If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances a satisfyingly crisp texture with a sweet and spicy kick, the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These tender strips of salmon, coated in a golden, crunchy crust and drizzled with a luscious hot honey glaze, offer a delightful dance of flavors and textures that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you bake them in the oven or pop them in the air fryer, this recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this mouthwatering Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe, you’ll use simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creamy buttermilk marinade tenderizing the salmon, to the combo of panko and cornmeal delivering that perfect crunch, and the spices infusing warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillets, cut into strips: Fresh salmon is the star, offering rich flavor and tender texture.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: This helps tenderize the salmon while adding a subtle tanginess.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Adds a gentle heat to the marinade that wakes up the taste buds.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides an airy, crunchy coating that stays crisp after cooking.
- 1/2 cup cornmeal: Enhances the coating’s texture with a pleasing grainy crunch.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the coating with savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the salmon’s natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild, sharp bite to balance the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for drizzling to ensure a golden, crispy finish during baking or air frying.
- 1/3 cup honey: Forms the sweet base of the zesty hot honey glaze.
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (for honey): Adjust this to your preferred spice level to make the glaze pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra layer of heat in the hot honey drizzle.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven or Air Fryer and Marinade
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it, or prepare your air fryer basket accordingly. In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the salmon strips, making sure each piece is coated, and let them marinate for 10 to 15 minutes. This step ensures your salmon tenders come out juicy and full of flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
While the salmon marinates, combine the panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This mixture is what will give your salmon that irresistible crunch and bold flavor profile.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon Strips
Remove the salmon strips from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off gently so the coating sticks perfectly. Dredge each strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure that every side is well coated. This is the crucial step that guarantees a crispy exterior once cooked.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon Tenders
Arrange the coated salmon strips in a single layer on your baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Lightly drizzle or spray them with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy crust. Bake in the oven for about 12 to 15 minutes or air fry for 8 to 10 minutes—flipping halfway through—until they are beautifully golden and cooked through. The salmon should flake easily but still remain juicy inside.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Drizzle
While your salmon cooks, warm the honey in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until it becomes thin and easily pourable. Stir in the hot sauce and red pepper flakes if using, mixing until it’s perfectly blended. This hot honey drizzle will bring the sweet-spicy magic to your crispy salmon tenders.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Once the salmon tenders are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate and generously drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top. That glossy, spicy-sweet finish is what makes this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish to the next level. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors and adds a lovely contrast to the sweet heat of the honey glaze.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Serve alongside creamy coleslaw for crunch, a fresh garden salad to lighten the meal, or buttery roasted vegetables for more hearty fare. For a simple carb option, garlic mashed potatoes or fluffy jasmine rice make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy a fun twist? Serve these salmon tenders taco-style in warm tortillas with slaws and avocado, or plate them atop a bed of wilted spinach or mixed greens. For parties, arrange them on a platter with small bowls of ranch dressing or spicy mayo for dipping—guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the hot honey drizzle separate until ready to serve to maintain the crispy texture of the coating.
Freezing
These salmon tenders can be frozen, but for best quality, freeze them before baking. Arrange the coated strips on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. When ready, bake or air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat and keep the tenders crispy, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as that can make the coating soggy. Drizzle with the hot honey again after reheating to revive the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is perfect for this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe, white fish like cod or tilapia also work well because they have a mild flavor and firm texture that holds up to breading and cooking.
Is it necessary to marinate the salmon in buttermilk?
Marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the salmon and helps the coating stick better, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. However, marinating really does enhance the final taste and texture!
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is adjustable. The hot honey drizzle can be made milder or spicier by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. It offers a gentle warmth that complements the natural richness of the salmon without overpowering.
Can I bake these salmon tenders instead of air frying?
Yes, this recipe works beautifully in the oven or air fryer. Baking at a high temperature ensures the coating crisps up nicely, creating that wonderful crunchy finish everyone loves.
What should I serve with these salmon tenders for a balanced meal?
Pairing the tenders with a fresh vegetable side like steamed broccoli, a crisp salad, or a light coleslaw helps balance the richness and spice, making the meal both delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe that makes it a standout dish in any kitchen. It’s approachable, bursting with flavor, and customizable to your heat preference. If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers both comfort and excitement on a plate, you should definitely give this one a try. Once you do, I’m betting it’ll join your list of favorite weeknight or entertaining dishes in no time!
Print
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are tender salmon strips coated in a crunchy panko and cornmeal crust, baked or air fried to perfection and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This quick and flavorful dish makes a perfect main course that balances heat and sweetness with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Salmon and Breading
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillets, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for baking or air frying)
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it, or prepare your air fryer basket by lightly spraying with oil.
- Marinate Salmon: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the salmon strips and let them marinate for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the salmon to moisten for breading.
- Mix Breading: In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create a flavorful and crispy coating for the salmon.
- Coat Salmon: Remove the salmon strips from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well to the fish.
- Arrange and Oil: Place the coated salmon strips on the prepared baking sheet or in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Drizzle or lightly spray the pieces with olive oil to promote browning and crispiness.
- Cook Salmon: Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes or air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Cook until the crust is golden brown and crispy and the salmon is cooked through.
- Prepare Hot Honey: Warm the honey gently in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until it becomes thin and pourable. Stir in the hot sauce and red pepper flakes if using, adjusting spice level to your preference.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the cooked salmon tenders just before serving to add a perfect balance of sweet heat. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat before breading the salmon.
- Serve with dipping sides such as ranch dressing, coleslaw, or over a fresh salad for a lighter meal option.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in both the marinade and hot honey sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
