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 love the perfect balance of spicy heat and sweet glaze on tender seafood, you’re going to adore this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe. These little bites pack so much flavor in every juicy piece — they’re seriously addictive!

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’m genuinely excited every time I make these Hot Honey Salmon Bites because they come out so tender and flavorful, with just the right kick to keep you coming back for more. They’re super easy, too, which is always a win in my book!

Quick and Simple: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Flavor Explosion: The spicy-sweet hot honey glaze perfectly complements the savory, seasoned salmon bites.
Versatile Serving: Serve as a finger-licking appetizer or a main course alongside your favorite sides.
Air Fryer Magic: Uses the air fryer for quicker, healthier cooking with a nice crispy exterior.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering fresh, quality ingredients really makes a difference here. When shopping, look for salmon filets that are firm and bright in color. For the hot honey, you can buy a good quality one or easily make your own by gently infusing honey with chili flakes — it’s a game changer!

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 bite-sized cubes create tender, juicy pieces perfect for quick cooking.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the salmon and adds a subtle richness.
Paprika: Adds a smoky depth and beautiful color to the salmon bites.
Garlic Powder: Offers savory warmth without overpowering the fish.
Onion Powder: Adds a mild sweetness and complexity to the seasoning blend.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps keep the salmon moist.
Black Pepper: Provides a gentle heat to balance the sweet glaze.
Unsalted Butter: Melts into the hot honey for a luscious, rich glaze.
Hot Honey: The star of the show — sweet with a spicy kick to glaze the salmon bites.
Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness as a garnish.

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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

One of the best parts of the Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is how adaptable it is to your personal taste and pantry staples. Feel free to tweak the spice level or try different garnishes to make it truly your own!

Milder Spice: If you prefer a gentler kick, try mixing regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes instead of using straight hot honey. This still delivers warmth without overpowering the delicate salmon flavor.
Herbal Twist: Swap parsley for fresh cilantro or chives for a nuanced herbal note — I find cilantro adds a wonderful brightness that pairs beautifully with the sweet heat.
Crunch Factor: For a little textural contrast, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed almonds over the glazed bites just before serving. It’s a delightful surprise with every bite.
Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten free, but double-check your hot honey brand if you buy it pre-made to ensure no hidden additives.
Oven Option: Don’t have an air fryer? No worries! Baking the bites at 400°F for 16 minutes (flipping halfway) yields equally delicious results — just be sure not to overcrowd the tray for crisp edges.

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 Your Air Fryer to 390°F

Getting your air fryer preheated is key to getting that perfect sear on the salmon cubes. Set it to 390°F and give it a few minutes to reach that temperature—this ensures the salmon cooks evenly and develops a lovely, lightly crispy exterior without drying out.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Cubes

In a spacious bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the bite-sized salmon cubes. Sprinkle in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently toss everything together—make sure each piece is coated evenly so every bite bursts with flavor. I like to use my hands here; it gives me a better feel for even seasoning without breaking the delicate salmon apart.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon Bites

Place the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Remember not to crowd them — if your basket is small, cook in batches. Air fry for a full 10 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through to promote even cooking. The salmon is perfectly done when it reaches an internal temperature between 140 and 145°F, tender yet juicy on the inside with a subtle crisp outside.

Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

While the salmon cooks, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add ¼ cup (85g) of hot honey, stirring gently until the mixture is melted and warmed through. As soon as it’s combined, turn off the heat so you don’t overcook the butter. This luscious hot honey butter sauce will give the salmon bites that irresistible glaze.

Step 5: Coat Salmon Bites in the Glaze

Transfer the cooked salmon bites straight into the saucepan with the hot honey butter. Gently toss to coat every piece in the sticky, spicy glaze. This step is where all those flavors marry beautifully — the savory seasonings meet the sweet heat for a perfect bite every time.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the glazed salmon bites for a touch of color and fresh herbal brightness. Serve immediately as an appetizer to impress your guests or plate alongside your favorite sides for a quick and flavorful main course. Trust me, these Hot Honey Salmon Bites disappear fast!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned, cooked just right, and bursting with flavor.

Even Cooking: Make sure to preheat your air fryer to 390°F so the salmon cooks evenly and gets that perfect tender texture without drying out.
Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid piling the salmon cubes in the basket; cooking in a single layer helps achieve those slightly crispy edges we all love.
Glaze Gently: After cooking, toss the salmon bites gently in the hot honey butter glaze to coat each piece without breaking them apart.
Use Fresh Parsley: A fresh sprinkle of parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a subtle freshness that balances the heat and sweetness beautifully.

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

Parsley is a classic garnish here, adding a fresh herbal note and a vibrant green contrast. You can also try a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or thin slices of green onion to enhance that fresh zing. For extra heat, a few chili flakes sprinkled on top work wonders if you love that fiery kick.

Side Dishes

Hot Honey Salmon Bites pair beautifully with a variety of sides! Consider serving them alongside a simple quinoa salad, garlic roasted asparagus, or even a creamy avocado and cucumber salad to balance the spicy sweetness. For a heartier meal, steamed jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes make perfect companions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Hot Honey Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 days, making them great for a quick snack or reheated lunch.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these bites, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to warm through without drying out. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving on medium power for 30 seconds works too, but be mindful not to overheat and lose that tender flakiness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon before cutting it into cubes and seasoning. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a nice texture when air frying or baking.

How spicy is the Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe?

The heat level depends on the hot honey you use. If you prefer mild heat, use less hot honey or mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes. The balance of sweetness and spice here is adjustable to your taste!

Can I cook these salmon bites without an air fryer?

Absolutely! The recipe includes oven instructions. Bake the seasoned salmon cubes at 400°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, then toss them in the hot honey glaze.

What’s the best way to make homemade hot honey?

Simply heat honey gently with chili flakes on low heat for about 10 minutes to infuse the spiciness. Strain out the flakes if you prefer a smooth sauce, or leave them in for extra heat and texture.

Final Thoughts

Making Hot Honey Salmon Bites at home is such a joy—you get that perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tender fish in every bite. Whether you’re serving them up as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick main course, they’re sure to impress with minimal fuss. I hope these tips and tricks inspire you to enjoy this flavorful dish as much as I do. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!