Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again! Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are everything you crave in a single delicious bite: juicy strips of salmon wrapped in a shatteringly crisp, cheesy coating and drizzled with a sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey sauce. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer, a show-stopping main course, or a crowd pleaser for your next gathering, these tenders deliver big flavor without the fuss. If you want a dish that promises bold taste, irresistible crunch, and a touch of heat in every mouthful, this is it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders might seem simple, but each one plays a vital role in ensuring perfect flavor and texture. A balance of fresh salmon, seasoned breading, and a spicy honey drizzle come together to make this dish unforgettable.
- Salmon Fillets: Start with skinless, boneless salmon for the best texture and mild flavor in every bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides an essential first coating layer so the breadcrumbs stick and keeps the tenders light.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the breading with a subtle savory note that pairs beautifully with salmon.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and a gorgeous pop of color to the crispy crust.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors, making every component between the breading and hot honey shine.
- Black Pepper: A hint of background heat to complement the sweet and spicy sauce.
- Eggs: Encourage the panko and Parmesan coating to cling for maximum crunch.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to that extra shattering crispiness—so much better than regular breadcrumbs!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Amps up the umami in the crust and ensures golden color.
- Cooking Spray or Oil: Makes sure the salmon turns out beautifully crispy instead of dry during baking.
- Honey: Adds a lush, sticky sweetness to balance the heat of the hot sauce.
- Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite for a punchy kick—mild or fiery, it’s your call.
- Butter: Gives the hot honey extra richness and a glossy finish.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by setting your oven to 425°F—high heat ensures the salmon gets gorgeously crispy without overcooking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the tenders from sticking. Pat your salmon strips dry with paper towels; removing excess moisture is key for achieving that crispy coating.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Stations
Grab three shallow dishes or bowls to create an easy assembly line. In the first, whisk together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for maximum flavor in every layer. The second holds your beaten eggs, creating the glue for your crunchy coating. The third mixes together panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan, transforming the crust into something seriously special.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon
Working with one salmon strip at a time, dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour (tap off the excess), then dip in the eggs until well coated, and finally press into the panko-Parmesan mixture, ensuring every inch is covered. Don’t be shy—press gently so the crust really adheres!
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place your coated tenders evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space so they crisp up perfectly. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with oil—this extra touch guarantees golden color and crunch. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the tenders are beautifully crisp and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey
While the salmon bakes, whip up the irresistible hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, and butter. Stir until the mixture is melted, smooth, and glossy—just right for drizzling. Adjust hot sauce to taste for extra heat or dial up the honey for more sweetness.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Once the tenders emerge golden and sizzling from the oven, generously drizzle them with your warm, spicy hot honey. Serve immediately to experience the best contrast of crispy coating and sticky-sweet heat—they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders. Try a shower of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for color, extra grated Parmesan for richness, or a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions for bite. A few chili flakes can add even more visual drama and pop.
Side Dishes
These salmon tenders love to share the plate with simple, refreshing sides. Serve alongside a tangy slaw, crisp cucumber salad, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even tuck into sliders for a fun twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders high on a platter with dipping bowls of extra hot honey. For lunchboxes or picnics, wrap tenders in soft tortillas with greens and a drizzle of sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, build an appetizer board with pickles, cheeses, and sliced bread for a DIY finger-food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders keep surprisingly well! Store cooled tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you can, store the hot honey separately to keep the coating crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked (and cooled) salmon tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen for no-fuss crunch and flavor.
Reheating
To revive the crispy magic, reheat salmon tenders in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 7–10 minutes until sizzling and hot. Microwaving is fast, but the crust loses its crunch. Always add fresh hot honey just before serving for full effect!
FAQs
Can I make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air frying at 400°F for 8–10 minutes gives you maximum crunch with less oil. Just make sure to flip halfway through for even browning.
Can I use a different fish for this recipe?
Totally—firm white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia also work well with this method. Cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust as needed.
How spicy is the hot honey?
You control the heat! Use less hot sauce for a mild version, or ramp it up if you like things spicy. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust until it’s just right for you.
What’s the best way to cut the salmon into tenders?
Aim for strips about 1-inch wide and 3–4 inches long. Uniform sizes ensure even cooking and make for perfect finger food.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can easily adapt it.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders for yourself! Every batch delivers big on satisfaction, with crackly crusts, buttery salmon, and that magical sweet-heat drizzle. Whether you serve them for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or just because, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Print
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are a delightful combination of tender salmon strips coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, baked to perfection, and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, these salmon tenders are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Salmon Tenders:
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless salmon fillets cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon strips dry with paper towels.
- Coat the Salmon: In three separate dishes, set up stations for flour mixture, beaten eggs, and panko-Parmesan mixture. Dredge each salmon strip in the flour, then the egg, and finally the panko mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
- Bake the Salmon: Arrange the coated salmon tenders on the baking sheet, spray with cooking spray or oil, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Make the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, and butter until melted and smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the hot honey over the crispy salmon tenders before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, air fry the salmon tenders at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Adjust the hot honey ratio to taste—more hot sauce for heat or more honey for sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
