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Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Bites
- Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes or chunks, about 1-inch pieces, for even cooking.
- Season the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss until the salmon pieces are evenly coated.
Step 2: Air Fry the Salmon Bites
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overcrowded for the best crispiness.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The salmon should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your salmon chunks and your air fryer model.
Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (optional), and apple cider vinegar.
- Warm the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s well blended and heated through (about 2-3 minutes). Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce or red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the salmon bites are done, transfer them to a serving plate.
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the salmon bites. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, if desired. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top will add a nice citrusy finish.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Bites:
- Salmon Choice: Wild-caught salmon has a more distinct flavor, but farm-raised salmon works well for this recipe too. Make sure to remove any skin before cutting it into bites.
- Even Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! For the crispiest results, ensure the salmon pieces are spread out in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit the red pepper flakes in the honey sauce. You can also add more honey for a sweeter glaze if preferred.
Serving Suggestions:
These crispy salmon bites with hot honey are versatile and pair well with various sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair the salmon bites with roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or sweet potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
- Green Salad: Serve over a bed of mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
- Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa can soak up the flavorful hot honey sauce and complement the richness of the salmon.
- Dipping Sauce: Add a cool dip like tzatziki or ranch on the side to balance the heat from the honey sauce.
Final Thoughts:
This Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey recipe is the perfect balance of crispy, tender, sweet, and spicy. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a healthy snack, a light dinner, or an appetizer to wow your guests, these salmon bites are sure to impress!
Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!
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