Step 1: Season the Salmon
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until well mixed. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the salmon cubes, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve a crispy exterior.
Step 3: Arrange the Salmon in the Air Fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil. Place the salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Be sure they aren’t overcrowded, allowing space for even cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
Place the basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The salmon should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the salmon cubes.
Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
While the salmon is cooking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the spiciness by adding more sriracha if needed.
Step 6: Drizzle with Hot Honey
Once the salmon bites are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the salmon bites, allowing the heat from the honey to complement the crispy texture. Garnish with fresh lemon juice or additional crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect appetizer: Serve these bites as a flavorful starter at parties or gatherings.
- Ideal for dinner: Pair the salmon bites with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice for a healthy and balanced meal.
- Great for meal prep: These salmon bites make excellent leftovers for meal prep, perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tips for Success:
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasoning to suit your taste preferences—add more spice or herbs as desired.
- Ensure even cooking: Make sure the salmon bites are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket to promote even cooking.
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the salmon at the 8-minute mark—overcooking can cause the salmon to dry out.
- Use fresh salmon: For the best flavor, use fresh salmon fillets, though frozen can work too if properly thawed.
Conclusion:
Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey bring a perfect balance of crispy, savory, and spicy flavors that you’ll crave again and again. This simple yet elegant recipe is quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is healthy while delivering bold taste. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, these salmon bites are sure to impress anyone at the table!