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 sweet, spicy, and downright addictive, this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. These little bites pack big flavor with a perfectly crisp outside and tender, juicy salmon inside.

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’m honestly amazed at how quickly these salmon bites come together, and that delicious hot honey glaze just seals the deal. Every time I make this, it’s the first thing gone at the table!

Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Perfectly balanced flavors: Sweet, spicy, and savory notes work together beautifully in every bite.
Healthy and gluten free: A wholesome choice without sacrificing flavor—and it fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet.
Versatile cooking method: Air fryer or oven instructions mean you can make this anytime, no special equipment needed.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Choose fresh salmon filets with firm flesh and a vibrant pink color for the best taste and texture. Feel free to pick up your favorite hot honey brand or make your own for a personal twist!

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 and skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes to ensure quick, even cooking.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the spices stick and adds a subtle fruity richness.
Paprika: Adds smoky depth and a warm color to the salmon bites.
Garlic powder: Delivers classic savory flavor without the harshness of fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Enhances the savory profile and layers the seasoning.
Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the salmon and spices.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
Unsalted butter: Makes the hot honey glaze creamy and rich without overpowering the sauce.
Hot honey: The star ingredient—a perfect blend of sweetness and heat that coats each bite.
Parsley: Fresh, chopped parsley gives a vibrant, herbal punch as a finishing touch.

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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 things about the Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want to dial up the heat, play with the sweetness, or even add a fresh twist, this recipe welcomes your personal touch.

Spicy Boost: I like turning up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha to the hot honey glaze. It gives the salmon bites an extra kick that keeps things exciting!
Herbaceous Flair: Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can swap in for parsley when you want a different fresh flavor profile. I tried dill once, and it gave the dish a lovely bright note that paired beautifully with the glaze.
Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten free, so feel confident serving it to friends and family who avoid gluten. Just double-check any store-bought hot honey you use is certified gluten-free.
Oven-Friendly: Don’t have an air fryer? No worries! The oven method is just as delicious. I like baking the salmon bites while prepping the glaze on the stove, making multitasking in the kitchen super easy.
Seasonal Twist: Swap out hot honey for a fruit-infused honey in spring or summer — like peach or orange blossom honey — to add a subtle seasonal sweetness. I found it adds a lovely dimension that keeps the bites feeling fresh and new.

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 Your Air Fryer to 390°F

Starting with a hot air fryer makes all the difference! Preheat your air fryer to 390°F so it’s ready to cook the salmon bites evenly and crisp them up beautifully. This high temp helps seal in the moisture while giving the outside a nice light crust. If you don’t have an air fryer, preheat your oven to 400°F instead and prepare for a slightly longer cook time.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Cubes

In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon cubes and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated in this flavorful seasoning mix. I find that using my hands for tossing really helps make sure the spices cling to every jagged edge of the bites. This seasoning blend lays the perfect savory foundation for the sweet-spicy glaze that comes later.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer

Place your seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket—avoid overcrowding so they cook evenly. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might want to do this in batches. Cook at 390°F for 9-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking and a lightly crisped texture. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temp between 140°F and 145°F to ensure your salmon is perfectly cooked but still juicy and tender.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While your salmon bites are cooking, melt the unsalted butter and hot honey together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. This gentle warming helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes the glaze silky smooth. When it’s nicely melted and warmed through, remove the pan from heat. The buttery sweetness mixed with the spicy honey is pure magic!

Step 5: Toss the Salmon Bites in the Glaze

Carefully add the hot, cooked salmon bites to the saucepan with the hot honey glaze. Gently toss the pieces so they are all deliciously and evenly coated with the sticky sweet and spicy sauce. Take your time here to avoid breaking the salmon apart, and make sure every bite shines with glaze.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Transfer your glazed salmon bites to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a bright pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy edges, tender salmon, and that irresistible hot honey glaze. These bites work wonderfully as an appetizer or paired with rice and veggies for a full meal.

Top Tip

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

Air Fryer Temperature and Timing: Make sure your air fryer is fully preheated to 390°F before cooking. This ensures your salmon bites get that perfect crispy exterior without drying out.
Even Seasoning: Gently toss the salmon cubes with the seasoning mixture so each piece gets an even coating but remains intact. I've found that over-handling can cause the bites to break apart.
Coating in Hot Honey Glaze: Add the salmon bites to the warm hot honey and butter sauce off the heat to prevent cooking them further. This keeps them tender while beautifully coating each bite.
Batch Cooking: If your air fryer basket is small, cook the salmon bites in batches. Overcrowding will steam the salmon rather than crisp it up, which changes the texture significantly.

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

Fresh chopped parsley is a simple and bright garnish that adds a lovely color contrast and a hint of herbal freshness. For an extra pop, try a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions or a dash of toasted sesame seeds to enhance texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

These salmon bites pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Consider serving them alongside fluffy steamed rice, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic buttered noodles work beautifully too.

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. Because they’re coated in the honey glaze, the flavors remain moist and tasty even after chilling.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked salmon bites by first letting them cool completely. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the salmon bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness without drying them out. Alternatively, warm them in the oven on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the glaze sticky and the salmon rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can bake the seasoned salmon cubes in a 400°F oven for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Then toss with the hot honey glaze as usual.

What is hot honey, and where can I buy it?

Hot honey is honey infused with chili flakes or hot sauce to give a sweet and spicy kick. You can find it in many grocery stores or make your own by mixing honey with red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.

How do I ensure the salmon bites stay moist and don't dry out?

Cooking at 390°F in an air fryer for 9-10 minutes and tossing the bites off the heat in the warm hot honey glaze helps retain moisture. Using a meat thermometer ensures you don’t overcook—aim for an internal temperature between 140°F and 145°F.

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

While salmon works best here because of its rich flavor and texture, you can experiment with other firm, bite-sized fish pieces like cod or tuna. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Salmon Bites make for a delightful blend of sweet heat and tender, flaky salmon that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving them as a shareable appetizer or a quick weeknight dinner, they hit the perfect note every time. I hope this recipe brings a little warmth and excitement to your table — enjoy every bite!