Name: Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds salmon, about 4 filets, skins removed, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; ¼ cup (85 g) hot honey, homemade or store-bought; parsley, chopped for garnish

If you love a little kick balanced with sweetness, the Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These bite-sized gems are perfectly seasoned and glazed with a vibrant hot honey sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

In the white bowl, many small golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken sit close together, each with a slightly crispy, textured outer layer. A woman's hand holds a wooden honey dipper above the bowl, dripping shiny, thick honey that glistens as it falls onto the warm chicken, adding a glossy shine and extra moisture. The honey highlights the rich, warm browns and soft orange tones of the chicken pieces. The background is a soft white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of these salmon bites. They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, with that incredible sweet heat from the hot honey glaze — making every bite a flavor party.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute hosting.
Air Fryer Friendly: Uses the air fryer for a healthier, fuss-free cooking method with minimal cleanup.
Versatile Serving: Serve as a delicious appetizer or pair with your favorite sides for a full meal.
Flavor Packed: Smoky paprika and garlic powder perfectly complement the sweet and spicy hot honey glaze.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Here’s the lineup of what you’ll need—and why every ingredient plays an important part. When shopping, look for fresh salmon fillets and a quality hot honey or make your own for the best flavor punch.

Flat lay of fresh cubed salmon pieces, a small pile of paprika powder, a small pile of garlic powder, a small pile of onion powder, coarse kosher salt crystals, whole black peppercorns, two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, hot honey in a small white ceramic bowl, and a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon: Fresh salmon cut into uniform, bite-sized cubes cooks evenly and stays juicy inside.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the salmon and keeps it moist while cooking.
Paprika: Adds a smoky, mild heat that complements the honey’s sweetness beautifully.
Garlic powder: Provides a warm, savory depth that balances the sweet and spicy glaze.
Onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and umami to boost flavor without overpowering.
Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors in the salmon and seasonings.
Black pepper: Offers just a touch of sharpness to cut through the richness of the fish.
Unsalted butter: Melts into the hot honey sauce, creating a luscious, silky texture.
Hot honey: The star ingredient! Sweet with a perfect spicy kick, either homemade or store-bought works.
Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a bright, herbal finish and beautiful color for garnish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like it extra spicy, a little sweeter, or crave some added texture, there are simple tweaks that can take these bites from delicious to unforgettable.

Spice it up: If you enjoy a fiery kick, try mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes with the paprika and garlic powder. I once added a bit more heat for a game night, and my guests couldn't stop reaching for more!
Honey swap: Don’t have hot honey on hand? No worries. Combine regular honey with your favorite hot sauce for a quick homemade hot honey glaze. It’s a great way to customize the heat and sweetness levels exactly to your liking.
Crunch factor: For some added texture, sprinkle sesame seeds on top right after tossing the salmon in the glaze. Toasted sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy sauce.
For the oven-only cooks: If you don’t have an air fryer, follow the oven instructions included below. Baking the salmon cubes at 400°F ensures a tender, flaky result that's just as satisfying.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

A bowl filled with a base layer of white fluffy rice, topped with several pieces of shiny, glazed orange-brown grilled tofu arranged in the center. Underneath and around the tofu, there are bright green grilled asparagus stalks. On the side, there is a serving of fresh green herbs with some small yellow and orange edible flowers adding color. A small white bowl with pale green creamy dressing sits on the right edge inside the larger bowl. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with rustic wooden elements and small utensils visible around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Salmon

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. This temperature is key to cooking the salmon cubes evenly and sealing in their moisture. While the air fryer warms up, toss your salmon cubes in a large bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give them a gentle but thorough toss so each little bite is beautifully seasoned.

Step 2: Air Fry the Salmon Bites

Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them—if your air fryer is small, cook in batches to keep them crisp on all sides. Set the timer for 9 to 10 minutes, and remember to give the basket a good shake halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’re aiming for an internal temperature between 140°F and 145°F—the perfect mark for tender, flaky salmon.

Step 3: Make Your Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Glaze

While the salmon cooks, melt unsalted butter with hot honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted and the glaze is warm and inviting. Remove from heat once everything is combined to keep that luscious sweet-spicy flavor vibrant without burning the honey.

Step 4: Coat the Salmon and Garnish

Transfer your perfectly cooked salmon bites to the warm saucepan with the hot honey glaze. Gently toss each piece so every bite is coated in that irresistible sauce. Then, transfer them to a serving dish and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and prepare to wow your guests!

Top Tip

Mastering the Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is easier when you keep a few handy tips in mind. These small insights can truly elevate your cooking experience and result in perfectly flavorful and juicy bites every time.

Even Seasoning: I always make sure to gently toss the salmon cubes in the seasoning mixture, rather than vigorously stirring, so each bite gets evenly coated without breaking apart the delicate fish.
Batch Air Frying: Through trial and error, I learned that overcrowding the air fryer basket leads to uneven cooking. Cooking in batches ensures every piece crisps up beautifully.
Glaze Timing: Tossing the salmon in the warm hot honey glaze while it’s still slightly hot helps the sauce cling better and makes each bite succulent and flavorful.
Thermometer Use: I avoid overcooking by measuring the internal temperature of the salmon, aiming for 140°F to 145°F—this keeps the bites tender and perfectly done.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe

A transparent glass bowl filled with many small brown crispy cubes of cooked meat, evenly browned with a slightly charred texture. Above the bowl, a metal pot is tilting as a light yellow oily sauce is pouring down onto the meat cubes. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, showing a contrast between the warm brown meat and the cool white background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds bright color and a fresh herbal note that complements the sweet and spicy glaze wonderfully. For extra texture and visual appeal, try adding a light scattering of toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions.

Side Dishes

These salmon bites pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed jasmine rice, or a refreshing cucumber and avocado salad. For a cozy, comforting meal, serve them alongside roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes—the perfect balance to the sweet heat of the hot honey glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 2 days, making them a quick and delicious option for next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the salmon bites before glazing. Place the seasoned, uncooked salmon cubes on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to maintain their texture and avoid drying out. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works, but be careful not to overheat and lose that tender, flaky goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cutting and seasoning to avoid excess moisture during cooking.

What can I substitute for hot honey?

If you don’t have hot honey on hand, mix regular honey with your favorite hot sauce to create a similar sweet and spicy glaze.

Can I bake the salmon bites instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Just follow the oven instructions: bake at 400°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

How do I know when the salmon bites are cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is between 140°F and 145°F. The salmon should flake easily but remain moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

Making the Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is such a fun and rewarding experience. It brings together simple ingredients to create bold flavors that excite the palate. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or a weeknight dinner, these bites deliver a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and flaky salmon goodness every time. I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your kitchen as it has in mine!