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 with a perfect balance of sweet heat and tender, flaky fish, you’re going to love this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe. These little bites pack punchy flavors and come together super fast—ideal for when you want something impressive but fuss-free.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with many small, browned pieces of cooked chicken that have a crispy texture with visible seasoning specks. Above the bowl, a woman's hand holds a wooden honey dipper, drizzling golden, shiny honey over the chicken pieces, creating a glistening layer. The honey forms thick, sticky streams that cover some chicken pieces unevenly. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, and the overall look of the dish is warm and inviting, with a contrast between the dark crispy chicken and the bright honey. 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 these salmon bites come out—crispy on the outside, tender inside, with that luscious hot honey glaze that keeps you coming back for more.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Flavor Explosion: A combo of smoky paprika, garlic, and spicy-sweet glaze that’s totally addictive.
Healthy Yet Indulgent: Low-fat and packed with protein, yet loaded with rich buttery and honey flavors.
Versatile Serving: Great as a snack, appetizer, or light main course—and super simple to customize.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering fresh, quality ingredients makes all the difference here. When shopping, look for vibrant salmon fillets and good-quality hot honey or make your own for that personal touch.

Flat lay of fresh, bite-sized cubes of raw salmon with vibrant pink-orange flesh, a small white ceramic bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, a neat pile of bright red paprika powder, another small white bowl containing fine white garlic powder, a similar white bowl with light beige onion powder, a small heap of coarse kosher salt crystals, a white bowl with cracked black peppercorns, a few pats of creamy unsalted butter resting directly on the white ceramic surface, a small white bowl filled with glossy amber hot honey, and a handful of freshly chopped bright green parsley leaves arranged in a simple white ceramic bowl, placed 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 or thawed, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking and easy eating.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a subtle richness.
Paprika: Brings a smoky depth that complements the honey’s sweetness beautifully.
Garlic Powder: For that warm, savory kick without overpowering the dish.
Onion Powder: Adds subtle complexity and rounds out the spice blend.
Kosher Salt: Seasoning is key to enhancing the salmon’s natural flavor.
Black Pepper: Provides just enough heat and sharpness.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a silky glaze base that carries the hot honey perfectly.
Hot Honey: The star of the show—sweet with a fiery bite that makes every bite unforgettable.
Parsley: Fresh chopped for a bright finish and 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 Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to tweak and tailor the flavors to your liking. Whether you love it super spicy, prefer a milder glaze, or want to add a little extra crunch, there’s a variation here for you to explore.

Spice Level: If you prefer a gentler heat, simply cut the hot honey quantity in half or swap it with regular honey. I’ve found this is a great way to enjoy the sweet and subtle heat without overwhelming the delicate salmon flavor.
Crunch Factor: For some added texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped toasted almonds over the glazed salmon bites just before serving. It adds a delightful crunch that balances nicely with the tender fish.
Fresh Herb Twist: Try swapping parsley for fresh cilantro or basil for a different herbaceous note. I personally love how basil adds a slight anise-like aroma that complements the smoky paprika seasoning beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your hot honey brand if you’re serving guests with allergies or sensitivities.
Oven Alternative: Don’t have an air fryer? No worries! Baking the salmon bites at 400°F for 16 minutes does the trick perfectly. I usually pop them on parchment-lined trays to keep cleanup easy and avoid sticking.

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

In a white bowl on a white marbled surface, a bed of white rice forms the base layer. On top of the rice, there are charred green asparagus spears arranged in a fan shape. Over the asparagus, several pieces of glazed golden-orange chicken are stacked, showing a shiny, slightly caramelized texture. Scattered around and under the chicken and asparagus are sprigs of fresh green herbs and small edible flowers in red and yellow tones. On the right side inside the bowl, there is a small round white bowl filled with a creamy green herb sauce that also drizzles lightly over the rice and asparagus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare for Perfect Cooking

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. This step is key for getting the salmon bites cooked evenly with a lovely, slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. A properly preheated air fryer ensures you hit that sweet spot in texture and doneness.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites with Care

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the 1-inch salmon cubes and gently toss them until every piece is evenly coated with this flavorful blend. The seasoning mixture really gives the salmon its signature smoky and savory base that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.

Step 3: Air Fry for the Perfect Texture

Arrange your seasoned salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure the heat circulates properly, cooking the bites evenly. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to cook in batches. Air fry for 9 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to crisp up all sides. Aim for an internal temperature between 140-145°F — perfectly cooked salmon that is moist inside but with a slight crust outside.

Step 4: Make the Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Glaze

While the salmon is cooking, place unsalted butter and hot honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until fully melted and heated through. This makes a silky, luscious glaze that’s both sweet and spicy—the true star that elevates these salmon bites.

Step 5: Coat and Garnish for Serving

Once the salmon bites are out of the air fryer, immediately toss them gently in the hot honey glaze, making sure every bite gets a sticky, flavorful coating. Finally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to brighten the dish with a touch of herbal freshness and color. Serve right away to enjoy the contrast of warm, spicy-sweet bites with the refreshing garnish.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe, ensuring each bite is perfectly cooked, flavorful, and beautifully presented every time.

Seasoning Balance: I find that mixing paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder with kosher salt and black pepper before tossing the salmon cubes really creates that deep, balanced flavor that complements the hot honey glaze perfectly.
Air Fryer Technique: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures each salmon bite crisps evenly without drying out. Don’t overcrowd the basket — cooking in batches makes a big difference.
Glaze Application: Toss the salmon bites gently in the warm hot honey sauce right after cooking. This keeps the glaze glossy and evenly coated without breaking up the tender bites.
Temperature Watch: Using a thermometer to confirm the salmon’s internal temperature reaches 140-145°F helps avoid overcooking and keeps the salmon juicy and tender.

How to Serve Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with about three layers of small, browned, crispy food pieces arranged loosely inside. Above the bowl, an aluminum cup is tilted, pouring a light yellow-green liquid sauce over the top of the food pieces, creating a shiny wet texture on some of them. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the wooden texture seen in the background is removed as per instructions. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to the sweet and spicy glaze. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions to add texture and a subtle nutty or sharp bite.

Side Dishes

Hot Honey Salmon Bites pair beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp mixed greens salad or steamed asparagus. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside garlic roasted potatoes, fluffy couscous, or even creamy mashed cauliflower. A citrusy slaw would also brighten and balance the richness perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Hot Honey Salmon Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Keep the glaze mixed in to maintain the flavor, but be mindful the salmon is best enjoyed the same day for optimal texture.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon bites isn’t highly recommended as it can affect the texture, but if needed, place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually before transferring into a freezer-safe bag. Consume within 1 month for best quality and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the salmon rubbery. To refresh the glaze, warm a little extra hot honey and butter mixture and toss the bites again before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to fully thaw it before cutting into cubes and seasoning. This helps the seasoning and glaze stick better and ensures even cooking in the air fryer.

What can I substitute for hot honey if I want a milder flavor?

If you prefer a less spicy option, simply use regular honey instead of hot honey. Alternatively, reduce the amount of hot honey or make your own by minimizing chili flakes in the homemade version.

Can I bake the salmon bites instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, bake the seasoned salmon bites for 16 minutes flipping halfway through until they reach 145°F internally, then toss in the hot honey glaze before serving.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is your best bet. Salmon bites are perfectly cooked when they reach an internal temperature between 140-145°F. This ensures they’re cooked through but still moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Salmon Bites are such a delightful treat—quick to prepare, bursting with balanced flavors, and wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a light, satisfying meal, these bites bring just the right amount of sweet heat to your plate. I love how the air fryer makes cooking fast and fuss-free, so you can focus on enjoying every delicious bite with family or friends. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!