Crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor, these Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey are the ultimate quick and healthy meal or snack. The perfect balance of savory and sweet, this recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: Packed with protein, omega-3s, and minimal oil.
- Versatile: Great for meals, salads, or party appetizers.
- Sweet & Spicy Twist: Hot honey adds a unique, irresistible glaze.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 1-2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon Bites:
- Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel and place them in a bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the salmon. Mix well to evenly coat each piece.
2. Air Fry the Salmon:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is crispy on the outside and tender inside.
3. Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes over low heat. Stir until well mixed and warmed through.
4. Glaze and Serve:
- Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the cooked salmon bites or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds for extra flair, if desired.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these bites over rice, with a side salad, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Helpful Notes
- Hot Honey Customization: Adjust the heat level of the honey glaze to suit your taste preferences.
- Salmon Tips: Use fresh, firm salmon for the best texture. Frozen salmon works if thawed and dried thoroughly.
- Air Fryer Tips: Cooking times may vary by air fryer model. Keep an eye on the salmon to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting into cubes to ensure even cooking.
2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the glaze up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any hot sauce you use for added ingredients.
