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 a perfect balance of sweet and spicy with a seafood twist, then you’re going to adore this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe. These bite-sized treats pack a flavorful punch, cooked quickly and coated in a luscious hot honey glaze that’s just irresistible.

In the white bowl, many small golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken sit close together, each with a slightly crispy, textured outer layer. A woman's hand holds a wooden honey dipper above the bowl, dripping shiny, thick honey that glistens as it falls onto the warm chicken, adding a glossy shine and extra moisture. The honey highlights the rich, warm browns and soft orange tones of the chicken pieces. The background is a soft white marbled texture. 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 honestly can’t get enough of how these salmon bites come out — crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfectly glazed with that spicy-sweet hot honey sauce. They’re my go-to when I want something quick, delicious, and a little bit adventurous.

Quick and Easy: Ready from start to finish in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Flexible Cooking Options: Whether you have an air fryer or just an oven, you can make these bites effortlessly.
Bold Flavor: A vibrant mix of paprika, garlic, and onion powder gives the salmon a savory base that’s elevated by the hot honey glaze.
Perfect for Sharing: Great as an appetizer or a light main dish, they’re sure to impress at your next gathering.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let’s chat about the key ingredients here. Fresh salmon is where this recipe shines, and a simple but flavorful seasoning mix helps it stand out. Don’t worry if you don’t have homemade hot honey on hand—store-bought works wonderfully, too!

Flat lay of fresh cubed salmon pieces, a small pile of paprika powder, a small pile of garlic powder, a small pile of onion powder, coarse kosher salt crystals, whole black peppercorns, two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, hot honey in a small white ceramic bowl, and a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, all arranged symmetrically 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: Using skinless filets cut into 1-inch cubes ensures quick, even cooking and bite-sized portions perfect for dipping or sharing.
Extra virgin olive oil: Gives the salmon a nice coating that helps the spices stick and promotes a slightly crispy finish in the air fryer or oven.
Paprika: Adds a smoky depth and vibrant color to the seasoning mix.
Garlic powder: Brings savory warmth and enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
Onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and complexity to the seasoning blend.
Kosher salt: Essential for drawing out flavors and seasoning the salmon perfectly.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and spice.
Unsalted butter: Melted with hot honey, it creates a rich, smooth base for the glaze that coats the salmon bites beautifully.
Hot honey: The star of the glaze—sweet with a spicy kick. Homemade or store-bought, it pairs perfectly with salmon’s natural richness.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness 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 this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you prefer a milder kick or want to ramp up the heat, or if you’d like to tweak the seasoning to suit your mood, these bites welcome your personal twist.

Variation: For a smokier depth, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. I love how it adds a subtle smoky warmth that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy glaze.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great appetizer option for guests with gluten sensitivities.
Seasonal Twist: Swap fresh parsley garnish for chopped cilantro or basil in the summer months for a fresh herbal note.
Spice Level: Adjust the hot honey amount to your liking. If you want it less spicy, mix your hot honey with a bit of regular honey before glazing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

A bowl filled with a base layer of white fluffy rice, topped with several pieces of shiny, glazed orange-brown grilled tofu arranged in the center. Underneath and around the tofu, there are bright green grilled asparagus stalks. On the side, there is a serving of fresh green herbs with some small yellow and orange edible flowers adding color. A small white bowl with pale green creamy dressing sits on the right edge inside the larger bowl. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with rustic wooden elements and small utensils visible around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer to 390°F

I always start by preheating the air fryer to 390°F. This step is key because it ensures that the salmon bites cook evenly and get a nice crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. It usually takes a couple of minutes for the air fryer to reach temperature, so use this time to season your salmon.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Cubes

In a large bowl, I mix 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. Then I toss 1½ pounds of salmon cubes gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated in those beautiful spices. This seasoning blend complements the hot honey glaze perfectly without overpowering the natural salmon flavor.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon Bites

Next, I arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket—if needed, cook in batches to keep the bites crispy all over. I air fry them for 9-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking and browning. The salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F and flakes easily but stays juicy.

Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

While the salmon cooks, I heat 3 tablespoons of room-temperature unsalted butter and ¼ cup (85 g) of hot honey together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Just stir until the mixture melts and is warmed through, then remove from heat. The warm, glossy sauce is what gives these bites their signature sweet-heat balance.

Step 5: Toss and Coat the Salmon Bites

When the salmon bites finish cooking, I transfer them directly into the saucepan with the hot honey glaze. Gently tossing them in the warm sauce ensures every single bite is luxuriously coated. This step is where the magic happens — that sticky, spicy glaze makes them irresistible.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finally, I sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the salmon bites for a pop of color and a touch of brightness. Serve these while they’re still warm for the best texture and flavor. Whether you’re sharing them as an appetizer or plating them as a light main, these Hot Honey Salmon Bites always disappear fast!

Top Tip

Mastering the Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is all about balancing flavors and cooking the salmon just right. Here are some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way to help your bites turn out perfectly every time.

Even-Sized Bites: Cutting your salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes ensures they cook evenly and fit perfectly into your air fryer basket or oven sheet.
Don’t Overcrowd: Whether using an air fryer or oven, give your salmon bites space. Crowding leads to steaming rather than crisping, which changes the texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking that your salmon hits 140-145°F guarantees juicy, tender bites without overcooking.
Coat Gently: Toss your salmon cubes carefully with the seasoning and later the hot honey glaze to keep the salmon intact and well-coated.

How to Serve Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

A transparent glass bowl filled with many small brown crispy cubes of cooked meat, evenly browned with a slightly charred texture. Above the bowl, a metal pot is tilting as a light yellow oily sauce is pouring down onto the meat cubes. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, showing a contrast between the warm brown meat and the cool white background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a gentle herbal contrast to the sweet and spicy glaze. For a little more zing, try lemon zest or a few thin slices of green onion. If you like a little extra heat, a light dusting of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes works wonders.

Side Dishes

Hot Honey Salmon Bites pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve with quinoa or wild rice tossed with fresh herbs and lemon. These sides help balance the bold, sweet, and spicy flavors while keeping the meal satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Hot Honey Salmon Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To keep the salmon bites from getting soggy, store the hot honey glaze separately if possible and toss just before reheating.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked salmon bites without the glaze. Arrange the bites in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Add the hot honey glaze after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your salmon bites gently in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or warm in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes. Add the hot honey glaze after reheating if stored separately. This approach keeps the bites tender while preserving their crispy edges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon to make this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon and pat it dry before cutting and seasoning. This helps the seasoning stick and prevents excess moisture during cooking.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can follow the oven instructions by baking the seasoned salmon cubes at 400°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method also yields delicious results.

How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The spice heat depends on the hot honey you choose or make. It delivers a sweet heat that complements, not overwhelms, the salmon. You can adjust by using more or less hot honey to suit your taste.

Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before tossing with the cooked salmon bites for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe offers a fantastic blend of sweet, spicy, and savory all in one bite-sized delight. Whether you’re impressing guests with a stylish appetizer or craving something quick and tasty, this recipe won’t disappoint. With simple ingredients and flexible cooking methods, it’s truly a winner in my kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these flavorful bites as much as I do!