These Air Fryer Hot Honey Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with an irresistible sweet-and-spicy drizzle. Perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner that's ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe checks all the boxes for busy weeknights.
As a dietitian, I love recommending salmon for its heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, making this dish both delicious and nourishing. Cooking salmon bites in the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze and gives you the most perfect flaky salmon!
Looking for more delicious air fryer recipes? Try my reader favorites like spicy buffalo chicken bombs, crispy empanadas caprese, or dunkable pecan crusted chicken fingers!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: On the table in just 15 minutes, this healthy meal is perfect for busy nights!
- Nutritious and filling: Loaded with protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied.
- Sweet and spicy flavor: The hot honey drizzle goes perfectly with the smoky blackened seasoning, creating a sweet and spicy combo that's downright irresistible!
For another easy air fryer dinner, try my bbq pork tenderloin bites!
Ingredients
Grab a few simple ingredients and whip up this air fryer salmon bites recipe!
- Fresh salmon: Choose a vibrant fillet without a fishy odor. Wild-caught salmon typically offers deeper flavor, while farm-raised is mild and buttery.
- Blackened seasoning: Provides that bold, smoky flavor with a subtle kick. You can use store bought or make your own homemade blackened seasoning!
- Hot honey: This sweet and spicy drizzle is a Southern favorite, adding the perfect kick to any dish. You can find hot honey at most grocery stores, but it's also super easy to make at home. Try my Jalapeño Honey for a homemade twist with extra flavor!
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
Want to customize these crispy hot honey salmon bites? Here are some tasty ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Try Cajun, lemon pepper, or garlic herb seasoning instead of blackened seasoning.
- Substitute maple syrup or regular honey for hot honey if you prefer milder sweetness.
- Sprinkle salmon with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or drizzle with additional hot sauce for extra spice.
- Coat salmon bites in a light dusting of panko breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds before air frying for a crispier texture.
- If you don't have an air fryer, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and place bite-sized salmon pieces in an even layer. Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, until golden and flaky, then drizzle with hot honey before serving.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make crispy, flavorful hot honey salmon bites in the air fryer.
Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry thoroughly with a paper towel, then slice into even 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, gently toss salmon cubes with olive oil and blackened seasoning until evenly coated.
Step 3: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange salmon chunks in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 4: Place hot salmon bites onto a serving dish and generously drizzle with hot honey. Serve immediately and savor!
Tips for Best Results
Follow these easy tips to achieve perfect salmon bites every single time:
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure proper air circulation, which results in even crispiness. You can work in batches if necessary!
- Before seasoning, make sure to pat the salmon dry thoroughly. Removing excess moisture is essential for getting those crispy edges and golden browning.
- Immediately drizzle hot honey onto the warm salmon bites so they soak up just the right amount of heat.
- Serve salmon bites alongside quick and healthy sides like spicy roasted green beans, hot honey brussel sprouts, or crispy sweet potato wedges fresh from the air fryer. Tossing over rice bowls would also make a satisfying and balanced meal!
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through, then drizzle fresh hot honey just before serving.
- These salmon bites are also perfect for meal prep! Cook them ahead of time, store them in individual containers along with rice, veggies, or your favorite side, and drizzle with hot honey right before enjoying for a quick lunch throughout the week.
Ready to spice up your weeknight dinner with sweet and smoky salmon bites?
Scroll down to the recipe card to make this quick and flavorful meal. If you try it, I'd love to see- tag me @healthdownsouth so I can see your delicious salmon bite creations!
FAQ
Use a digital thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 145°F. The salmon should be opaque, flaky, and tender when cooked through.
They're best fresh, but you can prep salmon cubes earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just season and air fry right before serving.
Yes! If your little ones prefer less spice, simply use regular honey or maple syrup instead of hot honey.
More Recipes You'll Love!
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Crispy Air Fryer Hot Honey Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ teaspoons blackened seasoning store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons hot honey store-bought or homemade Jalapeño Honey
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry thoroughly with a paper towel, then slice into even 1-inch cubes.
- In a medium bowl, gently toss salmon cubes with olive oil and blackened seasoning until evenly coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange salmon chunks in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Place hot salmon bites onto a serving dish and generously drizzle with hot honey. Serve immediately and savor!
Notes
- Oven Option: No air fryer? Bake salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, then drizzle with hot honey.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep and season the salmon in advance. Store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying.
- For extra spice, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving or use extra hot honey.
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