This recipe for air-fried honey chipotle salmon bites is sweet and glazy — but with a little kick of smoky heat. It’s a great dish to prepare and enjoy with younger seafood lovers at the kitchen table, as the salmon bites are fun to make and eat. The salmon bites are made from wild-caught sockeye salmon, which will cook quickly in the air fryer and develop a crispy exterior.
The honey chipotle salmon bites are served alongside simple, roasted vegetables to round out the meal. If you have young children in the kitchen who are motivated to prepare the meal with you, they can help you with some veggie prep — younger children can help you break down the broccoli crowns into bite-sized florets. Older kids who are confident with using a knife can help you peel and slice the carrots.
Chef’s note: You can adjust the heat level of the salmon bites by reducing the chipotle chili powder (regular chili powder is fine, too) in the seasoning mix, or even omitting the chili powder altogether. Make sure to toss the “honey chipotle” mixture before tossing in the salmon to get a sense of if it’s tasting too spicy or not.
How to Make Honey Chipotle Salmon Bites in a Conventional Oven
If you don't have an air fryer in your kitchen, you can make honey chipotle salmon bites in a conventional oven, using a broiler. A broiler will cook the salmon quickly, while giving crisping and browning the sugars in the chipotle glaze.
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Arrange an oven rack about 4 to 6 inches from the broiler element. Preheat broiler to high.
- Meanwhile, prepare salmon bites as directed in instructions below, tossing in honey chipotle glaze to coat.
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Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then arrange salmon bites skin side down in a single layer, leaving space between salmon for heat to circulate.
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Place salmon under broiler and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning. Salmon is done when the pieces flake easily with a fork, and when the honey chipotle glaze is browned and crisp along the edges.