I’ve always been a little obsessed with spicy-sweet combos, especially when they’re wrapped around something tender, flaky, and protein-packed like salmon. One day, I was craving something that hit all those flavor notes but didn’t require heating up the whole kitchen. Enter: Air Fryer Hot Honey Salmon Bites—the perfect balance of sweet, heat, and savory, all with that magical air fryer crisp. It’s one of those dishes that feels gourmet but takes hardly any time. Win-win.
These little salmon cubes are glazed with a sticky, fiery hot honey sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. Every bite has that melt-in-your-mouth texture with a pop of bold flavor. Whether you serve them over rice, tuck them into tacos, or toss them into a salad, these bites are wildly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser (or just perfect for one, because trust me—you won’t want to share).
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Salmon fillet: Look for skinless, boneless salmon with a nice marbling of fat—this keeps the bites moist and flavorful. Wild-caught is my go-to when I can find it, but any fresh salmon will work beautifully.
Olive oil: Just a drizzle is all you need to coat the salmon and help the seasonings cling. It also adds a nice richness and helps achieve a golden edge in the air fryer.
Garlic powder: This adds a subtle, savory kick without the harshness of raw garlic. It’s a simple way to layer in flavor without extra prep.
Paprika: A touch of paprika brings smoky depth and a beautiful color to the salmon bites. You can use sweet or smoked depending on what you prefer.
Salt & black pepper: A simple duo that brings out the natural flavor of the fish. Don’t skimp—seasoning is key here.
Honey: This is the sweet element of our glaze. When heated, it becomes beautifully syrupy and clings to each salmon cube like a dream.
Hot sauce: The heat in “hot honey” has to come from somewhere! Use your favorite hot sauce—Frank’s, Sriracha, or even a chili crisp for more texture and heat.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love extra heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives that lingering spice in each bite.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1½ tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Hot Honey Salmon Bites
Prep the Salmon
Cut the salmon into bite-sized, even cubes—about 1 inch each. This ensures they cook uniformly. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up.
Season
Toss the salmon pieces in olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated. You can do this in a mixing bowl or zip-top bag for easy cleanup.
Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd. Cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until the salmon is just cooked and golden on the edges.
Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the salmon cooks, stir together the honey and hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, just until warmed and combined. You can add red pepper flakes here for an extra kick.
Glaze and Serve
Once the salmon is done, transfer it to a bowl and pour the hot honey glaze over the top. Toss gently to coat. Serve immediately—these are best hot and sticky!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Air fryers cook fast! Keep an eye on the bites starting at the 6-minute mark so they stay tender inside.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone liner: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Customize the heat: Everyone’s spice tolerance is different—adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Double the glaze if needed: If you love saucy bites (like I do), you can easily double the hot honey mixture.
- Let the glaze set: After tossing the salmon in the glaze, let it sit for a minute to absorb and get extra sticky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can affect the texture in the air fryer.
What’s the best hot sauce to use?
Totally up to you! Frank’s gives a tangy kick, while Sriracha is a bit sweeter and garlicky. Chili crisp works great if you like a crunchy heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
These are best fresh, but you can prep the salmon and sauce in advance. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes before glazing.
What can I serve with these salmon bites?
Try them over jasmine rice, in a poke-style bowl, wrapped in lettuce cups, or even stuffed in warm tortillas for spicy salmon tacos.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just double-check your hot sauce to make sure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.