I can’t wait to share with you my new go-to recipe for a quick and mouthwatering meal—hot honey air fryer salmon. Imagine tender, flaky salmon bites with a perfect hint of spice and sweetness. I made this dish on a whim, and it’s now a household favorite. The best part? It’s not only delicious but also ridiculously easy to make.

Just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and a trusty air fryer, and you’ve got restaurant-quality salmon bites in no time. Whether it’s a busy weekday dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, this dish fits the bill.

It’s versatile enough to pair with rice, veggies, or even as a fun taco filling. If you’re a fan of flavor-packed dishes that don’t require hours in the kitchen, this one’s for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this hot honey air fryer salmon recipe will quickly become your favorite:

Quick and Easy to Prepare

With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a healthy, home-cooked meal without the hassle. It’s ideal for those nights when you need a delicious meal in no time, without compromising on quality.

Bursting with Flavor

The combination of hot honey, smoky paprika, and garlic powder takes this salmon to another level. The balance of sweetness and heat makes every bite unforgettable. It’s the perfect mix of bold and savory flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Healthy and Macro-Friendly

Salmon is packed with protein and omega-3s, making it a nutritious option. Plus, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, fitting into various dietary needs. It’s a wholesome meal that supports your health goals while still being delicious and satisfying.

Perfect for Every Occasion

These salmon bites pair well with so many dishes. Use them as a topping for bowls, pack them into wraps, or enjoy them with a side of fresh salad. They’re versatile enough to fit into any meal plan, making them a great addition to any table.

Customizable

From the level of spiciness to the style of serve, there’s so much room to tweak this recipe to suit your taste. Regular honey, wild-caught salmon, or additional seasoning? The choice is yours! Adjust the flavors to match your personal preferences and dietary needs for endless variety.

Cooking Time

Here’s the total time breakdown for this recipe:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

You’ll only need these key ingredients to make this flavorful recipe:

Salmon filets
Hot honey
Kosher salt
Garlic powder
Paprika
Black pepper
Olive oil

Variations

Looking to switch things up or accommodate specific dietary needs? Here are some ideas:

Make it Sugar-Free: Replace hot honey with sugar-free honey alternatives and a small pinch of chili flakes for heat.
Add More Spice: Kick up the heat with cayenne pepper or red chili powder.
Flavor Enhancements: Sprinkle sesame seeds or add a touch of lemon zest for an extra flair.
Use Wild-Caught Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Air fryer: Ensures evenly cooked, crispy salmon bites.
Mixing bowl: For seasoning and tossing salmon cubes.
Cutting board and knife: To chop the salmon into cubes.
Tongs or spatula: For easy handling of the salmon.

How to Make Hot Honey Air Fryer Salmon?

Making this dish is effortless, and the results are oh-so-delicious. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Thaw and Prep Salmon

If your salmon is frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge or speed things up by placing it in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Once thawed, pat the salmon dry and chop it into bite-sized cubes. 🐟

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Turn the air fryer on and preheat it to 400°F. While it’s heating up, line the basket with a parchment liner for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

Place the salmon cubes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle them with hot honey and toss gently so each piece is coated. Sprinkle kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of black pepper evenly over the salmon. Finish with a quick mist of olive oil for a light coating. 🌶️🍯

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They should come out caramelized and tender! ✨

Step 5: Allow to Rest and Serve

Once done, remove the bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them on rice bowls, salads, or wraps with your favorite sides and sauces. 🍴💫

Tips for Making the Recipe

Master this dish with these handy tips:

Use Skinless Salmon: Skinless fillets are easier to cut into cubes. If you’re using salmon with skin, trim it off before chopping.
Adjust Spiciness: Whether you prefer mild or extra spicy, customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot honey or adding chili flakes.
Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the bites in batches if needed for even crisping.

How to Serve Hot Honey Air Fryer Salmon?

This salmon is incredibly versatile and opens up countless serving possibilities. For a wholesome meal, serve the bites over a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with avocado slices, crispy cucumber, and chives. Drizzle some sriracha mayo or a tangy lemon aioli for added flavor. These bites also work wonderfully as taco fillings with mango salsa or packed into wraps with fresh greens.

To elevate presentation, arrange the salmon bites on a platter with lime wedges and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It’s simple yet elegant enough for a dinner party!

Nutritional Information

This dish strikes a great balance between taste and nutrition. Here’s what you’re looking at (per serving):

Calories: 254
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 2.7g
Fat: 15g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep or leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store cooled salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents clumping and maintains texture.

Simply thaw frozen bites overnight in the fridge and warm them up in the air fryer or oven before serving.

With its amazing flavors and quick cooking time, hot honey air fryer salmon is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!

For a visual guide, watch the full recipe video here: