Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the rich, tender flavor of salmon with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, creating a delightful contrast that’s sure to please your taste buds. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests. Plus, the versatility of serving options—from appetizers to main courses—ensures it fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
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 hot honey, homemade or store-bought
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add salmon bites and gently toss to coat.
- Place the salmon bites into the basket of the air fryer in an even layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Air fry for 9-10 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C), shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and hot honey. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is heated through.
- Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey mixture over the salmon and gently toss to coat.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Oven Method: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon bites. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the seasoned salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 16 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
- Spice Level Adjustment: To reduce the heat, substitute regular honey for hot honey. For more spice, add a few drops of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the hot honey until it reaches your desired level of heat.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks, pair with sides like roasted vegetables or rice, use as a filling for tacos or wraps, create salmon bowls over grains and vegetables, or toss with cooked pasta.
Storage/Reheating
To store the salmon bites, first, let them cool to room temperature. If possible, separate the sauce from the salmon to store separately. Then, store the salmon and hot honey in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will last a couple of days. Reheat the bites in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
FAQs
How can I adjust the spiciness of the hot honey glaze?
You can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of hot honey used. For less heat, use regular honey. For more spice, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the hot honey until it reaches your desired level of heat.
Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the salmon bites in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), place the seasoned salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 16 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
What are some serving suggestions for hot honey salmon bites?
These bites can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks, paired with sides like roasted vegetables or rice, used as a filling for tacos or wraps, added to salmon bowls over grains and vegetables, or tossed with cooked pasta.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Let the salmon cool to room temperature, then store the salmon and hot honey separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will last a couple of days. Reheat the bites in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure the salmon is fully thawed before cutting it into pieces and proceeding with the recipe.
Is it possible to make homemade hot honey?
Yes, you can make homemade hot honey by infusing honey with red pepper flakes and a touch of apple cider vinegar. This allows you to control the heat level to your preference.
What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
Fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with the skin removed are ideal. Wild-caught varieties like sockeye or coho are flavorful options.
Can I prepare the hot honey glaze in advance?
Yes, the hot honey glaze can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat gently before tossing with the cooked salmon bites.
What other proteins can I use with this hot honey glaze?
The hot honey glaze pairs well with other proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu, offering a versatile option for various dietary preferences.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter in the glaze with a plant-based butter alternative or additional olive oil.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Salmon Bites offer a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, making them a versatile addition to your meal repertoire.
Hot Honey Salmon Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hot Honey Salmon Bites are sweet, spicy, and irresistibly tender, making them perfect for appetizers or main courses. These bite-sized salmon pieces, seasoned to perfection and cooked in an air fryer or oven, are smothered in a flavorful hot honey glaze. A quick and easy recipe that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
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 hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add salmon bites and gently toss to coat.
- Arrange salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 9-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C).
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with hot honey until smooth and heated through.
- Transfer cooked salmon bites to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey glaze over the bites and gently toss to coat.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Oven Method: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for about 16 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Adjust spice level by using regular honey or adding hot sauce/red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Serve as an appetizer, main course, or part of tacos, bowls, or pasta dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer, Oven
- Cuisine: American
