Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner obsession. These Hot Honey Salmon Bites are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory, all wrapped up in a crispy, bite-sized package. They are incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and come together in under 20 minutes. Whether you need a quick dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a healthy protein for your meal prep, this recipe is a total game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
This isn’t just another salmon recipe; it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. Here’s why it’s guaranteed to be a hit in your kitchen:
- Incredibly Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this entire meal is ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The homemade hot honey glaze is absolutely irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of sweet honey, spicy sriracha, and savory soy sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the salmon.
- Perfectly Crispy Texture: A light coating of cornstarch gives these salmon bites an amazing crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky. We’ll show you how to get it just right!
- Versatile Cooking Methods: While we recommend the air fryer for the ultimate crispiness, we also provide simple oven instructions that work wonderfully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to bring these flavor-packed salmon bites to life. The magic is in how they come together.
For the Salmon Bites
- Salmon: 1.5 lbs, skinless and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons. This is the secret to getting a light, crispy coating.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon. Adds a touch of smoky flavor and color.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. For a savory, aromatic base.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- Honey: 1/3 cup.
- Hot Sauce: 2 tablespoons of Sriracha or your favorite chili sauce.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, freshly minced.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat).
How to Make Hot Honey Salmon Bites
Making these crispy bites is a simple, straightforward process. Just follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare the Salmon: Start by patting your salmon cubes completely dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. Place the salmon in a medium bowl.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the salmon cubes and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. Drizzle with olive oil and toss again.
- Cook the Salmon: You can cook the salmon bites in either the air fryer or the oven. See the next section for specific instructions for each method.
- Make the Glaze: While the salmon is cooking, combine the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Combine and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked and crispy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm hot honey glaze over the top and toss gently to coat every piece.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish your Hot Honey Salmon Bites with sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavor!
Cooking Methods: Air Fryer vs. Oven
For the best texture, the air fryer is our top choice. However, the oven method also yields delicious results.
Air Fryer Hot Honey Salmon Bites (Recommended)
The air fryer circulates hot air, making these salmon bites exceptionally crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Oven-Baked Method
If you don’t have an air fryer, your oven is a great alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and cooked through.
Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon Bites
- Pat It Dry: We can’t say it enough! Removing excess moisture from the salmon is the number one key to getting it crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Whether using an air fryer or oven, cook the salmon in a single layer. Cooking in batches if necessary ensures every piece gets crispy.
- Uniform Pieces: Cut your salmon into similar-sized 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
- Glaze at the End: Always toss the cooked salmon in the glaze right before serving. This keeps the coating crispy and prevents it from becoming soggy.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Salmon
These versatile salmon bites pair well with so many dishes. You can serve them as an appetizer or build a complete meal around them.
- Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or even this delicious Lemon Herb Rice.
- Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers are excellent companions.
- Salads: Add them to a green salad for a boost of protein and flavor. They would be a great addition to our Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing.
- Noodles: Toss with soba noodles or rice noodles for a satisfying bowl.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Different Protein: This hot honey glaze is also fantastic on chicken or shrimp. Try it with our Honey Garlic Chicken Bites for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Adjust the Heat: Control the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results when reheating, use an air fryer or oven set to 375°F (190°C) and heat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. We do not recommend microwaving, as it will make the salmon soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! While the air fryer gives the best crispy results, you can bake them in the oven. Arrange the salmon bites on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
Absolutely. Make sure to thaw the frozen salmon completely before you begin. Once thawed, pat it very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for getting a crispy exterior.
The key is to cut the salmon into uniform, 1-inch cubes and cook for a short time at a high temperature. Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket or baking sheet, and check for doneness after 8-10 minutes.
The spice level is easily adjustable. Our recipe has a medium heat. For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce. For extra heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a hotter variety of hot sauce.
These are incredibly versatile! Serve them over jasmine rice, with roasted broccoli or asparagus, or on top of a fresh salad. They also make a fantastic appetizer on their own.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these salmon bites, you’ll love these other flavor-packed recipes!
The Ultimate Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Hot Honey Salmon Bites (Quick & Crispy Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Pat the salmon cubes completely dry with a paper towel and place them in a medium bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over the salmon and toss to coat evenly. Drizzle with olive oil and toss again.
- Cook the salmon. Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Cook in a single layer for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway. Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 10-12 minutes.
- While salmon cooks, make the glaze. Combine honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until smooth. Do not boil.
- Transfer the cooked salmon to a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over top and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or baking sheet; cook in batches if necessary.
Toss the cooked salmon in the glaze right before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
Save This Recipe!
We hope you love this quick and delicious Hot Honey Salmon Bites recipe! It’s a dish that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!
