🐟 Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey
These air fryer salmon bites are perfectly seasoned, cooked until lightly crisp on the outside and flaky inside, then tossed in a sticky hot honey glaze made with honey, chili flakes, and a splash of lemon.
They’re:
-
Ready in under 20 minutes
-
High in protein
-
Great for bowls, tacos, salads, or as an appetizer
Sweet + spicy + savory = seriously addictive.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salmon:
-
1½ pounds salmon fillet (skin removed)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
-
⅓ cup honey
-
½–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
-
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional but recommended)
-
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
-
½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
-
Pinch of salt
Optional garnish:
-
Chopped parsley
-
Sesame seeds
-
Extra drizzle of hot honey
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Salmon
-
Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
-
Cut into 1–1½ inch cubes.
-
Toss with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
2️⃣ Air Fry
-
Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
-
Arrange salmon cubes in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
-
Air fry for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway.
-
Salmon should be lightly crisp outside and flaky inside.
Internal temp: 125–130°F for medium, 140–145°F for well done.
3️⃣ Make the Hot Honey
While salmon cooks:
-
Add honey, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, lemon juice, vinegar, and salt to a small saucepan.
-
Warm over low heat 2–3 minutes (do not boil).
-
Remove from heat and let steep 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Toss & Serve
-
Place cooked salmon bites in a bowl.
-
Drizzle with warm hot honey.
-
Gently toss to coat.
Garnish and serve immediately.
🥗 Serving Ideas
These salmon bites are amazing:
-
Over jasmine rice with avocado
-
In lettuce wraps
-
On top of a chopped salad
-
In tacos with slaw
-
In a grain bowl with quinoa & roasted veggies
❓ Q & A
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes — thaw completely and pat very dry before seasoning.
Q2: How do I keep salmon from drying out?
-
Don’t overcook.
-
Check at 7 minutes.
-
Slightly undercook if tossing in hot glaze.
Q3: Can I make this less spicy?
Yes:
-
Reduce red pepper flakes.
-
Skip hot sauce.
-
Add extra honey.
Q4: Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely:
-
Add cayenne.
-
Increase hot sauce.
-
Use chili crisp instead of flakes.
Q5: Can I make this in the oven?
Yes.
-
Bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes.
-
Broil 1–2 minutes at the end for crisp edges.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
-
Refrigerate up to 3 days.
-
Reheat in air fryer 2–3 minutes.
-
Avoid microwaving too long (it dries out).
