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 love that irresistible combo of sweet and spicy, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is all about tender, bite-sized salmon pieces dressed up with smoky spices and a luscious hot honey butter glaze that’s nothing short of addictive.

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

Honestly, every time I whip up these salmon bites, they disappear faster than I expect. There’s something about that perfect balance of smoky paprika and sweet heat that makes them totally crave-worthy.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
Air Fryer Friendly: Uses the air fryer for that crispy outside and tender inside, no frying mess.
Flavor Packed: A simple seasoning mix complements the salmon without overpowering its natural flavor.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy as a tasty appetizer or pair with your favorite sides for a satisfying main course.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to ingredients here, simple is best. Choose fresh, skinless salmon filets for easy cubing and even cooking. And don’t skip the paprika and garlic powders—they bring that warm, savory backbone that pairs amazingly with sweet hot honey.

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: I always use skinless filets cut into 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking and easy bites.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the salmon moist during air frying.
Paprika: Adds a smoky depth and vibrant color to the seasoning mix.
Garlic powder: Brings savory richness without overpowering the delicate salmon.
Onion powder: Complements garlic with a subtle sweetness and umami boost.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance the sweetness of the honey glaze.
Unsalted butter: Creates a creamy base for the hot honey glaze, making it rich and luscious.
Hot honey: The star of the show—sweet with a kick of heat. You can use store-bought or make your own by infusing honey with chili flakes.
Parsley: Freshly chopped for a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness.

📝

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 this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your own tastes. Whether you want to dial up the heat, add some fresh herbs, or switch up the cooking method, these bites are a fantastic canvas for your creativity!

Spicy Upgrade: For those who love a serious kick, I like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper alongside the paprika. It deepens the spice and makes the hot honey glaze really sing.
Herbaceous Twist: Try adding chopped fresh dill or cilantro in the garnish for a fresh, bright contrast to the sweet and spicy glaze. It’s a lovely way to brighten things up.
Oven-Baked Option: Don’t have an air fryer? No worries! The 400°F oven method works beautifully, baking the salmon cubes for 16 minutes until tender and perfect. Just remember to flip halfway through for even cooking.
Homemade Hot Honey: If you're feeling adventurous, I like making my own hot honey by gently warming honey with chili flakes. It’s simple and really lets you control the heat level exactly how you like.

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 the Air Fryer to Perfection

Start by setting your air fryer to 390°F and allowing it to fully heat up. This preheating ensures your salmon bites cook evenly and get just the right texture — crispy on the outside but tender and juicy inside.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Cubes

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Add your 1-inch salmon cubes and gently toss them until every piece is well coated with this flavorful seasoning blend. This step is key to infusing each bite with savory depth before cooking.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon Bites

Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches. Air fry them for 9 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning and cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read between 140°F and 145°F — perfectly cooked, tender, and flaky salmon bites.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While the salmon cooks, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in ¼ cup of hot honey. Warm the mixture gently until everything is combined and fragrant, then remove it from the heat. This luscious glaze is what transforms those tender salmon bites into a sweet, spicy, and buttery indulgence.

Step 5: Coat and Toss the Salmon Bites

Transfer the cooked salmon bites directly into the saucepan with your warm hot honey butter. Gently toss the salmon pieces until each bite is evenly coated in that glossy, spicy glaze. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the delicate salmon chunks.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Once glazed, move the salmon bites to a serving dish and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve right away to enjoy their optimal texture — crispy edges, juicy middle, and that irresistible hot honey shine.

Top Tip

These tips can help you get the most delicious, perfectly cooked Hot Honey Salmon Bites every time, whether you’re using an air fryer or the oven.

Season Evenly: Make sure to gently toss the salmon cubes with the olive oil and spices until every piece is coated. Even seasoning ensures each bite bursts with flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Whether air frying or baking, give the salmon bites space to cook evenly. I learned the hard way that overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy bites.
Toss Gently with the Glaze: After cooking, gently folding the hot honey butter glaze into the salmon helps maintain the tender texture and evenly coats each bite without breaking them apart.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking that the internal temperature hits between 140°F and 145°F prevents overcooked, dry salmon and guarantees tender, juicy bites every time.

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

Chopped fresh parsley is the classic garnish to sprinkle over your Hot Honey Salmon Bites—adding a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness. You can also try a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions or a few delicate microgreens for a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

For a light meal, serve your salmon bites alongside a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus. If you want something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice make wonderful companions, soaking up that sweet and spicy hot honey glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Hot Honey Salmon Bites in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days—perfect for enjoying a quick protein-packed snack or meal the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, flash freeze the salmon bites first on a tray for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep best for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your salmon bites gently to avoid drying them out. The best method is to warm them in a low oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes, or briefly in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! You can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cubing and seasoning to ensure the bites aren’t watery and cook evenly.

How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The glaze has a gentle, pleasant heat balanced by sweetness. You can adjust it by using milder or hotter chili flakes or by varying the amount of hot honey you add.

Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Warm it gently before tossing with the cooked salmon bites for best results.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can bake the salmon bites in a 400°F oven for 16 minutes, flipping halfway, as detailed in the recipe instructions. They’ll still come out flavorful and tender.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Salmon Bites are one of those special recipes that come together quickly but deliver impressive flavor and texture. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these spicy, sweet, and tender bites never fail to impress. I hope this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe becomes a go-to in your kitchen for a delicious and healthy twist on salmon. Happy cooking!