Hot Honey Air Fryer Salmon Recipe: Spicy & Crispy Dish

I recently whipped up this hot honey air fryer salmon on a busy weeknight, and I’m still amazed at how good it turned out. The salmon came out tender, flaky, and perfectly coated with a sweet-spicy glaze that made every bite irresistible.

Honestly, it felt like something I’d order at a restaurant, but it took me less than 30 minutes to make.

I love how the air fryer locks in the juiciness without needing a lot of oil. Now, it’s become my go-to recipe whenever I want something quick, healthy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Salmon filets – about 1 lb, skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes (skinless works better for even cooking).
Hot honey – 3 tablespoons, gives that sweet heat kick (use your favorite brand or homemade).
Kosher salt – ½ teaspoon, for enhancing natural flavor.
Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon, adds depth without overpowering.
Paprika – ½ teaspoon, gives a smoky and slightly sweet note.
Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon, balances the sweetness with mild spice.
Olive oil – 1 teaspoon, helps caramelize the edges in the air fryer.

Note: Serves 3–4 people.

Variations

Want to tweak the flavor or meet dietary needs? Here are some tasty swaps:

Dairy-Free – This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so you’re already set.
Sugar-Free – Replace hot honey with sugar-free honey alternative and add a pinch of chili flakes.
Extra Heat – Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chili powder.
Citrus Twist – Add lemon zest to the seasoning for a bright, fresh kick.
Wild-Caught Salmon – Use wild-caught for a leaner option with a richer flavor.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Air fryer – Cooks salmon quickly and evenly with crisp edges.
Mixing bowl – For tossing the salmon with seasoning and honey.
Cutting board & sharp knife – To cube the salmon neatly.
Tongs or spatula – For flipping salmon halfway through cooking.

How to Make Hot Honey Air Fryer Salmon?

Making this salmon is quick, fun, and foolproof. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

If using frozen salmon, thaw it overnight in the fridge or in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Slice into bite-sized cubes so they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This helps the salmon start cooking immediately for a crisp exterior. You can line the basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

Place salmon cubes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with hot honey and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Add olive oil and toss gently again to ensure each piece is seasoned well.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon

Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through. The salmon should be slightly caramelized outside but still tender and juicy inside.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute. This allows the flavors to settle. Serve hot with your choice of sides—rice, veggies, or inside wraps for a quick meal.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my own experience, these tips take the salmon from great to amazing:

Use skinless salmon—it’s easier to cube and cooks evenly.
Don’t skip patting the salmon dry—it helps the seasoning stick.
Taste your hot honey first—some are sweeter, others spicier, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer—cook in batches if needed for even crisping.

How to Serve Hot Honey Air Fryer Salmon?

I love serving these salmon bites over fluffy jasmine rice with avocado slices and cucumber ribbons, topped with a drizzle of sriracha mayo. They also work beautifully in tacos with mango salsa or in wraps with crunchy greens. For a party, arrange them on a platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve with lime wedges for a bright pop of flavor.

Nutritional Information

This dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: 254
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 2.7g
Fat: 15g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigeration

Store cooled salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.

Freezing

Freeze cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Keeps for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or in the oven for about 8 minutes until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This salmon recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat—and here’s why:

Fast and fuss-free – Just a few steps and it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Packed with flavor – Sweet, spicy, smoky, and savory all in one bite.
Healthy option – Full of protein and omega-3s while being low in carbs.
Versatile – Works in rice bowls, tacos, wraps, or salads.
Customizable – Easily adjust spice, sweetness, and toppings to your liking.

Ash Tyrrell