Name: Spicy 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're craving a burst of sweet heat and tender seafood, you’ve got to try my Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe. These little gems pack a punch with a perfectly crispy exterior and a luscious spicy honey glaze that’ll have you coming back for more.

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 Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I made these salmon bites after a long week, and honestly, they were the perfect way to treat myself without spending hours in the kitchen. They come together so easily, yet taste like you slaved away all day.

Quick and Easy: Ready to eat in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Perfectly Portionable: Bite-sized cubes make them ideal for snacking or serving as a fancy appetizer.
Versatile Cooking: Whether you have an air fryer or just an oven, you’re covered.
Iridescent Flavor Balance: The smoky, savory seasoning pairs beautifully with that sweet and spicy hot honey glaze.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites recipe, I like to keep things simple yet flavorful. Fresh, high-quality salmon is key here — it’s the star of the show! And when choosing your hot honey, you can go store-bought or whip up your own for a personalized kick.

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 recommend fresh, skinless filets cut into cubes for quick, even cooking and tender texture.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a subtle fruitiness.
Paprika: Brings smoky warmth and vibrant color to the salmon bites.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth and a mild pungency enhancing the overall flavor.
Onion Powder: Balances garlic with a touch of savoriness and sweetness.
Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in the salmon and spices.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthiness that complements the sweet glaze.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich base for the hot honey glaze, ensuring it’s velvety and coats the salmon perfectly.
Hot Honey: The shining ingredient that marries sweetness with a spicy punch—make it homemade or grab a good quality bottle.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bright herbal note to finish off the dish.

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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 Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak the heat level or herbs to suit your palate and occasion—there’s so much room to make these bites uniquely yours!

Add a fiery kick: I love sprinkling a pinch of cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix or drizzling extra hot honey on top just before serving for that unapologetic heat.
Herb swaps: Parsley is classic, but cilantro or fresh chives bring a different brightness that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the glaze.
Go homemade: For an extra-special touch, I sometimes make my own hot honey by gently simmering honey with finely chopped hot peppers—fresh, vibrant, and totally customizable.
Oven-baked option: No air fryer? No worries! The oven method works beautifully, just be sure to flip the salmon bites halfway through for even cooking and a lovely golden crust.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy 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 and Prep for Perfection

First up, set your air fryer to 390°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook. While it’s heating, you can put together the seasoning for the salmon. Mixing the olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper ensures every bite will burst with flavor. Gently toss the 1-inch salmon cubes in this mix—don’t rush; you want every piece to be evenly coated without breaking up the delicate fish.

Step 2: Air Fry to Tender, Flaky Goodness

Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in an even layer in the air fryer basket. If your basket is on the smaller side, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 9 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking and a light crust. The salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature between 140-145°F—tender and juicy, not dry.

Step 3: Whip Up the Hot Honey Glaze

While the salmon cooks, melt the unsalted butter together with the hot honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Watch closely—the goal is a smooth, warm glaze that’s ready to coat those salmon bites instantly once they’re done.

Step 4: Coat and Garnish

Transfer the warm, tender salmon bites into the saucepan with your hot honey glaze. Gently toss them to ensure that every piece is luxuriously coated in the sweet-and-spicy sauce. Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve these bites immediately, either as an irresistible appetizer or paired with your favorite side for a memorable main course.

Top Tip

Making the perfect Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures. These tips will help you achieve that just-right tender, juicy salmon with a kick of sweet heat every time.

Even Cutting: Make sure you cut your salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures every bite cooks evenly and you don’t end up with some pieces overcooked while others are underdone.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: When air frying, avoid piling the salmon bites on top of one another. Cooking them in a single layer allows for that nice crisp exterior without steaming.
Glaze Gently: Toss the cooked salmon bites gently in the hot honey glaze. Too vigorous mixing can break up the delicate fish, and you want each piece coated evenly without falling apart.
Watch the Temperature: Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140-145°F saves you from overcooking, keeping the bites moist and tender.

How to Serve Spicy 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

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over your hot honey salmon bites to add a splash of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness. If you want to change it up, cilantro or chives work wonderfully too, giving a slightly different but equally vibrant flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as a starter but also pairs beautifully as a main course. Try it alongside garlic roasted asparagus, a crisp green salad, or fluffy quinoa. For a comforting meal, creamy mashed potatoes or coconut rice balance the sweet and spicy glaze perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, but I recommend enjoying them sooner for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked salmon bites by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep up to 1 month. For best taste, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat your salmon bites in a low oven, around 300°F, for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through, to avoid drying them out. Alternatively, a quick 2-minute microwave zap covered loosely with a damp paper towel works if you’re in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer less spice, regular honey works perfectly. You can always add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes to customize the heat level to your taste.

What if I don't have an air fryer—can I bake the salmon bites?

Yes, you can! Oven instructions are included: bake at 400°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway, until the salmon reaches 145°F internally. Then toss with the glaze and garnish as usual.

How do I know when the salmon bites are cooked perfectly?

The key is to reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F. Use a digital meat thermometer to check. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily when done.

Can I make the hot honey glaze from scratch?

Yes! You can make your own hot honey by gently warming honey with finely chopped fresh hot peppers like jalapeños or chili flakes. This fresh glaze adds a lovely vibrant heat to the salmon bites.

Final Thoughts

Making the Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe at home brings a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and tender flavors that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re serving these as a tempting appetizer or a quick flavorful main, the combination of air-fried salmon and luscious hot honey glaze is downright irresistible. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—happy cooking and even happier eating!