Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey

Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey are a perfect combination of crispy, tender salmon and a sweet, spicy glaze that will elevate your taste buds. The air fryer creates a perfectly crisp exterior on the salmon while keeping it juicy on the inside. Paired with a deliciously spicy-sweet honey sauce, these salmon bites make for an irresistible appetizer, snack, or main dish. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or enjoy a quick and flavorful meal, these bites are sure to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the perfect blend of bold flavors and simplicity. The salmon bites cook up perfectly in the air fryer, providing that deliciously crispy texture without the need for deep-frying. The hot honey sauce is the star of the show, adding a sweet kick of heat that complements the richness of the salmon. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a special occasion. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to fried alternatives, but without sacrificing taste. The addition of fresh parsley and lemon wedges adds a burst of freshness to each bite. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and how delicious the final dish tastes.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillet (1 lb, skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • Olive oil (2 tbsp)
  • Smoked paprika (1 tsp)
  • Garlic powder (1 tsp)
  • Onion powder (1/2 tsp)
  • Salt (1/2 tsp)
  • Black pepper (1/2 tsp)
  • Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp, optional, for extra heat)
  • Honey (1/4 cup)
  • Hot sauce (1-2 tsp, adjust to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Variations

This recipe is quite adaptable, and you can customize it to suit your preferences:

  • Different Sauces: If you prefer a sweeter version, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce and add more honey. Alternatively, swap the hot honey sauce with a teriyaki glaze for a different flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Option: Try making these bites with tofu for a vegetarian version, and cook it in the air fryer with the same seasoning and glaze.
  • Add Vegetables: You can toss some vegetable pieces (like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus) with the same seasoning and cook them alongside the salmon for a complete meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season the Salmon

In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the salmon pieces and toss to coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

Place the seasoned salmon pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the outside. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

While the salmon is cooking, combine the honey and hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sauce is well combined and heated through.

Step 4: Drizzle and Garnish

Once the salmon bites are ready, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the cooked salmon. Garnish with chopped parsley for added color and freshness.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the air fryer salmon bites with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty kick.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Check for Doneness: To ensure the salmon is perfectly cooked, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The salmon should be flaky and opaque.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the seasoning and adjust the hot sauce in the honey mixture to suit your taste.
  • Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon will give you the best texture and flavor, but frozen salmon fillets can also work if thawed properly.

How to Serve

These salmon bites are great as an appetizer, served with a side of fresh greens or a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or tzatziki. You can also serve them as a main dish over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a more casual option, pair them with crispy potato wedges or a side salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or on a skillet to maintain their crispy texture.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy the salmon bites fresh, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. To freeze, place the cooled salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer directly from frozen at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes.

Reheating

For reheating, place the salmon bites in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. Add a little extra drizzle of hot honey before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use skin-on salmon fillets?

Yes, you can use skin-on fillets. Just be sure to remove the skin before cutting the salmon into bite-sized pieces.

2. Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, this recipe can also work with other fish such as trout or cod. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish.

3. How do I make the salmon extra crispy?

To make the salmon extra crispy, make sure it’s not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, and flip the pieces halfway through cooking.

4. Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it gently before drizzling over the salmon.

5. Can I use a different type of hot sauce?

Absolutely! Use your favorite hot sauce, whether it’s sriracha, buffalo sauce, or another type of spicy sauce, depending on your preferred heat level.

6. Can I cook the salmon in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses only whole salmon and seasonings.

8. Can I make this recipe without the hot sauce?

Yes, you can skip the hot sauce for a sweeter version of the honey drizzle. Adjust the sweetness of the honey sauce to your liking.

9. How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should be opaque and easily flake with a fork when done. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F.

10. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before cutting it into pieces and seasoning it.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey is an easy, flavorful, and healthier way to enjoy salmon. With its crispy exterior and sweet-spicy glaze, these bites will quickly become a favorite. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they are sure to impress. The air fryer makes this recipe incredibly quick and convenient, without sacrificing flavor or texture. Try it out and discover why this dish is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen!

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Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey


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  • Author: Lina Judi
  • Total Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

 

Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey are a flavorful, crispy, and perfectly cooked dish with a sweet and spicy kick. These bite-sized salmon pieces are seasoned with a smoky blend of spices and then drizzled with a delicious hot honey sauce, making them a perfect appetizer, snack, or main course. Fast and easy to make in the air fryer, they are sure to impress with their bold flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 12 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  • In a bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  • Add the salmon pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
  • Place the salmon pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the outside.
  • In a small saucepan, heat the honey and hot sauce together until combined.
  • Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the cooked salmon bites and garnish with chopped parsley.
  • Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your desired level of heat.
  • For added flavor, you can also serve the salmon bites with a dipping sauce such as garlic aioli or tartar sauce.
  • Make sure the salmon pieces are cut evenly to ensure even cooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes

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