Crispy Salmon Bites with Hot Honey Glaze

This recipe creates perfectly crispy, tender salmon bites coated in a addictive glaze that’s sweet, spicy, and tangy. It’s an incredibly quick and impressive appetizer or main course.

Ingredients

For the Salmon & Marinade:

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika is excellent here)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt (go easy, the soy sauce and feta are salty)

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (like Sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or a chili-garlic sauce)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tbsp water
• (Optional) Pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat

For Serving (Highly Recommended):

• Whipped Feta Cloud (from your previous recipe!)
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh chopped parsley or dill
• Flaky sea salt (like Maldon)

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Instructions

Part 1: Marinate the Salmon

1. Pat Dry: Use a paper towel to pat the salmon bite-sized pieces completely dry. This is the most important step for getting them crispy.
2. Season: In a medium bowl, gently toss the salmon pieces with the 2 tbsp olive oil, soy sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.

Part 2: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

1. Combine: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce (start with 1 tbsp), apple cider vinegar, and water.
2. Simmer: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes thin and bubbly (about 3-4 minutes). Taste and add more hot sauce if you want more heat. Remove from heat. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

Part 3: Cook the Salmon

• Air Fryer Method (Recommended for Crispiness):
  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
  • Cook for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and the edges are golden and crispy.
• Pan-Searing Method:
  • Heat a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a thin layer of oil.
  • Once the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon pieces in a single layer, not crowding the pan (work in batches if needed).
  • Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes to get a good sear. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until cooked to your liking and crispy on the outside.

Part 4: Glaze and Serve

1. Glaze: Place the hot, cooked salmon bites in a clean bowl. Drizzle with the warm hot honey glaze and gently toss to coat every piece.
2. Serve Immediately:
   • Option 1 (As pictured): Spread the Whipped Feta Cloud on a plate. Place the glazed salmon bites on top. Drizzle with any extra glaze from the bowl.
   • Option 2 (Simple): Place salmon bites on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra glaze.
3. Garnish: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of chopped herbs, and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Chef’s Notes & Tips:

• Don’t Overcook: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is still slightly translucent in the very center—it will continue to cook from residual heat after being removed from the pan/air fryer.
• Heat Level: Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick.
• Serving Suggestions: Besides whipped feta, these are amazing served over a bed of rice, quinoa, or a simple arugula salad to soak up the extra glaze. They also make a fantastic filling for tacos.
• Easy Shortcut: You can use store-bought hot honey instead of making the glaze. Just warm it up with a splash of water or lemon juice to make it a better consistency for coating.