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Hot Honey Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and coated in a sweet-and-spicy glaze that makes every bite pop. Ready in about 20 minutes and made with simple pantry ingredients, this skillet or air fryer salmon bites recipe delivers big flavor fast. They’re perfect for busy nights when you still want dinner to feel special.

Spicy-sweet hot honey salmon bites served in a white bowl with green onions

This is the kind of recipe I turn to when I want something quick that still brings people together.

The salmon cooks up in bite-sized pieces that are easy to share, and the easy 4-ingredient hot honey sauce adds just enough heat and sweetness to keep everyone coming back for more.

Whether you’re serving it with my cauliflower fried rice, tucking it into bowls, or enjoying it straight from the plate, these salmon bites make weeknight dinners feel warm, satisfying, and meant to be enjoyed around the table.

Why This Recipe Should be on Your Menu

If you’re anything like me, the best recipes are the ones that are easy and delicious. This one is exactly that:

Fast and fuss-free: It’s ready in about 20 minutes using ingredients you probably already have, so dinner doesn’t turn into an all-night project.
Delicious without the hassle: The air fryer does the hard work, giving the salmon bites golden edges without standing over the stove.
Big flavor, simple sauce: The hot honey glaze comes together with just 4 ingredients, adding that sweet-and-spicy finish that makes these salmon bites feel special.

ingredients to make hot honey salmon bites

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to give you tender salmon bites with lightly crisped edges and a bold sweet-heat glaze.

You’ll find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Salmon Bites

Salmon filets, skin removed, cut into 1½-inch cubes: Cutting the salmon into even, bite-sized pieces helps it cook quickly and stay juicy in the center. Skinless salmon also makes seasoning and saucing easier.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and encourages browning in the air fryer so the salmon gets flavorful, lightly crisped edges.
Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika: These spices season the salmon from the inside out. The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note and a warm color that makes the bites look and taste extra savory.

Hot Honey Sauce

Sriracha sauce: Provides the spicy kick and tangy depth. You can easily adjust the amount depending on how much heat you like.
Honey: Balances the spice with sweetness and gives the sauce its sticky, glossy finish.
Butter, salted: Adds richness and helps the sauce melt smoothly so it coats each piece of salmon instead of sliding off.
Red pepper flakes: Boost the heat and add a little texture, giving the sauce an extra layer of spice without overpowering the sweetness.

How to Make Air Fryer Hot Honey Salmon Bites (Photo Guide)

These step-by-step photos show the process, but here’s a quick, easy overview to follow along.

Prep the salmon

Start by heating your air fryer and lightly oiling the basket. Pat the salmon dry so it crisps instead of steaming, then toss it with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated. Handle the pieces gently so they stay intact and cook evenly.

Salmon pieces being mixed with oil and spices in a bowl

Air fry until crisp

Arrange the salmon in a single layer in you air fryer basket so hot air can circulate around each piece. Cook just until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers flake easily, flipping once halfway through for even browning.

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Salmon pieces coated in spices in an air fryer basket, and cooked salmon served in a bowl

Make the sauce and finish

While the salmon cooks, warm the hot honey sauce on the stove until smooth and glossy. If you like a thicker glaze, let it bubble briefly to tighten up.

Toss the hot salmon with the sauce and serve right away for the best sweet-and-spicy flavor.

Sugar-free hot honey sauce ingredients heating in a pan; salmon being tossed with sauce in a bowl

Don’t Have an Air Fryer? Use a Skillet Instead

You can still make these hot honey salmon bites on the stovetop if you don’t have an air fryer. A hot skillet gives the salmon a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flaky. It just takes a little more hands-on time.

If you want to see exactly how I cook salmon bites in a pan, take a look at my teriyaki salmon bites recipe. I use a cast iron skillet in that post and walk you through the whole process.

You can follow that same cooking method here, then toss the salmon with this hot honey sauce for a sweet-and-spicy finish. It’s an easy way to keep dinner flexible without needing another appliance.

Tips for the Best Hot Honey Salmon Bites

A few small details make a big difference with this recipe:

Dry the salmon first: Moisture is the enemy of browning, so patting the pieces dry helps them crisp instead of steam.
Give the salmon space: Arrange the pieces in a single layer and cook in batches if needed. Crowding the basket keeps them from getting those golden edges.
Keep the pieces uniform: Cutting the salmon into similar-sized cubes helps everything finish cooking at the same time.
Start checking early: Salmon cooks quickly in the air fryer, so peek a minute or two before the timer ends to keep it tender, not dry.
Warm the sauce gently: Low heat keeps the honey smooth and prevents it from tightening up too fast.

Swaps & Variations

This recipe is easy to adapt based on what you have in the fridge or what your crew loves to eat.

Protein swaps: Salmon works beautifully here, but you can use the sauce on air fryer tilapia, chicken, like I do in Hot Honey Chicken Wings, or shrimp instead. You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time.
Veggie option: Use the sauce on my air fryer Brussel sprouts or thick-cut air fryer cauliflower florets.
Budget-friendly tip: Frozen salmon (thawed and patted dry) or chicken breast can help keep costs down without sacrificing flavor.
Low-carb option: Use your favorite sugar free honey alternative in place of regular honey for a lighter result.
More flavor: No smoked paprika? Regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder works in a pinch, and you can swap olive oil for avocado oil or butter for a slightly richer finish.

Juicy salmon bites coated in hot honey sauce, sprinkled with green onions

What to Serve with Hot Honey Salmon Bites

These salmon bites pair well with simple sides that balance the sweet heat. You can also switch things up by putting the sauce on almost anything.

Below are a few easy ideas and related recipes to help you build a plate that works for busy nights or relaxed dinners with family and friends.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store: Keep leftover hot honey salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool before storing so they don’t get soggy.
Reheat: The air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes is the best way to warm them while keeping some crispness, but the microwave works too when time is tight. Heat in short bursts just until warmed through so the salmon stays tender and doesn’t dry out.