1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Sweet Spicy Salmon

Sweet Spicy Salmon

Featured in Seafood.

Made this spicy honey salmon in the air fryer, and it’s my go-to for rushed dinners. Just cube the fish, coat it in the tangy honey mix, and let it cook. My husband swears it’s tastier than takeout! Crispy outside but so juicy inside. Made extra sauce because everyone loves to dip. Super easy, super tasty meal that feels special even on busy days.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A woman wearing an apron and smiling.
Updated on Sun, 06 Apr 2025 20:36:31 GMT
A dish of crispy salmon cubes garnished with fresh herbs. Pin it
A dish of crispy salmon cubes garnished with fresh herbs. | tasteofmoms.com

Here's a winner for you - Spicy Honey Salmon Chunks! Slice salmon into pieces, pop them in your air fryer (or regular oven), then drizzle with a sweet-hot honey mixture. They're perfect as an appetizer or main course. If you enjoy these, you'll also want to check out my Creamy Spicy Salmon Chunks too.

Benefits Worth Noting

These chunks are something special. The honey sweetness paired with fiery spice complements the buttery salmon perfectly. Whip them up for company or just a family meal. They work great in either the air fryer or conventional oven. Want more kick? Just amp up the spices. Prefer it gentler? Simply dial back the heat. They're foolproof and flexible.

Necessary Ingredients

  • Salmon: Go for fresh when possible. Chunk it up.
  • Olive Oil: Just a light coating needed.
  • Paprika: Brings nice color and depth.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds great flavor.
  • Onion Powder: For extra taste dimension.
  • Salt: Standard kosher works fine.
  • Pepper: Best when freshly ground.
  • Butter: Pick unsalted variety.
  • Hot Honey: Store-bought or homemade works.
  • Parsley: Fresh, mainly for garnish.

Preparation Steps

Warm Equipment:
Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
Add Flavors:
Combine oil with seasonings in a container. Roll salmon pieces in this mixture.
Air Fry:
Arrange salmon in fryer basket. Cook for 9-10 minutes. Shake once halfway through.
Create Glaze:
Heat butter until melted, mix in spicy honey.
Complete Dish:
Coat cooked salmon with warm sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
A wooden spoon scoops up seasoned, golden-brown cubes of cooked fish garnished with herbs from a dark plate. Pin it
A wooden spoon scoops up seasoned, golden-brown cubes of cooked fish garnished with herbs from a dark plate. | tasteofmoms.com

Select Quality Fish

Look for firm, bright salmon fillets. Thawed frozen salmon can work well too. Remove all skin for better sauce coverage.

DIY Spicy Honey

Combine plain honey with your favorite hot sauce or dried chili flakes. Warm it gently on low heat. Sample it as you mix. Adjust the spiciness to your preference.

Adjust Spiciness

For a gentler version, mix regular honey with just a touch of the spicy stuff. If you love heat, don't hold back on the chili flakes or add extra hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Offer them as finger food with picks, or turn them into a meal alongside rice or stuffed in soft tacos. A small bowl of extra sauce on the side won't hurt.

Storing Extras

They'll stay good in your fridge for about 2 days. Try to keep the sauce apart if possible. When reheating, use the air fryer or oven to maintain their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How’s the best way to cook these?
The air fryer makes them nice and crispy in around 8 minutes. No air fryer? Try the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the salmon flakes easily.
→ It’s too spicy or not enough kick—what do I do?
Go light on the hot honey if you’re not into too much spice. Craving more heat? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Start slow—you can always turn up the heat later.
→ Can I prep these ahead of time?
You can mix the sauce in advance. But it’s best to cook the salmon fresh. Reheating makes the fish lose its juicy texture.
→ What’s good to pair with this?
Serve it with rice to soak up the sauce, or a fresh salad works well too. Quick-cooking veggies—like green beans or broccoli—keep the meal simple and balanced.
→ I don’t have hot honey—what can I use?
Combine regular honey with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Start with just a hint of spice to get it right. Or try a tiny bit of cayenne in maple syrup for a twist.

Conclusion

Enjoy this dish? Switch things up next time with spicy honey shrimp or chicken. Same honey-spice combo, quick cook time, and delicious results.

Sweet Spicy Salmon

Tender salmon pops with a zesty honey kick.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (36 bite-sized salmon pieces)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 pounds skinless salmon, cut into 1-inch pieces.
02 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
03 1 tablespoon smoked paprika.
04 1 tablespoon powdered garlic.
05 1 tablespoon powdered onion.
06 1 tablespoon sea salt.
07 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper.
08 3 tablespoons of softened butter.
09 1/4 cup spicy honey.
10 Chopped parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Set air fryer to 390°F and let it warm up.

Step 02

Combine olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.

Step 03

Add the salmon chunks into the spice mixture. Toss them around until they're fully coated.

Step 04

Place salmon pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid piling them up.

Step 05

Let salmon cook for 9-10 minutes. Give the basket a shake halfway through. Internal temperature should hit 140-145°F.

Step 06

Melt butter together with the spicy honey in a small saucepan until blended.

Step 07

Gently mix your cooked salmon chunks into the honey butter sauce until coated nicely.

Step 08

Arrange salmon on your serving plate and sprinkle chopped parsley on top.

Step 09

Serve while still warm!

Notes

  1. No air fryer? Use a 400°F oven for 16 minutes, flipping once halfway.
  2. Fish is safe to eat at an internal temp of 145°F.
  3. Adjust the amount of spicy honey to suit your taste preferences.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer.
  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Small saucepan.
  • Spatula or tongs.
  • Food thermometer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish.
  • Honey.
  • Dairy products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 558
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~