Glazed Sweet-Spicy Salmon Bites

This sweet and spicy hot honey salmon dish transforms ordinary salmon into irresistible bite-sized morsels that practically melt in your mouth. The air fryer creates perfectly cooked, tender pieces that get coated in a luscious hot honey glaze that strikes the ideal balance between heat and sweetness.

I discovered this recipe during a weeknight dinner emergency when I needed something quick yet special. My family now requests these salmon bites at least twice a month, always fighting over the last pieces with their perfectly caramelized edges.

Ingredients

• Salmon: Fresh filets are essential for this recipe as the quality directly impacts the final taste
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the seasoning adhere while promoting browning
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note that complements the hot honey beautifully
• Garlic powder: Provides aromatic depth without overwhelming the delicate salmon
• Onion powder: Adds a gentle savory quality that balances the sweetness
• Kosher salt: Its coarser texture gives better control over seasoning
• Black pepper: Freshly ground offers the best flavor punch
• Unsalted butter: Creates a silky richness in the sauce
• Hot honey: Brings the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Look for quality brands or make your own
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich dish with color and a herbaceous finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 390°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for cooking. A properly preheated air fryer is crucial for achieving that perfect exterior while maintaining moisture inside.

Season The Salmon:

In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the olive oil with all the dry seasonings until well mixed. Add your salmon cubes and use your hands to gently toss them, ensuring each piece gets evenly coated with the seasoning blend. Be careful not to break the salmon pieces as they can be delicate.

Air Fry To Perfection:

Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket, giving them room to cook evenly. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches. Cook for 9 to 10 minutes, but remember to shake the basket gently halfway through cooking. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140 to 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.

Create The Hot Honey Glaze:

While the salmon cooks, warm the butter and hot honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter completely melts and incorporates with the honey, creating a silky smooth glaze. Once fully combined and warmed through, remove from heat immediately to prevent the honey from caramelizing too much.

Glaze And Serve:

Once the salmon is perfectly cooked, transfer the bites directly into the warm honey glaze. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold the salmon into the sauce, ensuring each piece gets evenly coated with the sticky, spicy sweetness. The heat from the salmon will help the glaze adhere beautifully.

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The first time I made this recipe, I accidentally doubled the hot honey and created what my family now calls the legendary extra spicy version. My husband almost cried from the heat but insisted it was the best salmon he had ever tasted. We now adjust the honey heat level depending on who is joining us for dinner.

Make Ahead Options

The seasoning mix can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container, saving you valuable prep time on busy days. You can even season the salmon cubes up to 8 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. For maximum efficiency, prepare the hot honey sauce earlier in the day and simply reheat it when the salmon is ready to be glazed.

Serving Suggestions

These hot honey salmon bites shine alongside simple sides that complement without competing with their bold flavor profile. Try serving them over fluffy jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the extra glaze. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich salmon. For a complete meal, roasted asparagus or broccoli adds texture and nutritional balance. When serving as an appetizer, provide small picks or forks and napkins as the glaze can be deliciously sticky.

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Storage Tips

Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The glaze will thicken when chilled but will return to its saucy consistency when gently reheated. For best results when reheating, warm the salmon in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave at 50% power in short intervals until just warmed through. Avoid high heat reheating which can dry out the salmon. These bites also make excellent cold leftovers added to a salad the next day.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find hot honey, create your own by warming regular honey with red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For those sensitive to spice, use regular honey and add just a pinch of cayenne for gentle warmth. Ghee or olive oil can replace butter for a dairy free version. The recipe works well with other fish too try it with firm white fish like halibut or cod, adjusting cooking time as needed. For a different flavor direction, substitute maple syrup for honey and add a touch of smoked paprika for a woodsy variation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this dish?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cutting into cubes. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before adding the seasonings to ensure they adhere properly and to achieve the best texture when cooking.

→ What side dishes pair well with Hot Honey Salmon Bites?

These salmon bites pair wonderfully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside other finger foods like vegetable crudités or crusty bread to soak up the extra glaze.

→ How spicy are these salmon bites?

The spice level depends largely on the hot honey you use. Store-bought varieties range from mild to quite spicy, while making your own allows you to control the heat. If you prefer a milder version, use regular honey and add just a small amount of your favorite hot sauce to taste.

→ Can I make Hot Honey Salmon Bites ahead of time?

These are best served immediately after cooking and glazing. However, you can prepare the salmon cubes and season them up to a day in advance, keeping them covered in the refrigerator. For best results, cook and glaze just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and temperature.

→ How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and slightly pink in the center. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the salmon dry and tough.

→ Can I substitute the hot honey with another glaze?

Absolutely! While hot honey creates a wonderful sweet-spicy balance, you could substitute with teriyaki glaze, maple-soy glaze, or even a lemon-butter sauce. Each variation will give the salmon bites a unique flavor profile while maintaining the delicious bite-sized format.