If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crunchy texture with sweet and spicy excitement, you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe. These salmon tenders, coated in a flavorful seasoned breadcrumb crust and slathered with a luscious hot honey glaze, offer a harmonious dance of flavors and textures that make every bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight meal or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing seafood delight that feels gourmet but comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe lies in the pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor. Each component plays a vital role, from the smoky spices giving warmth to the coating, to the honey and hot sauce that create a perfect glaze bursting with sweet heat.
- Skinless salmon fillets: Fresh and tender, cut into strips to create perfect tenders that cook quickly and evenly.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dry dredging mix, helping to bind the coating.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crispness to the breadcrumb crust for that satisfying crunch.
- Smoked paprika: Imparts a subtle smoky flavor and vibrant color to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Offers savory depth that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Onion powder: Enhances umami and balances the spice blend.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning that brings out all the other flavors.
- Eggs: Acts as the glue that holds the coating onto each tender.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Offers a light, airy crunch that makes the exterior irresistible.
- Olive oil or avocado oil: Used for drizzling to help the coating crisp up perfectly in the oven.
- Butter: Adds richness to the hot honey glaze for a silky finish.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the heat.
- Hot sauce: Provides a punch of spice and complexity in the glaze.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Ramp up the heat and add a lively kick.
- Lemon wedges: A bright finishing touch that cuts through richness.
- Chopped parsley: For fresh color and a subtle herbal note that lifts the dish.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly crispy tenders without any sticking. Pat your salmon strips dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating will adhere beautifully.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour mix is the first layer of flavor and texture, creating a great base for the crispy crust.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
Whisk the eggs in a second bowl until smooth—they are essential for binding. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs, which will give you that light and crunchy outer shell everyone loves.
Step 4: Coat the Salmon Tenders
Dredge each salmon strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Line them up on your prepared baking sheet, then drizzle lightly with olive or avocado oil to help them crisp up in the heat.
Step 5: Bake to Crisp Perfection
Bake your salmon tenders for 12 to 15 minutes. You want a golden crispy exterior and salmon that flakes easily with a fork—the telltale sign of perfectly cooked fish.
Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the salmon bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then whisk in honey, hot sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth and slightly thickened. This glaze brings the signature sweet and spicy kick that makes this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Once out of the oven, brush the hot honey sauce generously over each tender. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, then serve immediately to enjoy the full textural contrast and flavor harmony.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like lemon wedges provide a zesty brightness that perfectly balances the sweetness and spice of the hot honey glaze. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a light herbal freshness that elevates the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair these tenders with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, garlic roasted asparagus, or fluffy jasmine rice. Each side adds balance, whether by cutting through the richness or providing a soothing backdrop to the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these salmon tenders on a wooden board with dipping sauces like a cool ranch or a lemon aioli. For a casual party vibe, stack them in a basket lined with parchment and offer lime wedges for added zing. They also make fantastic sliders when nestled in mini buns with crisp slaw.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the hot honey glaze separate to prevent the crust from getting soggy. Reapply the glaze just before serving to keep that signature sweet-spicy punch.
Freezing
If you want to freeze these tasty tenders, arrange them on a baking sheet so they don’t touch and freeze individually. Once solid, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the crispness when reheating, bake at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes or air-fry for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this will make the crust mushy. Brush with fresh hot honey sauce after reheating for that irresistible glaze.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon tenders, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks well and the salmon cooks evenly.
How spicy is this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe?
The spice level is adjustable—if you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce the amount of hot sauce and crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, crank them up if you love a fiery kick!
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions to keep all the crunchy goodness while making the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I air-fry the salmon tenders instead of baking?
Definitely! Air-frying at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes is a fantastic alternative that yields an extra crispy crust and cooks the salmon quickly.
What toppings or sauces pair well besides the hot honey glaze?
These tenders are versatile—you could try a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce, tangy BBQ sauce, or even a spicy mayo for variety. Each adds a unique dimension to the crispy hot honey base.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for its unbeatable combination of crunch, spice, and sweetness. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests—so don’t hesitate to dive in and savor every bite of this sensational salmon creation!
Print
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders feature perfectly baked salmon strips coated in a crunchy panko crust and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. This flavorful, easy-to-make dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, combining the richness of salmon with a delightful heat and touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Salmon Tenders
- Skinless salmon fillets, cut into strips (about 1 lb)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, for drizzling
Hot Honey Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Salmon Strips: Pat the salmon strips dry using paper towels to ensure the coating adheres well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
- Prepare Wet and Breading Stations: In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs ready for coating.
- Coat Salmon: Dredge each salmon strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the whisked eggs, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Arrange and Oil: Place the coated salmon tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle lightly with olive or avocado oil to enhance crispiness during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Make Hot Honey Sauce: While the salmon cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in honey, hot sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Glaze Salmon: Remove the baked salmon tenders from the oven and brush them generously with the hot honey sauce to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve the crispy hot honey salmon tenders immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, air-fry the tenders at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes instead of baking.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce and crushed red pepper flakes according to personal preference.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free panko and all-purpose flour alternatives.
- Ensure salmon strips are patted dry thoroughly for a better coating adherence and crunch.
