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.
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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.

- 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.
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

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

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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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
Description
Hot Honey Salmon Bites feature tender, bite-sized cubes of salmon seasoned with paprika, garlic, and onion powders, air fried to perfection, and then coated in a luscious sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Ideal as a flavorful appetizer or a main course paired with your favorite side dish.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 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 the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to ensure even cooking of the salmon bites.
- Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon cubes and toss gently until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 9-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature between 140-145°F.
- Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: While the salmon cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the hot honey and warm through until combined, then turn off the heat.
- Toss Salmon in Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites directly to the saucepan with the hot honey sauce. Gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly in the glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the coated salmon bites and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Oven Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the seasoned salmon cubes on the sheet in a single layer. Bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature. Toss with hot honey sauce and garnish with parsley.
- Ensure salmon is fresh and cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Use a digital thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for 140-145°F internal temperature to keep the fish moist yet fully cooked.
- Hot honey can be adjusted for sweetness or heat; use more or less according to your spice preference.
- Leftover salmon bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg




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