Meet your new weeknight obsession: Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders. These glorious, golden strips of salmon are marinated, breaded, and air-fried or baked to absolute perfection, then drizzled with a spicy-sweet hot honey that’s guaranteed to make you go back for seconds (and probably thirds). It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough to whip up for lunch—plus, every bite packs a playful crunch and a sticky, fiery finish that’s just downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the essentials for these Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders is a breeze! These ingredients strike a delicious balance between bold flavors, tender fish, and vibrant spices. Each one has a starring role in making these tenders outrageously tasty and perfectly textured.
- Salmon fillets: The main attraction—choose skinless and fresh for the ultimate meaty, flaky bite.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the salmon and gives each strip that classic, subtle tanginess.
- Garlic powder: Brings a mellow, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the fish.
- Smoked paprika: Adds color and a gentle smoky warmth to the flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors—don’t skip or skimp!
- Black pepper: Just enough to round out the other spices with a hint of heat.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that extra crispy, golden crust without deep frying.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the coating cling and puffs up slightly during cooking.
- Cornstarch: Makes the crust crunchier and lighter—yes, it’s magic.
- Large egg: Acts as the glue, ensuring the panko breadcrumb layer sticks with gusto.
- Hot sauce (for marinade): Wakes up the buttermilk bath and adds zing right to the core of every tender.
- Cooking spray or oil: A quick spritz or brush helps achieve a shatteringly crisp coating—no greasy aftermath.
- Honey (for sauce): The luscious layer of silky sweetness in that glorious hot honey drizzle.
- Hot sauce (for honey sauce): Cranks up the excitement in the final sauce; choose your favorite for just-right heat.
- Red pepper flakes: Speckles of heat you’ll spot on every tender—don’t worry, you control the fiery factor.
- Apple cider vinegar: A tangy splash balances the sweet and spicy, taking the hot honey to the next level.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
Start by whisking together the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the salmon strips and make sure each piece is thoroughly coated in the flavorful marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this step infuses every bite with flavor and helps keep the salmon tender and juicy.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
While your salmon is marinating, gather three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix together the flour and cornstarch. Beat the egg in the second bowl. Pour the panko breadcrumbs into the third bowl. This assembly line will make breading fast and seamless, ensuring every strip gets its perfect, crispy coat.
Step 3: Bread the Salmon Tenders
Remove each salmon strip from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge it first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs—pressing gently so every surface is covered. This triple-layered coating is the secret behind those truly crispy hot honey salmon tenders.
Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (or your oven to 425°F). Arrange the breaded salmon pieces in a single layer, not touching. Give them a light mist of oil or cooking spray to maximize crispiness. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the fish is cooked through and gloriously golden.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the tenders cook, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and let the mixture warm for 2–3 minutes—just until it’s silky, pourable, and aromatic with spicy-sweet notes.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Once your salmon tenders are sizzling hot and crisp, arrange them on a platter and generously drizzle with that warm hot honey sauce. Serve immediately, and get ready for cheers—these crispy hot honey salmon tenders are an instant crowd favorite!
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a scatter of thinly sliced green onions, or even a few extra chili flakes can make your platter look restaurant-ready. If you love a little tang, try a quick scatter of pickled onions alongside your crispy hot honey salmon tenders for a punchy contrast.
Side Dishes
These tenders shine next to classic sides like crunchy coleslaw, a cool cucumber salad, or even a heap of sweet potato fries. For lighter fare, serve them over fresh greens with a drizzle of ranch or creamy yogurt sauce—the hot honey ties it all together in a flavor fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your crispy hot honey salmon tenders into slider buns for spicy-sweet sandwiches, or slice them over a rice bowl with avocado and quick pickled veggies. For parties, serve them bite-sized with toothpicks and extra hot honey for dipping—your guests will swoon over each spicy, crunchy morsel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover crispy hot honey salmon tenders cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days and still maintain great flavor and texture, especially if you reheat them properly.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze them! Put cooled, cooked salmon tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to a month. Hold off on the hot honey drizzle until after reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until sizzling and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it softens the coating. Once piping hot, finish with fresh hot honey sauce and enjoy like they’re just-made.
FAQs
Can I make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders without an air fryer?
Absolutely! These tenders bake beautifully in the oven. Just follow the same breading method, bake at a high temperature, and flip halfway through for even crispiness—you’ll hardly notice the difference.
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The heat level is customizable—add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a fiery version, or dial it back for a gentle, sweet warmth that even kids usually love. The mix of honey and vinegar balances out whatever heat you choose.
What type Main Course
Any skinless salmon fillets work well. Opt for fresh, firm fillets (Atlantic or wild-caught) for best texture, but frozen and thawed fillets are a great budget-friendly option.
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs or flour?
Yes—swap in your favorite gluten-free panko and flour without sacrificing crispiness or flavor. These crispy hot honey salmon tenders are easy to adapt for gluten sensitivities.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make a quick version by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar—let it sit a few minutes, and you’re good to go for a delicious marinade.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something crispy, spicy, sweet, and downright satisfying, it’s time to give these Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders a try. They come together with pantry staples, look impressive on any table, and deliver a joyful flavor punch in every bite. I can’t wait for you to share these with someone you love—enjoy, and don’t forget that extra drizzle of hot honey!
Print
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes (including marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines crispy salmon strips with a spicy and sweet honey sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Salmon Tenders:
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillets, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- cooking spray or oil for air frying or baking
Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Marinate the Salmon: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate salmon strips for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Prepare Coating: Mix flour and cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Beat the egg in another bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat and Cook: Dip each salmon piece into flour, then egg, then coat with panko. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes or bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes until crispy.
- Make Hot Honey Sauce: Combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over low heat. Warm for 2–3 minutes.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle hot honey sauce over cooked salmon tenders and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust spice level by varying hot sauce amount.
- Serve with ranch, coleslaw, or salad for different options.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray tenders with oil before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
