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Hot Honey Salmon Bites

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Fresh salmon is cut into bite-sized cubes and tossed in a simple blend of paprika, garlic, onion powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once coated, the cubes are air fried or oven baked until just cooked through with a crisp golden exterior. Warm butter is combined with hot honey to make a glossy glaze, which is poured over the salmon just before serving. A final sprinkle of chopped parsley adds brightness. These bites are perfect for serving as an appetizer at gatherings or enjoyed over rice for a fast, bold-flavored main dish. The hint of spice balanced by sweet honey gives the salmon rich, irresistible character.

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Created By Sarah
Last updated on Tue, 15 Jul 2025 08:40:50 GMT
A plate of food with a sauce. Save
A plate of food with a sauce. | sarahmeal.com

Hot honey salmon bites are my go-to dish when I want something that wows guests but needs minimal work. Each bite packs a punch of tender salmon and a sweet-spicy glaze that clings to the crisp edges. This recipe doubles as a standout party appetizer or a quick weeknight main that never fails to impress.

I love making this when friends come by unexpectedly. The aroma fills my kitchen and not a single salmon bite ever makes it to the leftovers container.

Ingredients

  • Salmon: Choose high-quality fillets for the freshest flavor. Skinless is best for even bites
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the salmon and promotes crisping in the air fryer or oven
  • Paprika: Gives a smoky depth Try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor
  • Garlic powder: Lends aroma and savory intensity Opt for fresh garlic for extra punch
  • Onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and complements the honey
  • Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances natural salmon flavor
  • Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the spice profile Freshly cracked is ideal
  • Unsalted butter: Forms a silky base for the glaze and mingles beautifully with honey
  • Hot honey: Delivers sweet heat Homemade is great but store-bought works in a pinch
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh note

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry and remove any stray bones. Cut the salmon into uniform one-inch cubes for even cooking and the perfect poppable bite.
Season the Salmon:
In a large bowl mix olive oil with paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper. Add the cubed salmon and gently toss to ensure each piece is fully coated with the seasoning blend.
Cook the Salmon Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to medium-high temperature. Arrange salmon cubes in a single layer so the air can circulate. Cook for about ten minutes shaking the basket or flipping bites halfway until the pieces are golden and cooked through.
Cook the Salmon Oven:
Preheat your oven to a high setting. Line a baking sheet with parchment and arrange the seasoned salmon cubes evenly. Bake for sixteen minutes flipping each piece halfway for even browning and cooking until the salmon is opaque and tender.
Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze:
Use a medium saucepan to melt butter over gentle heat then stir in the hot honey until the mixture is liquid and cohesive. Turn off the heat as soon as the glaze comes together.
Glaze the Salmon:
Transfer cooked salmon bites into the saucepan and toss gently so each piece gets completely coated in the warm glossy hot honey mixture.
Garnish and Serve:
Arrange the glazed bites on a platter scatter with fresh parsley and serve right away while they are crisp and sticky.
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A plate of food with a sauce. | sarahmeal.com

Storage Tips

Keep extra salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For best taste reheat in the air fryer or oven so the edges crisp up again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the salmon soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap hot honey with regular honey and a pinch of red chili flakes if you do not have the premade version. If you are out of butter olive oil makes a good stand-in for the glaze though the texture will be lighter. Fresh dill or cilantro can be used in place of parsley for a different twist.

A plate of food with sauce on it. Save
A plate of food with sauce on it. | sarahmeal.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve the salmon bites on skewers or as sliders for easy finger food at parties. They go beautifully atop grain bowls or salads and can even be wrapped in lettuce leaves with a squeeze of lime for a lighter option.

Cultural and Historical Context

Glazed salmon dishes pull inspiration from both Asian and Southern American cuisines where sweet and heat often pair together. Hot honey has roots in American kitchens but variations using honey and chili peppers have existed worldwide for generations. This dish plays up that timeless combo with a modern approach that works for any gathering.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use store-bought hot honey?

Yes, both store-bought and homemade hot honey work well for glazing the salmon bites. Adjust heat to your preference.

→ Is it necessary to remove the salmon skin?

Removing the skin helps the seasoning and glaze coat the salmon evenly and ensures a more pleasant texture when eating.

→ Can I bake instead of air fry?

Absolutely. Bake salmon cubes at 400°F for about 16 minutes, flipping halfway, until just cooked through.

→ What sides pair well with these salmon bites?

Try serving with rice, roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or on skewers as party bites.

→ How do I make homemade hot honey?

Combine honey with chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce. Warm gently and strain before using.

→ How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

Salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F and flakes easily with a fork.

Hot Honey Salmon Bites

Crispy salmon cubes glazed with hot honey and butter, finished with a sprinkle of parsley.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
16 minutes
Total Duration
31 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: Contemporary American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (Approximately 24 salmon bites)

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Salmon & Seasoning

Ingredient 01 680 grams salmon, skins removed, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
Ingredient 02 30 millilitres extra virgin olive oil
Ingredient 03 5 grams paprika
Ingredient 04 5 grams garlic powder
Ingredient 05 5 grams onion powder
Ingredient 06 5 grams kosher salt
Ingredient 07 2.5 grams black pepper

→ Glaze & Garnish

Ingredient 08 42 grams unsalted butter, at room temperature
Ingredient 09 60 millilitres hot honey
Ingredient 10 Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 205°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Instruction 02

In a large bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon cubes and gently toss until evenly coated.

Instruction 03

Arrange seasoned salmon cubes in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 9–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 60–63°C.

Instruction 04

Arrange seasoned salmon cubes on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the salmon’s internal temperature reaches 63°C.

Instruction 05

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter with hot honey, stirring until fully combined. Remove from heat once the mixture is warmed through.

Instruction 06

Add cooked salmon to the saucepan and gently toss to coat with the hot honey glaze. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Additional Tips

  1. For even doneness, cut salmon into equal-sized pieces prior to seasoning.
  2. Hot honey can be prepared by infusing honey with chilli flakes or a small amount of hot sauce.

Essential Tools

  • Air fryer
  • Oven
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains fish (salmon)
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 355
  • Fat Content: 21 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 9 grams
  • Protein Content: 32 grams