If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavor and irresistible crunch, you are going to adore this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe. It combines perfectly crispy salmon strips coated in a savory, crunchy crust with the sweet, spicy zing of hot honey drizzled on top. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking to impress friends with a fuss-free yet stunning meal, these salmon tenders deliver juicy, tender fish with a lively kick in every bite. The balance of textures and flavors makes this dish one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick but seriously satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation for making this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe come alive. Each element contributes a unique flavor or texture that elevates the final dish to something extraordinary, yet the list remains refreshingly simple and approachable.
- Salmon fillet: Fresh, skinless salmon cut into strips provides tender, flaky protein as the star of the dish.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and helps the coating stick while tenderizing the fish.
- Garlic powder: Offers a subtle savory depth to the marinade.
- Smoked paprika: Brings smoky warmth and vibrant color to the seasoning.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Creates an ultra-crisp exterior that stays crunchy after baking.
- Regular breadcrumbs: Helps the coating stick and adds body to the crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds cheesy nuttiness and extra crispiness.
- Cooking spray or oil: Ensures the tenders bake up golden without drying out.
- Honey: The sweet base for the hot honey drizzle that balances the spice.
- Hot sauce: Provides the signature spicy kick to the honey glaze.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but perfect for a bit more heat and texture.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place your salmon strips into this flavorful marinade, letting them soak for 10–15 minutes. This step is key to infusing the fish with bold taste while keeping it moist and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Coating
While the salmon marinates, combine the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl. This mixture is going to give your salmon tenders that signature crispy crust that’s both golden and flavorful.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon Strips
Remove each strip of salmon from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well to every side. This careful coating guarantees maximum crunchiness once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated salmon tenders evenly on your prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking oil to help them brown beautifully. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through to crisp both sides evenly. For an extra crunch, switch your oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Drizzle
While the salmon cooks, warm the honey gently in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Stir in the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, adjusting the heat to your liking. This luscious, spicy honey drizzle is what really makes the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe stand out – perfectly sweet with a tantalizing kick.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Once your salmon tenders are golden and crispy, transfer them to a serving platter. Generously drizzle the hot honey over the tenders for a glossy, mouthwatering finish. Serve immediately while the tenders are at their crispiest and the flavors shine brightest.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or chopped fresh parsley add brightness and contrast to these crispy salmon tenders. A little extra black pepper or a wedge of lemon can also elevate the presentation and add an invigorating citrus burst that complements the spicy honey.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp mixed greens salad or steamed asparagus. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or quinoa pilaf. The mild, comforting sides balance the bold flavors and give you a complete, satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these salmon tenders into a fantastic party appetizer by serving them on bamboo skewers with dipping sauces like ranch or a cool yogurt-based dip to tame the heat. You can also nestle the tenders in soft slider buns with lettuce and a smear of aioli for a fun seafood sandwich twist. Either way, the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe shines whether it’s a casual family meal or a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover salmon tenders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness and flavor.
Freezing
While the tenders are best fresh, you can freeze them if necessary. Place the cooled tenders on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and freeze until firm before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Use within one month for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat and bring back the crunch, warm the salmon tenders in an oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy. A quick broil at the end can freshen up that crispy coating beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon as long as it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating. Fresh is ideal, but thawed salmon works well for the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe.
How spicy is the hot honey glaze?
The glaze has a gentle heat from the hot sauce and optional red pepper flakes, but it’s easily adjustable. You can reduce the hot sauce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder version ideal for all palates.
Can I air fry these salmon tenders?
Absolutely! Air frying at 400°F for 8–10 minutes makes these tenders just as crispy while cutting down on oil. It’s a handy alternative if you want to avoid using the oven.
What dipping sauces pair well with these salmon tenders?
Ranch, garlic aioli, or a cool yogurt-based dip are fantastic options to balance the spicy hot honey drizzle. You can also experiment with tangy citrus-based sauces for a fresh contrast.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! You can prepare and cook the salmon tenders ahead of time and store them properly. Just reheat them gently before serving to keep them crispy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe enough if you want a dish full of exciting flavors and textures that comes together quickly. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer anytime you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and sweet all at once. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation – trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
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Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are tender strips of salmon marinated in a flavorful blend of buttermilk and spices, coated in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, and baked to golden perfection. Finished with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it an irresistible main course that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Salmon Tenders
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray or oil for baking/frying
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 1/2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Marinate the Salmon: In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Submerge the salmon strips into this mixture and let them marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will provide a crunchy and flavorful crust for the salmon.
- Coat the Salmon: Remove each salmon strip from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each strip thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating for maximum crispiness.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the coated salmon strips on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking oil to promote browning and crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping each tender halfway through the cooking time to bake evenly.
- Broil for Crunch: For an extra crispy finish, broil the salmon tenders for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Make the Hot Honey: While the salmon bakes, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, mixing well to combine the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the crispy salmon tenders just before serving for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- For an alternative cooking method, air fry the salmon tenders at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes until crispy.
- Adjust the spiciness by reducing the amount of hot sauce or omitting the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
- Pair the hot honey salmon with ranch dressing or a cool yogurt dip to balance the heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
