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This hot honey salmon recipe transforms ordinary salmon into irresistible sweet-spicy bites that disappear from the plate in minutes. The air fryer creates perfectly cooked, tender morsels with minimal effort, while the hot honey glaze adds that ideal balance of heat and sweetness that makes everyone reach for seconds.
I created this recipe when looking for a quick dinner that would still feel special. Now it's my go-to when entertaining guests who always ask for the recipe before they leave.
Ingredients
- Salmon filets: 1½ pounds about 4 filets cut into 1-inch cubes. Choose fresh salmon with bright color and firm texture for the best flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons helps the seasonings adhere and keeps the salmon moist.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon provides aromatic flavor without burning like fresh garlic might.
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon adds depth without the texture of fresh onions.
- Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon enhances all the flavors. Use kosher salt for better control over saltiness.
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon adds a gentle heat that complements the hot honey.
- Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons creates a rich base for the sauce. Room temperature helps it melt quickly.
- Hot honey: ¼ cup this magical ingredient brings both sweetness and heat. Store-bought works perfectly but homemade gives you control over the spice level.
- Fresh parsley: chopped for garnish adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to cut through the rich flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 390°F and allow it to fully preheat. This ensures the salmon cooks evenly and gets that perfect exterior texture without overcooking.
- Season The Salmon:
- In a large bowl combine oil paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper until they form a paste-like consistency. Add your salmon cubes and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. The gentle approach prevents breaking the delicate salmon pieces.
- Air Fry To Perfection:
- Arrange the seasoned salmon pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket making sure they aren't touching. This allows the hot air to circulate completely around each piece. Cook for 9-10 minutes shaking the basket gently halfway through. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
- Create The Glaze:
- While the salmon cooks combine room temperature butter and hot honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to melt completely and warm through about 2-3 minutes. The butter creates a rich silky texture that helps the glaze cling to each bite.
- Combine And Serve:
- Once the salmon is perfectly cooked gently transfer the bites to the saucepan with the hot honey glaze. Use a soft spatula to carefully fold the salmon into the glaze ensuring each piece is coated without breaking apart. Transfer to a serving dish garnish generously with chopped parsley and serve immediately while still warm.
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The hot honey is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered the magic of hot honey when a friend brought me a bottle from a farmers market and I've been finding ways to use it ever since. My family now requests these "spicy sweet salmon bites" at least twice a month.
Oven Method For Larger Batches
If you're serving a crowd the air fryer might be limiting. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the seasoned salmon pieces on the sheet making sure they don't touch. Bake for about 16 minutes flipping halfway through until they reach 145°F internally. The oven method takes a bit longer but allows you to cook the entire batch at once which is perfect for entertaining.
Make It A Meal
These salmon bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them over a bed of coconut rice where the creamy starchiness perfectly complements the sweet-spicy glaze. For a lighter option arrange them atop a crisp green salad with cucumber and avocado. They also pair beautifully with roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts for a complete dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Storage And Reheating
While these salmon bites are best enjoyed immediately after cooking they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat place them in the air fryer at 350°F for just 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this can make the salmon rubbery. The glaze might thicken when refrigerated but gently warming brings it back to its perfect consistency.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these salmon bites without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 16 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flipping halfway through. Cook until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F before tossing in the hot honey sauce.
- → What sides pair well with hot honey salmon bites?
These versatile bites pair beautifully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider adding asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a light cucumber salad.
- → Can I prepare the salmon bites ahead of time?
You can season the salmon cubes up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate. For best texture and flavor, cook just before serving. The hot honey sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated when needed.
- → What makes a good substitute for hot honey?
If you don't have hot honey, mix regular honey with a touch of your favorite hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less spice.
- → How can I tell when the salmon bites are perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked salmon should reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F and flake easily with a fork. The bites will appear opaque with a slightly firm exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside.
- → Can I use frozen salmon for this dish?
Yes, but thaw completely before cutting and cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and prevents steaming during cooking.