Name: Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs salmon (approximately 4 fillets), skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; ¼ cup (85 g) hot honey (store-bought or homemade); Chopped parsley for garnish

There’s something irresistible about the combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in these hot honey salmon bites. The crispy, golden exterior of the salmon pairs perfectly with the sticky, buttery glaze, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and surprisingly light. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for a party, these bite-sized delights hit the sweet (and spicy) spot every time. Plus, the air fryer makes them incredibly easy and fast to whip up!

A little story: how I fell in love with salmon and hot honey

I remember the first time I tried hot honey—it was drizzled over a slice of pizza, of all things. The way it balanced heat and sweetness had me hooked immediately. Fast forward a few weeks, I decided to experiment with it at home and thought, “Why not salmon?” Salmon has always been my go-to for easy and flavorful meals. It’s versatile, cooks quickly, and has that rich, buttery taste that never disappoints. Combining it with hot honey felt like a bold choice, but let me tell you—it was love at first bite.

I still think about the night I first made these bites. The scent of paprika and garlic wafting through the kitchen, the sizzle of salmon in the air fryer, and that final toss in warm, spicy honey butter… it was one of those rare “Eureka!” kitchen moments. Now, this recipe is in heavy rotation, especially when I’m short on time but want big flavor.

Where does hot honey salmon come from?

While hot honey has its roots in Southern cuisine, with its bold, sweet-heat profile that pairs beautifully with fried chicken or biscuits, its versatility has taken it worldwide. The trend really took off in recent years, appearing in everything from cocktails to roasted vegetables. Pairing it with salmon, a quintessential staple of coastal and Nordic cuisines, feels like a match made in heaven.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. There’s no fancy marinade or complicated techniques—just a handful of pantry staples that let the salmon and honey shine. It’s a fusion of bold flavors that still feels approachable and fresh.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show

Salmon

Salmon is the heart of this dish, offering a rich, fatty base that soaks up all the spices and buttery glaze. I recommend fresh, skinless salmon fillets, as the skinless pieces make it easier to cube. If you’re in a pinch, frozen salmon works, too—just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.

For a substitute, you could try steelhead trout, which has a similar texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Hot honey

Hot honey is the magic ingredient here, bringing both sweetness and a kick of heat. Store-bought options are great, but homemade is even better! You can make your own by simmering honey with a bit of chili flakes until infused. Not a fan of spicy? No problem—regular honey works, too, though you’ll miss that signature heat.

Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder

These spices create a flavorful, smoky crust on the salmon bites. I prefer smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor, but regular paprika works just fine.

Olive oil

This helps the spices stick to the salmon and gives it that golden, crispy exterior in the air fryer. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil is a great alternative.

Butter

Butter is key for the glaze, making it rich and luscious. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based butter or even a neutral oil like grapeseed oil.

Chopped parsley

A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color. You can swap it for cilantro or even green onions if that’s what you have on hand.

The tools you’ll need (and what to improvise with)

Air fryer

The air fryer is the MVP of this recipe, creating perfectly crispy salmon bites without a lot of oil. If you don’t have one, no worries—you can bake the salmon in the oven at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Mixing bowls

You’ll need a large bowl to toss the salmon with the seasoning and a medium saucepan for the glaze.

Tongs or a silicone spatula

These are handy for gently tossing the cooked salmon in the hot honey butter without breaking apart the delicate pieces.

Instant-read thermometer

While optional, a thermometer is super helpful to ensure your salmon is cooked to perfection (140-145°F is the sweet spot).

Step-by-step: my foolproof method (with tips!)

Preheat and prep
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. While it’s heating, pat your salmon dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Drying the salmon helps it crisp up nicely.
Season the salmon
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the salmon bites and toss gently until they’re evenly coated.Tip: Don’t overmix, or the salmon might start to break apart. I learned this the hard way the first time I made it—oops!
Air fry to perfection
Arrange the salmon in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for 9-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket—work in batches if needed. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
Make the hot honey butter glaze
While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the hot honey and let it warm through, then turn off the heat.
Toss and serve
Once the salmon bites are done, add them to the saucepan with the glaze. Gently toss to coat each piece. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.Tip: Be gentle when tossing—salmon can be delicate!

How to make this recipe your own

Vegan alternative: Swap the salmon for cubed tofu and use plant-based butter in the glaze.
Low-carb option: Skip the honey and make a garlic butter glaze instead.
Seasonal twist: In summer, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the glaze for a zesty kick. In fall, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon into the honey for a cozy flavor.

How to serve it up (and make it look fancy!)

Serve these salmon bites over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For appetizers, arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and a side of dipping sauce. Garnish with extra parsley or even some thinly sliced red chilies for a pop of color.

Beverages to pair with hot honey salmon bites

A refreshing cucumber-lime sparkling water complements the spice beautifully.
Try a chilled hibiscus iced tea for a slightly tart contrast to the honey.
A glass of homemade lemonade with a dash of mint is another fantastic choice—light, bright, and perfect for balancing the heat.

Leftovers: storage and reheating tips

Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using the air fryer again for 3-4 minutes to retain the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon rubbery. If you must use the microwave, do so in short bursts at 50% power.

Scaling the recipe for any occasion

For a smaller portion, simply halve the ingredients. If you’re cooking for a crowd, double the recipe, but be prepared to cook in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.