Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or a spatula
• Small saucepan for hot honey (optional if microwaving)
• Basting brush (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure that the salmon bites cook evenly and get a nice crispy exterior.

2. Season the Salmon

In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized salmon pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Make sure each piece of salmon is evenly coated with the seasoning.

3. Air Fry the Salmon Bites

Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so the air can circulate and cook the salmon evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The salmon should be crispy on the outside but still moist and flaky on the inside.

4. Make the Hot Honey

While the salmon is cooking, prepare the hot honey. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the honey is warmed through and the flavors are well combined, about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer, you can microwave the honey mixture in 20-second intervals until combined. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired level of heat.

5. Drizzle and Serve

Once the salmon bites are finished cooking, transfer them to a serving dish and drizzle with the hot honey. Use a basting brush for an even coating or simply pour it over with a spoon. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes and Tips

• Skinless Salmon: Be sure to use skinless salmon fillets for this recipe. If your salmon has skin, simply remove it before cutting into bites.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat in the hot honey to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
• Air Fryer Tips: Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on your salmon bites to prevent overcooking. Depending on your air fryer’s model, cooking time might vary by a minute or two.
• Crispier Texture: For extra crispiness, you can spray the salmon bites with a bit of cooking oil spray before air frying.