Name: Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound skinless salmon fillets, cut into strips; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; olive oil spray or neutral oil for air frying or baking; 1/4 cup honey; 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

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If you’re looking for a meal that packs a crunchy punch, delivers an irresistible mix of sweet, spicy, and savory, and comes together in just 30 minutes, these Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders will be your new obsession. Tender strips of salmon are marinated in tangy buttermilk, dredged in a bold panko crust, air fried or baked until golden, and then finished with a warm drizzle of sticky hot honey sauce. This is weeknight magic that feels like a restaurant treat—without the mess or the deep fryer!

Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is purposefully chosen—nothing fancy, just simple essentials that create unbeatable texture and flavor. Each one adds something crucial, whether it’s heat, crunch, or a hint of golden color that’ll make these Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders impossible to resist.

Salmon: Use skinless fillets cut into equal strips for juicy, evenly cooked tenders.
Buttermilk: This tenderizes the salmon and helps the coating stick—don’t skip it!
Hot Sauce: Adds a hint of heat to the marinade and sauce; adjust to your preferred spice level.
Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to shatteringly crisp salmon without deep frying.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps get the perfect breading texture—light, airy, and never clumpy.
Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and a mellow zing throughout the crust.
Smoked Paprika: Lends a gorgeous color and subtle smokiness that makes the tenders pop.
Salt: Brings out all the savory salmon flavors; a must for great seasoning.
Black Pepper: Rounds out the breading with a little sharpness and bite.
Olive Oil Spray or Neutral Oil: Just a light mist is all you need for crispy exteriors in the air fryer or oven.
Honey: The backbone of your hot honey sauce—go for a good-quality, mild honey.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Bring extra heat to your sauce if you love it spicy!
Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sticky sweetness and keeps the sauce from being cloying.

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Salmon

Start by whisking together the buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Add your salmon strips, making sure each one is well-coated, then pop everything in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This little soak gives your salmon a tangy flavor and ensures the panko coating can cling on for max crunch later.

Step 2: Mix the Crispy Coating

While the salmon marinates, grab a separate bowl and combine the panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix becomes the super crispy shell that makes these Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders so addictive—give it a quick toss to blend all the flavors evenly.

Step 3: Dredge and Coat

Remove your salmon from the buttermilk bath and let any excess drip off. Working one at a time, dredge each strip in the panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Arrange them in a single layer on your air fryer basket or a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t steam and lose their crunch.

Step 4: Air Fry or Bake

It’s time to crisp them up! Lightly mist the tenders with oil spray to help the coating brown and crisp. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes. The result: beautifully golden salmon with a crunchy panko jacket and juicy center.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the salmon is cooking, combine the honey, hot sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat and stir until the mixture is thin and pourable. This is the magic touch that makes these Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders unforgettable—warm, sticky, and perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Once your salmon tenders are golden and irresistible, plate them up and immediately drizzle with the warm hot honey sauce. Get ready for a flavor explosion with every bite!

How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders

Garnishes

Finish your Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders with a flurry of chopped fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For a punchy kick, a final dusting of extra red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon makes all the flavors pop even more.

Side Dishes

These tenders are outrageously good piled high over fluffy rice, tucked into a crisp salad, or serving alongside sweet potato fries for an unbeatable weeknight dinner. For something lighter, pair with a simple slaw dressed in lemon juice or serve taco-style with crunchy cabbage and avocado.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders into salmon sliders with soft buns and pickled onions, or slice and layer onto a grain bowl with quick-pickled veggies. They’re also fantastic for wraps, or nestled in lettuce cups for a bright, hand-held appetizer that disappears fast at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, let the tenders cool completely, then tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Keep the hot honey sauce separate, so everything stays as crisp and fresh as possible.

Freezing

Freeze any extra uncooked breaded salmon strips on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re craving Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders, you can air fry or bake straight from frozen—just add an extra 3–4 minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

To bring back that signature crunch, reheat tenders in an air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes or in a 400°F oven for 5–8 minutes. Warm the hot honey sauce separately and drizzle just before serving for the freshest flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your salmon is completely thawed and thoroughly dried with paper towels before marinating. This helps the breading stick and prevents soggy tenders.

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility: use 1 teaspoon of hot sauce in the honey sauce for mild heat, or add extra hot sauce and red pepper flakes if you like a real kick. Taste as you go and adjust to suit your spice preference!

Can I make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute gluten-free panko and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the traditional versions. The texture will be just as crispy and delicious, so no one misses out.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk in the marinade?

If you don’t have buttermilk, simply combine 1/2 cup milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, stir, and let it sit for a few minutes before using. It works just as well to tenderize the salmon and lock in moisture.

What’s the best way to keep the coating from falling off?

Make sure to shake off excess buttermilk after marinating, and press the panko mixture gently onto each strip. Chilling the breaded salmon for 10 minutes in the fridge before cooking can also help the crust set beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s fast, wildly flavorful, and just plain fun, give these Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders a try. They strike the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and crunchy—guaranteed to become a favorite at your table for both busy nights and special gatherings. Let your taste buds celebrate, and don’t forget to double the batch if you love leftovers!

Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are a delicious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The salmon strips are coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture, then air fried or baked to crispy perfection. Drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, these salmon tenders are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Tenders:

1 pound skinless salmon fillets, cut into strips
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
olive oil spray or neutral oil for air frying or baking

Hot Honey Sauce:

1/4 cup honey
1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

Marinate the Salmon: Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce together. Soak salmon strips in the mixture for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Coating: Mix panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Coat the Salmon: Dredge marinated salmon strips in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
Cook the Salmon: Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes or bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce: Combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over low heat. Warm the sauce and drizzle over the cooked salmon tenders.
Serve: Enjoy the crispy hot honey salmon tenders immediately.