Who doesn’t love a crispy, golden-brown tender? Now, imagine those crispy tenders topped with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze that just takes them to another level. That’s exactly what these Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders bring to the table—flavor-packed, crispy, and totally addictive! You get the rich, flaky goodness of salmon paired with that irresistible crunch, all drizzled with a luscious hot honey sauce that’ll have you going back for more. Trust me, you’re going to be hooked after your first bite.
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Why You’ll Love Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders
This dish isn’t just about the food—though trust me, the food is spectacular—it’s about the experience. Here’s why this recipe is an absolute winner:
Deliciously Crispy: These tenders are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, giving you that perfect crunch with every bite. It’s the kind of crispy you can’t resist!
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The hot honey sauce gives just the right amount of sweetness and heat, balancing perfectly with the mild, flaky salmon. It’s sweet, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Quick and Easy: You can make this recipe in under 30 minutes. It’s the ideal dish when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t have all night to cook.
Healthy Option: Packed with omega-3s from the salmon, this dish is not only delicious but also good for you. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition!
Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love these crispy tenders, especially with that sweet and spicy glaze. It’s a fun, finger-food meal that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders:
Salmon Fillets: The star of the show. Fresh, flaky salmon fillets that will crisp up beautifully when baked or fried.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These add that satisfying crunch to the outside, giving the tenders their crispy texture.
Flour: Helps the breading stick to the salmon, creating a nice crispy coating.
Eggs: Helps bind the breading together and gives the tenders a golden hue once cooked.
Hot Honey: The secret ingredient that makes this dish irresistible! A sweet and spicy sauce that coats the salmon with flavor.
Garlic Powder: For a little extra flavor in the crispy coating.
Paprika: Adds color and a bit of smoky flavor to the breading.
Salt and Pepper: To season everything to perfection.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get these crispy tenders on the table! Here’s how you make them:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat your oil to medium-high if frying. Either way, you want a crispy, golden finish!
Prepare the Salmon: Cut the salmon fillets into tender-sized strips. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavor.
Dredge the Salmon: First, dip each piece of salmon into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat them in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
Cook the Tenders: If you’re baking: Place the salmon tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. If frying: Heat oil in a pan and fry the tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the tenders are cooking, combine honey, a dash of hot sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Glaze the Tenders: Once the tenders are crispy, remove them from the oven or pan and drizzle with the hot honey sauce. Toss them gently to coat each tender in the sweet and spicy glaze.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy tenders immediately while they’re still warm. Pair them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or a squeeze of lemon, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders
These crispy tenders are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with these sides for the ultimate meal:
Fresh Green Salad: Serve with a crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the salmon.
Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: The perfect side for this finger-food dish. Crispy fries always hit the spot!
Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up any extra hot honey sauce is never a bad idea.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add a healthy touch to the meal.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with some ranch, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon for that extra zing.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make this dish even better:
Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon really makes a difference when it comes to flavor and texture. However, frozen salmon works just fine if that’s what you have on hand.
Baking vs. Frying: Baking is a great option if you want to keep things lighter, but frying gives that extra crispy crunch. Choose your cooking method based on your preferences!
Make It Your Own: Add extra hot sauce to the glaze if you want a spicier kick, or use a sweeter honey for a more mellow flavor. You can customize the heat level to suit your taste!
Prep Ahead: You can prep the tenders ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different fish for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! You can use cod, tilapia, or any firm white fish. Just make sure it’s cut into tender-sized pieces for the best texture.
Q2: Can I bake the tenders instead of frying them?
A2: Yes! Baking is a great option for a healthier twist. Just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
Q3: Can I make the hot honey sauce spicier?
A3: Yes, add more hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to increase the heat. Adjust it to your preference!
Q4: Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
A4: It’s best to cook them fresh, but you can prepare the tenders and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. Just reheat them in the oven for that crispy texture.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
Q6: Can I freeze these tenders?
A6: Yes! You can freeze them before cooking. Once ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q7: Can I use a different type of breadcrumbs?
A7: Yes! You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs give that extra crunch. You can also try using almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Q8: How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
A8: The hot honey sauce has a balanced sweetness with a mild kick. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more hot sauce or chili flakes.
Q9: Can I serve these with a salad?
A9: Definitely! A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a great balance to the sweetness and spice of the tenders.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes! Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheet or in your pan for all the tenders.
Conclusion
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are a game-changer. With their irresistible crunch and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, they’ll quickly become your new favorite go-to dish. Whether you’re serving them for a quick dinner or as an appetizer at your next gathering, these tenders will steal the show every time. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Print
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, tender salmon and a sweet-spicy glaze. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and make for an amazing dinner or appetizer. With a crispy coating and a drizzle of hot honey, these salmon tenders will become a family favorite! #CrispySalmon #HotHoneySalmon #EasySalmonRecipe #SpicySalmonTenders #BakedSalmon #SalmonRecipe #HealthyDinner #SeafoodLovers #QuickDinner #HomemadeSalmon
Ingredients
- For the Salmon:
- 2 lbs salmon, cut into 1-inch strips or chunks
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (or flour)
- Olive oil or melted butter, for drizzling
- For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2–3 tbsp hot sauce
- 1/2 – 3 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your taste)
- 3/4 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Green onions, cilantro, or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Rub a sheet pan with olive oil.
- Prepare the Salmon: Arrange the salmon strips or chunks on the prepared sheet pan. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Parmesan (or flour). Toss gently to coat. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the salmon is crispy on top and cooked through.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the salmon is baking, make the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Warm over low heat (do not boil).
- Serve: Once the salmon is done baking, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the salmon tenders. You can also serve the sauce on the side. If the sauce thickens, gently warm it on the stove. Garnish with fresh herbs like green onions, cilantro, or thyme. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce according to your spice preference.
- If you want to make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour for the coating.
- For a fuller meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 319 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg