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
Scale
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.
