Hey there! I’ve been cooking for my family for years, and I always look for quick yet delicious meals that everyone can enjoy. One of our favorites is this Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table, and the best part? It’s super easy to whip up even on the busiest days.
Growing up, we always had fish on special occasions, and it’s a joy to carry that tradition into my own family. The salmon bites are tender and flavorful, and the hot honey sauce adds the perfect touch of sweetness and spice. My kids absolutely love it, and it’s a great way to sneak in some healthy fish without them even realizing it! You can serve it over rice, toss it in a salad, or enjoy it as a snack while watching a movie. It’s versatile enough to fit any occasion.
If you’ve never tried cooking with an air fryer before, I promise it’s a game changer. The texture you get is crispy and golden without all the extra oil, making it a healthier option. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that can be on the table in less than 30 minutes? I love experimenting with different spices and dips to keep things fresh. So, whether you’re cooking for your family or having friends over, this recipe is sure to impress.
Let’s dive into the recipe. I can’t wait for you to try these delightful salmon bites!
Preparing Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey
Ingredients
- 2 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
- 2 Tbsp neutral oil (like avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil)
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp dry mustard
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ cup (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup hot honey (like Mike’s Hot Honey)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Begin by cutting the salmon into bite-sized cubes. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or your oven to 400°F. If you have a few extra minutes, consider letting the salmon sit for about 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavor, although this step can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Now, let’s prepare the breadcrumb coating. In a large bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, sweet paprika, Kosher salt, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper.
Next, drizzle the salmon cubes with the neutral oil, ensuring they’re well-coated. Toss the salmon in the breadcrumb mixture until every piece is evenly covered. If using an air fryer, place the coated salmon bites in the basket and cook for about 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. For oven baking, arrange the salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
While the salmon is cooking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, hot honey, cayenne pepper, granulated garlic, chili powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until the butter melts and the spices become aromatic. Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and drizzle the hot honey sauce over it. Enjoy your salmon bites in rice bowls, alongside your favorite dips, or simply on their own!
Storing Suggestion
To store any leftover salmon bites, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispy texture.
Cooking Tips
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider marinating the salmon cubes in the oil and spices for about 30 minutes before breading. You can also experiment with different herbs like dill or tarragon to create a unique twist. Adding lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture will brighten the dish further.
Serving Suggestions
These salmon bites pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Consider serving them with a side of creamy ranch or a tangy yogurt dip for a delightful contrast. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes for a perfect complement to this dish!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can work, but they may not give the same crunchy texture. You can substitute hot honey with regular honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper to achieve a similar flavor profile. Feel free to swap out salmon for another firm fish like cod or tilapia if preferred.
Seasonal Variations
In the summer months, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or dill to the breadcrumb mixture. During fall, a touch of pumpkin spice could give the salmon an exciting twist. You can also serve these bites on a bed of seasonal vegetables, such as roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, for a hearty meal.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains fish, dairy, and gluten. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use agave syrup instead of hot honey for sweetness.
FAQ
How do I know when the salmon bites are fully cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F. If using an air fryer, the bites should be golden brown and crispy.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it’s best to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting it into cubes. This will help the coating adhere better and ensure even cooking.
Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hot honey sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it gently before drizzling over the salmon bites.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover salmon bites?
The best method is to reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will help retain their crispy texture. You can also reheat them in the oven but be sure to cover them with foil to prevent drying out.
Can I bake these salmon bites instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, and you can broil them for the last minute for extra crispiness.
What can I serve with these salmon bites?
These salmon bites go well with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, tartar sauce, or a spicy aioli to complement the flavors.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey
Ingredients
- 2 lb salmon fillet (skin removed)
- 2 Tbsp neutral oil (like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil)
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp dry mustard
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ cup unsalted butter (8 Tbsp)
- ¼ cup hot honey (such as Mike's Hot Honey)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
- Cut the salmon into cubes. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F or your oven to 400°F. If you have extra time, let the salmon cure for 10-15 minutes for optimal flavor, but this step can be skipped if you're in a rush.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, sweet paprika, Kosher salt, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper to prepare the breading.
- Drizzle the salmon pieces with the neutral oil, then add them to the breadcrumb mixture, tossing until evenly coated. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For oven cooking, arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, mix together the unsalted butter, hot honey, cayenne pepper, granulated garlic, chili powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Heat over medium-high until the butter melts and the spices release their aroma. Set aside.
- Once the salmon is fully cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle with your desired amount of hot honey sauce. Serve in rice bowls or alongside a cool dip like ranch dressing, paired with your favorite sides.
