Name: Spicy Sweet Hot Honey Salmon Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized chunks; Olive oil; Garlic powder; Smoked paprika; Salt; Black pepper; Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat); Hot honey (store-bought or homemade with honey and hot sauce); Lemon wedges (for serving); Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)

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These spicy sweet hot honey salmon bites are the perfect blend of heat and sweetness, making them a crowd-pleaser for dinner, lunch, or even appetizers. Bite-sized chunks of salmon are glazed with a sticky, flavorful hot honey sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven or air fryer, leaving every piece irresistibly tender and bursting with flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how easy and fast this recipe comes together without sacrificing taste. The combination of hot honey and spices delivers a satisfying kick while balancing sweetness in every bite. It’s also incredibly versatile — I can serve it over rice, toss it in a salad, or eat it straight off the tray. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and can be made in under 30 minutes. Spicy Sweet Hot Honey Salmon Bites

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized chunks
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Hot honey (store-bought or homemade with honey and hot sauce)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (or the air fryer to 390°F).
Then, I cut the salmon into evenly sized cubes and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a mixing bowl, I toss the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
I spread the salmon bites in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
I bake or air fry for about 8-10 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and lightly crisped on the edges.
While the salmon cooks, I warm the hot honey in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
Once the salmon is out, I drizzle the hot honey all over and gently toss to coat.
I garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap salmon for shrimp or chicken for a different twist.
For extra crunch, I coat the salmon pieces in a light layer of cornstarch before baking.
If I’m watching my sugar intake, I make my own hot honey using a sugar-free honey alternative.
I add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lime juice to deepen the flavor.
For a smoky edge, I grill the salmon bites instead of baking.

Storage/Reheating

To store, I place any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, I use the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy. I avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the salmon rubbery. I drizzle with a little extra hot honey before serving again. Spicy Sweet Hot Honey Salmon Bites

FAQs

How spicy are these salmon bites?

They have a mild to medium kick, depending on the hot honey and whether I add red pepper flakes. I can easily adjust the spice level to suit my preference.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture during cooking.

What is hot honey?

Hot honey is simply honey infused with chili or hot sauce. I like to use store-bought or make my own by heating honey with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While I prefer these bites fresh, I sometimes prep the salmon and seasoning mix ahead, then bake and glaze them just before serving.

What should I serve with hot honey salmon bites?

I love pairing them with jasmine rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or even stuffing them in tacos for a fun twist.

Conclusion

These spicy sweet hot honey salmon bites are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that hits all the right flavor notes. Whether I’m hosting, meal prepping, or just craving something bold and satisfying, this recipe always delivers. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor — just the way I like it.