Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey Recipe

Crispy, tender, and coated in a sticky sweet-and-spicy glaze, these Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey are the perfect quick-fix meal or party appetizer. Cubed salmon is seasoned, air-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a hot honey drizzle that hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory. You’ll love how fast, flavorful, and fun this dish is to make.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes from prep to plate.
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside – Air fryer delivers perfect texture every time.
Bold Flavors – Sweet honey with a spicy kick makes every bite pop.
Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, on rice bowls, or in wraps.
Healthy – High in protein and lower in oil than pan-fried options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon Bites:

• 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness, optional)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for more heat)
• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley or chives
• Lime or lemon wedges
• Sesame seeds

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
• Tongs or spatula
• Parchment paper (optional for easier cleanup)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

1. Pat salmon cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. In a bowl, toss salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch (if using).
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes while you preheat the air fryer.

Step 2: Air Fry the Salmon Bites
4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
5. Place salmon cubes in the basket in a single layer (use parchment if needed).
6. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
7. Salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
8. While salmon cooks, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan.
9. Warm over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until smooth (or microwave in 30-second bursts).
10. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Toss & Serve
11. Once salmon bites are done, transfer to a bowl and drizzle with warm hot honey sauce.
12. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.

Step 5: Garnish & Enjoy
13. Garnish with chopped herbs, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of citrus if desired.
14. Serve hot over rice, in tacos, lettuce wraps, or as-is with a dipping sauce.

Tips for Perfect Salmon Bites
Use Skinless Salmon – It helps get even seasoning and crisping.
Cut Uniform Pieces – Ensures all bites cook at the same rate.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches for the crispiest texture.
Adjust the Heat – Use more or less hot sauce and flakes based on your spice preference.
Add a Crunch – Toss in crushed almonds or sesame seeds for texture contrast.

Serving Suggestions
Rice Bowls – Serve over jasmine or brown rice with avocado and cucumber.
Taco Night – Add to warm tortillas with slaw and lime crema.
Lettuce Wraps – Wrap in butter lettuce with pickled veggies.
Appetizer Platter – Toothpick-ready for parties and gatherings.
Sweet Potato Mash – Balances out the sweet-spicy glaze perfectly.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Do not freeze once coated in sauce, as texture may change.

Reheating:

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Microwave: Use short bursts, but it may soften the texture.
• Oven: Warm at 350°F for 8–10 minutes on a baking sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
   Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
2. What’s a good hot sauce to use?
   Frank’s, Tabasco, or sriracha all work well—choose your favorite!
3. Can I make this dairy-free and gluten-free?
   It already is! Just check that your hot sauce is gluten-free.
4. How can I make this less spicy?
   Use less hot sauce and skip the red pepper flakes. You can also balance it out with more honey.
5. Can I use other fish?
   Yes! Try this with mahi-mahi, cod, or even shrimp for variation.

Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey are a flavor-packed game changer—crispy, spicy, and sweet all at once. Whether you’re serving them as a quick dinner or an impressive appetizer, they’re guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Best of all, they come together fast with minimal cleanup.

Try them tonight and see why they’re about to become a weekly favorite!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Cuisine: American / Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 4):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 350mg

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