: Fresh, skinless fillets cut into uniform bite-sized cubes ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and keeps the salmon moist during air frying.
Paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the fish.
Garlic Powder: A classic flavor enhancer that pairs beautifully with salmon.
Onion Powder: Adds a mild depth that complements the other spices.
Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors and seasoning the salmon perfectly.
Black Pepper: A hint of heat to balance the sweet honey glaze.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich base for the hot honey glaze and helps the sauce cling to the salmon.
Hot Honey: The star of the glaze — a blend of sweetness with a kick that’s totally addictive.
Parsley: Freshly chopped, it adds a pop of color and a mild herbaceous bite to finish the dish.

📝

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 of this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is how easy it is to tweak the flavors to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want a bit more heat, a different cooking method, or a fresh twist, the possibilities are endless!

Spicy Kick Variation: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra layer of heat that perfectly balances the sweetness of the hot honey glaze.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you’re serving friends or family who avoid gluten, just double-check your hot honey brand to ensure it’s safe to use.
Herb Swap: Instead of parsley, try garnishing with fresh cilantro or basil for a fresh, aromatic punch that complements the spicy-sweet glaze beautifully.
Oven-Baked Variation: Don’t have an air fryer? No problem! Baking the salmon cubes at 400°F for 16 minutes (flipping halfway) gives a slightly different texture but keeps that tender, juicy bite.
Seasonal Twist: During summer, toss the cooked salmon bites with a squeeze of fresh lime and some finely diced mango or pineapple for a tropical flair that’s sure to impress.

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

A bowl filled with a base layer of white fluffy rice, topped with several pieces of shiny, glazed orange-brown grilled tofu arranged in the center. Underneath and around the tofu, there are bright green grilled asparagus stalks. On the side, there is a serving of fresh green herbs with some small yellow and orange edible flowers adding color. A small white bowl with pale green creamy dressing sits on the right edge inside the larger bowl. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with rustic wooden elements and small utensils visible around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer and Prep the Salmon

Start by setting your air fryer to 390°F. Getting the basket nice and hot ensures your salmon bites cook evenly and develop a light crisp on the outside. While that’s warming up, cut your skinless salmon filets into 1-inch cubes so they’re all roughly the same size—this helps them cook perfectly. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, then gently toss in the salmon cubes until they’re evenly coated. Handle them gently to keep the cubes intact.

Step 2: Air Fry the Salmon to Tender Perfection

Lay the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd so they cook evenly. If needed, cook in batches. Close the basket and air fry for 9-10 minutes, shaking it halfway through to brown all sides. You’ll know the salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F—it should be opaque on the outside but still tender and juicy inside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sweet-Spicy Hot Honey Sauce

While the salmon cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s melted and warm, stir in the hot honey and warm the mixture through for a minute or two. This step helps the flavors marry and gives you that luscious, sticky glaze that sticks to every bite perfectly. Once combined, turn off the heat so it’s ready to coat your salmon as soon as they’re done.

Step 4: Toss the Salmon Bites in the Sauce and Serve

Carefully transfer the cooked salmon bites into the saucepan with the hot honey sauce. Gently toss each piece to coat thoroughly — you want every bite to be bursting with that wonderful sweet and spicy glaze. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a bright, herbal note. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect texture and flavor contrast between tender salmon and sticky, zesty sauce.

Top Tip

These tips really bring out the best in your Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe and make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable!

Even Cubes: Cutting the salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes ensures they cook evenly and come out tender every time.
Watch the Internal Temp: Using a digital thermometer to hit that 140-145°F range prevents overcooking, keeping your salmon moist and flaky.
Batch Cooking: If your air fryer basket is small, cook the salmon bites in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps get that perfect crisp on all sides.
Glaze Timing: Toss the salmon bites in the hot honey glaze right after cooking, while they’re still hot, so the sauce clings beautifully to each piece.

How to Serve Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

A transparent glass bowl filled with many small brown crispy cubes of cooked meat, evenly browned with a slightly charred texture. Above the bowl, a metal pot is tilting as a light yellow oily sauce is pouring down onto the meat cubes. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, showing a contrast between the warm brown meat and the cool white background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the salmon bites adds a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. For a bit more zing, try thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. A wedge of lemon on the side also brightens every bite perfectly!

Side Dishes

These salmon bites pair wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the glaze. Roasted veggies such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a lovely texture contrast. For something fresh and crisp, try a crunchy cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hot Honey Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and flavorful without drying out the salmon.

Freezing

Because of their delicate texture and coating, I don’t recommend freezing these salmon bites, as the glaze and fish may not retain their best quality after thawing.

Reheating

To gently reheat, warm the salmon bites in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until just heated through. This helps keep them from drying out while preserving the glaze’s delicious flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cutting into cubes and seasoning. This helps achieve the best texture when air frying.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can bake the salmon bites in the oven at 400°F for 16 minutes, flipping midway, until they reach 145°F internally. Then toss with the hot honey sauce as directed.

How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The glaze balances sweet and spicy flavors. Its heat level depends on your choice of hot honey, so feel free to adjust the amount used or opt for a milder or spicier type based on your preference.

Can I make the hot honey glaze from scratch?

Absolutely! Combine honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite chili flakes and heat gently with butter. This homemade glaze lets you control the sweetness and heat perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Salmon Bites are such a joyful combination of flavors and textures—sweet, spicy, tender, and crispy all at once. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick, satisfying main, they never fail to impress. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite salmon snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!