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

If you're craving something that’s sweet, spicy, and oh-so-tender, you’ve got to try my Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe. These little flavor bombs come together fast and wow every time—perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a quick weeknight dinner!

In the white bowl, many small golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken sit close together, each with a slightly crispy, textured outer layer. A woman's hand holds a wooden honey dipper above the bowl, dripping shiny, thick honey that glistens as it falls onto the warm chicken, adding a glossy shine and extra moisture. The honey highlights the rich, warm browns and soft orange tones of the chicken pieces. The background is a soft white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of how this Hot Honey Salmon Bites recipe balances bold spices with that luscious sweet heat. It’s become my go-to when I want something impressive but fuss-free.

Speedy and Simple: Ready in just 20 minutes, from seasoning to plating.
Perfectly Portable: Bite-sized pieces make them ideal for sharing or dipping.
Flavor Explosion: The combo of paprika, garlic, and onion powders with hot honey creates irresistible layers.
Flexible Cooking: Air fryer or oven instructions mean no one misses out.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to this Hot Honey Salmon Bites recipe, choosing fresh salmon and quality spices really makes a difference. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why I love using each ingredient.

Flat lay of fresh cubed salmon pieces, a small pile of paprika powder, a small pile of garlic powder, a small pile of onion powder, coarse kosher salt crystals, whole black peppercorns, two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, hot honey in a small white ceramic bowl, and a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon: Fresh, skinless filets cut into cubes ensure tender bites that cook evenly.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the spices cling to the fish.
Paprika: It lends a warm smokiness that pairs beautifully with the glaze.
Garlic powder: A must for that savory background punch without overpowering.
Onion powder: Enhances depth and rounds out the seasoning blend.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every flavor.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite to the mild salmon.
Unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the hot honey glaze.
Hot honey: The star of the show—sweet with a kick, whether homemade or store-bought.
Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The great thing about this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is how effortlessly you can tweak it to fit your mood or occasion. Whether you want to dial up the heat, add a fresh twist, or accommodate dietary preferences, there’s so much room to play around!

Variation: For an extra kick, I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix before air frying. It really amplifies that spicy-sweet balance and keeps things exciting.
Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect if you’re avoiding gluten. Just double-check your store-bought hot honey to ensure there’s no hidden gluten.
Fresh Herb Swap: Instead of parsley, try garnishing with fresh cilantro or chives for a slightly different, bright flavor.
Seasonal Touch: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest right after tossing in the hot honey glaze for a subtle citrus zing that feels especially refreshing in spring and summer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

A bowl filled with a base layer of white fluffy rice, topped with several pieces of shiny, glazed orange-brown grilled tofu arranged in the center. Underneath and around the tofu, there are bright green grilled asparagus stalks. On the side, there is a serving of fresh green herbs with some small yellow and orange edible flowers adding color. A small white bowl with pale green creamy dressing sits on the right edge inside the larger bowl. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with rustic wooden elements and small utensils visible around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat to Perfect

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. This temperature is just right to get the salmon bites crisp on the outside while keeping them tender and juicy inside. A properly preheated air fryer means even cooking and delicious results every time, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Season Your Salmon Bites

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add your cubed salmon and gently toss until every piece is coated in that flavorful mixture. The spices come together to give the bites a smoky, aromatic base that’s the perfect foil to the sweet heat of the glaze.

Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Arrange the salmon cubes evenly in the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches—don’t overcrowd for the best crispiness. Cook for 9 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’re aiming for an internal temperature between 140-145°F—this ensures the salmon is cooked through but still juicy.

Step 4: Whip Up the Hot Honey Glaze

While your salmon cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the hot honey and warm everything through gently. The combination of buttery richness and fiery-sweet honey is what makes this recipe stand out—pay attention here and enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 5: Coat and Garnish

Once the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the hot honey glaze. Gently toss the salmon until all the pieces are perfectly coated in that glossy, spicy-sweet sauce. Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley on top for a fresh, colorful touch. Serve immediately and watch these Hot Honey Salmon Bites disappear fast!

Top Tip

The magic of the Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe lies in the balance of seasoning and cooking technique. To nail this every time, here are some tips I’ve learned from experience that make your salmon bites pop with flavor and texture.

Use a Digital Thermometer: Trust me, this little tool is a game-changer. Checking the internal temperature to hit between 140-145°F ensures your salmon is perfectly cooked—tender and flaky but never dry.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: I’ve made this mistake before—trying to cook all the bites at once. Cooking in a single layer guarantees an even crisp on each piece.
Gently Toss the Salmon: When coating with the hot honey glaze, handle the bites softly to keep them intact and nicely glazed rather than mashed.
Remove Skin Before Cutting: It sounds obvious, but having skin-free salmon makes cutting bite-sized pieces easier and yields cleaner, more enjoyable bites.

How to Serve Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

A transparent glass bowl filled with many small brown crispy cubes of cooked meat, evenly browned with a slightly charred texture. Above the bowl, a metal pot is tilting as a light yellow oily sauce is pouring down onto the meat cubes. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, showing a contrast between the warm brown meat and the cool white background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley really brightens these bites and adds a nice burst of color. For an extra touch, consider some thinly sliced green onions or a few toasted sesame seeds to complement the sweet-spicy glaze and add visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serving these salmon bites with a light, fresh side balances the richness. Think steamed jasmine rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or roasted asparagus. Mashed sweet potatoes or a simple quinoa salad also pair wonderfully, rounding out the meal with complementary textures and subtle flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hot Honey Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salmon bites separate from the glaze if possible, to prevent them from becoming soggy. Add the glaze fresh before reheating for best results.

Freezing

While salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover cooked salmon bites. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Use within one month to maintain flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness without drying them out, or use a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect texture. Don’t forget to toss the salmon bites in the hot honey glaze again after reheating for maximum flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh or frozen salmon for this recipe?

Fresh salmon is ideal for the best texture and flavor in this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe. However, if using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture while cooking.

What is the best way to make homemade hot honey?

To make homemade hot honey, gently warm honey with chili flakes over low heat for about 10 minutes, then strain out the chili flakes. This allows you to control the heat and sweetness perfectly.

Can I bake the salmon bites instead of air frying?

Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the seasoned salmon cubes in a preheated 400°F oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 16 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach an internal temp of 145°F.

How spicy are the Hot Honey Salmon Bites?

The spice level mostly depends on the hot honey you use. It typically has a subtle heat balanced with sweetness, making these bites pleasantly spicy but not overpowering. Adjust the heat by choosing milder or hotter honey varieties.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about melding sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in bite-sized salmon pieces that cook up so quickly. Whether you’re enjoying these Hot Honey Salmon Bites as an appetizer or a main course, they’re designed to be simple, tasty, and a little bit special. I hope this recipe becomes a go-to for your next gathering or a comforting weeknight meal. Don’t forget—perfection comes with practice and a touch of love. Enjoy every last flavorful bite!