1. Prepare the Salmon:
- Cut the Salmon:
- Start by cutting the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Season the Salmon:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the salmon bites with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the salmon is evenly coated with the seasoning.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Heat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the salmon bites cook quickly and evenly.
3. Cook the Salmon Bites:
- Arrange the Salmon:
- Place the seasoned salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry the Salmon:
- Cook the salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The salmon should be cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Check for Doneness:
- The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Prepare the Hot Honey:
- Make the Hot Honey:
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the hot honey. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey is warm and the ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Serve:
- Drizzle with Hot Honey:
- Once the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the hot honey generously over the salmon bites.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges:
- Serve the salmon bites with lemon wedges on the side for an extra tangy flavor.
6. Enjoy:
- Dig In:
- These air fryer salmon bites with hot honey are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. The combination of crispy salmon and sweet-spicy hot honey is irresistible.
Tips and Tricks:
- Choose the Right Salmon:
- For the best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Wild-caught salmon has a richer flavor, but farmed salmon works well too.
- Adjust the Heat:
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit the red pepper flakes from the hot honey. For extra heat, add more hot sauce or pepper flakes to taste.
- Make It a Meal:
- Turn these salmon bites into a full meal by serving them over rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. The hot honey sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes.
- Store Leftovers:
- If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain the crispiness.
- Experiment with Flavors:
- Feel free to experiment with the seasoning. Adding a touch of lemon zest or fresh herbs like thyme or dill to the seasoning mix can enhance the flavor of the salmon.
Conclusion
Air fryer salmon bites with hot honey are a deliciously addictive dish that combines the savory richness of salmon with the sweet and spicy kick of hot honey. The air fryer makes the salmon perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping it tender and juicy on the inside. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a special occasion. Serve them up and watch them disappear—these salmon bites are sure to be a hit!