Name: Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Seafood
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 19 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that packs both flavor and a little bit of fiery fun, Hot Honey Salmon Bites are about to change your weeknight dinner game! With perfectly tender, air-fried salmon cubes coated in a luscious, spicy-sweet hot honey glaze, this is a meal that wows as an appetizer just as easily as it dazzles as a main course. Not only are these bites incredibly easy to make, but each forkful is a bold combination of succulent fish, fragrant spices, and that gloriously sticky sauce. Hot Honey Salmon Bites are guaranteed to make you crave another helping long before the plate is empty!

Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of essentials, you’ll have everything required to whip up unbelievably delicious Hot Honey Salmon Bites. Every ingredient brings something special, enhancing the flavor, texture, or color of the dish, and keeping things simple without sacrificing taste.

Salmon: Fresh, skinless salmon filets are the star, offering rich flavor and tender texture in every bite.
Extra virgin olive oil: Coats the salmon and helps the spices cling, lending the fish a silky, moist finish.
Paprika: Adds beautiful color and a smoky, subtle warmth that makes the dish pop.
Garlic powder: Infuses savory depth without overpowering the delicate fish.
Onion powder: Balances and rounds out the spice mix for genuinely craveable flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient and brings out the natural richness of the salmon.
Black pepper: Pops in with a gentle spicy bite that complements the sweet honey glaze.
Unsalted butter: Melts into the glaze for a luxurious, glossy coating on each salmon bite.
Hot honey: The signature sweet heat that turns this dish into a showstopper—use store-bought or homemade!
Parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens up the plate and gives a hint of herbal lift.

How to Make Hot Honey Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prep the Salmon and Spice Mix

Begin by removing the skin from your salmon filets and cutting them into even 1-inch cubes. The key to perfectly cooked Hot Honey Salmon Bites is uniform sizing—this ensures every piece gets beautifully tender. Whisk together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This quick marinade not only flavors the fish but helps each bite develop that irresistible golden edge during cooking.

Step 2: Coat and Toss

Add the salmon cubes to your spice and oil mixture. Gently toss with your hands or a big spoon, making sure every piece is lovingly coated. Try not to over-handle, as salmon can be delicate, but make sure each piece gets its fair share of seasoning.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F so it’s ready when the salmon is. Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket—don’t crowd them! Depending on your basket size, you might need to cook in batches. Air fry for 9 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’re aiming for an internal temp of 140°F to 145°F, which yields that coveted juicy flakiness.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas, melt together the unsalted butter and hot honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat. You want the butter fully melted and the honey warmed, but don’t overheat it—the glaze should stay silky, not caramelized. Once it’s liquid gold, turn off the heat and get ready to combine!

Step 5: Coat the Salmon Bites

Add your freshly cooked salmon bites right into the warm glaze. Use a gentle hand and toss to coat each piece evenly; the salmon should glisten with sticky, spicy-sweet goodness. Serve your Hot Honey Salmon Bites immediately for best texture and flavor.

Oven Method (If You Don’t Have an Air Fryer)

No air fryer? No problem at all! Preheat your oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment, and lay out your seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer. Bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the salmon is beautifully cooked and reaches 145°F. Toss in the same hot honey glaze and garnish with parsley just before serving.

How to Serve Hot Honey Salmon Bites

Garnishes

A shower of chopped fresh parsley is a must! It lends a bright, herby finish and lively color contrast against the amber glaze of the Hot Honey Salmon Bites. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onion, or even a few red pepper flakes for those who love an extra bump of heat.

Side Dishes

These bites shine on their own, but they truly sing when paired with fluffy jasmine rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Want more veg? Serve with roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a quick cucumber salad. Whatever you choose, Hot Honey Salmon Bites bring a lively punch to your dinner table lineup.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Hot Honey Salmon Bites into skewered party appetizers with sturdy cocktail picks, or build a beautiful rice bowl with some pickled veggies on the side. If you love wraps, stuff the salmon and some crunchy slaw into tortillas for spicy-sweet salmon tacos. However you plate them, expect lots of oohs and aahs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—though that’s a big “if”—store the cooled salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their taste and texture for up to two days. The glaze can thicken in the fridge, but returns to its saucy perfection when gently reheated.

Freezing

Hot Honey Salmon Bites are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Arrange cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best flavor and texture, reheat the salmon bites in a 350°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can toughen the salmon and break the glaze. Add a tiny drizzle of extra hot honey to bring back that sticky finish!

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Hot Honey Salmon Bites?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat dry your salmon before cutting it into cubes and seasoning. Fresh salmon tends to offer the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch.

Is hot honey very spicy?

It’s sweet first with a lingering background heat—it won’t blow your socks off! If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less hot honey and add more to taste. Homemade hot honey lets you adjust the spice level, too.

Can I grill the salmon bites instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Thread the cubes onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for a few minutes per side until cooked to perfection. Toss in the hot honey glaze just before serving.

What can I use instead of parsley for garnish?

Feel free to use cilantro, dill, chives, or even microgreens for a fresh, vibrant finish. The garnish adds flavor and stunning color contrast on your platter of Hot Honey Salmon Bites.

How do I make homemade hot honey?

Simply warm up honey with a little crushed red pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Simmer gently and strain if needed for a smoother drizzle. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for this recipe!

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Salmon Bites are the kind of meal that turns any dinner into a celebration—bold, beautiful, and bursting with flavor and personality. Whether you’re making them for friends or a cozy solo night in, give these bites a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”