Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey

These Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey are crispy, flavorful, and packed with sweet heat! They’re the perfect bite-sized protein boost for a quick meal, snack, or appetizer. The air fryer gives them a golden, slightly crispy texture while keeping them juicy and tender inside. Drizzle with hot honey for the ultimate sweet-and-spicy kick!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes!
• Healthy & Protein-Packed – Salmon is rich in omega-3s and nutrients.
• Crispy Without the Oil – The air fryer gives them the perfect texture.
• Sweet & Spicy Perfection – The hot honey drizzle adds an irresistible finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon Bites:

• Salmon (1 lb, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes) – Fresh or thawed.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – Helps crisp up the edges.
• Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds smoky depth.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – For bold flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper (½ tsp each) – To season perfectly.
• Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional) – For extra heat.
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) – Enhances the freshness.

For the Hot Honey Drizzle:

• Honey (¼ cup, warm) – Sweet and sticky.
• Hot Sauce (1 tbsp, or to taste) – Adds a spicy kick.
• Butter (1 tbsp, melted, optional) – For extra richness.
• Lemon Zest (½ tsp) – Brightens the flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula
• Small saucepan (for hot honey)

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Bites

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Squeeze in lemon juice and mix well to coat evenly.

Step 2: Air Fry the Salmon
4. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Air fry for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Drizzle
6. In a small saucepan, warm honey over low heat.
7. Stir in hot sauce, melted butter (if using), and lemon zest.
8. Mix well and remove from heat.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
9. Drizzle the hot honey over the salmon bites.
10. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or sesame seeds.

What to Serve with Salmon Bites

• Steamed Rice or Quinoa – To soak up the hot honey.
• Roasted Vegetables – Such as broccoli or asparagus.
• Crispy Sweet Potato Fries – A perfect balance of flavors.
• Garlic Aioli or Yogurt Dip – For extra creaminess.

Tips for the Best Salmon Bites

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – Cook in batches if needed for even crispiness.
• Pat the Salmon Dry – This helps it crisp up better.
• Customize the Heat – Adjust the hot sauce to your spice preference.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes or until warm.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as salmon texture changes after freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What hot sauce works best?
Use Sriracha, Frank’s Red Hot, or a chili-infused honey for the best balance.

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey are crispy, flavorful, and packed with the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. They’re great for meal prep, quick dinners, or as a healthy snack!

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 9 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 290 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 320mg

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