If you are craving a dish that combines irresistible crunch with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Tender strips of salmon are coated in a seasoned panko crust that bakes up golden and crispy, then drizzled with a luscious hot honey glaze that adds just the right amount of kick and sweetness. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist that’s so easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests who appreciate bold, fresh flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays an essential role—from the crunchy panko breadcrumbs providing texture to the hot honey glaze that elevates the salmon tenders with a vibrant sweet heat.
- Salmon fillets: Skinless, boneless, and cut into strips for easy dipping and crispy bake.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These create the perfect light and airy crunch for your tenders.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick to the salmon for an even coating.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs are used as a “glue” to hold the breading on the fish.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sharpness.
- Paprika: Provides smoky warmth and a beautiful color to the crust.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavor of the salmon.
- Olive oil: Drizzled over tenders before baking, it helps achieve that golden crispiness.
- Hot honey: The star of the glaze, combining sweetness with a spicy punch reminiscent of your favorite hot sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar (optional): Adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness and heat.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, bright finish.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick better. Then, cut the fillets into strips, about the size of chicken tenders, creating the perfect bite-sized pieces for even cooking and irresistible crunch.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
This step makes breading the salmon efficient and foolproof. Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This setup ensures every tender gets a perfectly even coat.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon Tenders
Dredge each salmon strip first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs. Finally, press it into the panko mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Gently pressing the breadcrumbs on guarantees a crispy crust after baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy and Cooked Through
Arrange the breaded tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil for that extra crispness. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the crust turns golden brown and the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), ensuring perfect tenderness inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
While your salmon bakes, warm up the hot honey in a small saucepan. If you like, mix regular honey with your favorite hot sauce for a custom heat level. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to introduce a subtle tang that cuts through the glaze’s sweetness. Stir gently until everything is warm and well combined.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Once the tender salmon is out of the oven, lavishly drizzle the hot honey glaze over each piece. Alternatively, toss the tenders gently in the glaze to evenly coat every crispy nook and cranny. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley bring brightness that balances the richness of the salmon and glaze. If you want extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a scattering of red pepper flakes add another layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides such as roasted vegetables that complement the sweet and spicy notes. Steamed jasmine rice or a vibrant green salad also work well to round out the meal without overpowering the tender’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these salmon tenders on a platter lined with leafy greens for entertaining, or stack them atop a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a wholesome dinner. For a casual feast, offer small bowls of extra hot honey glaze on the side for dipping—guests will love customizing their heat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days and remain tasty, though the crust will lose some crispness. Reheat carefully to best preserve texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon tenders for up to 1 month. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their shape and taste.
Reheating
For the best reheated results, warm the salmon tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. This method helps regain some of the original crispiness without drying out the fish, unlike microwaving which tends to make the breading soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh honey instead of hot honey?
Absolutely! You can simply mix regular honey with your favorite hot sauce to create your own hot honey glaze. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to dial in the spice level that’s perfect for you.
Is it possible to pan-fry the salmon tenders instead of baking?
Yes, pan-frying is a great alternative if you want an even crispier crust. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the tenders for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch, but panko’s light and airy texture gives the best crispiness for this recipe.
Can I make these salmon tenders gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive diners without sacrificing texture.
How spicy is the hot honey glaze?
The heat level can be easily adjusted by how much hot sauce you mix into the honey. Start with a little and add more to suit your preference; the glaze should be pleasantly spicy without overpowering the salmon’s natural flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe is truly a game-changer when you want a quick, flavorful meal that feels special. The combination of crunchy crust and that sweet-spicy glaze will have you coming back to this recipe again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make these tender, crispy bites sooner!
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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 a deliciously crunchy and flavorful dish where tender strips of salmon are breaded with a seasoned panko coating, baked to perfection, and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This easy 30-minute recipe combines the crispiness of baked salmon tenders with the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Salmon and Coating
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless, boneless, cut into strips or tenders)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with hot sauce to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into strips or tenders.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, place the flour. In a third dish, beat the eggs.
- Coat the Salmon: Dredge each salmon strip in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure an even coating.
- Bake the Salmon: Arrange the breaded salmon tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the breading is golden and crispy. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: While the salmon is baking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the hot honey (or honey mixed with hot sauce) and apple cider vinegar. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and well combined. Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the salmon tenders are done baking, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the crispy salmon tenders. Alternatively, you can toss the tenders in the glaze to coat them evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salmon tenders with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. These tenders pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, a salad, or rice.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the salmon dry before coating to ensure the breading sticks well.
- Use hot honey for a sweet and spicy glaze, or mix honey with your favorite hot sauce to customize the heat level.
- Drizzling olive oil before baking helps the tenders become extra crispy without frying.
- Check the internal temperature of salmon with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- The apple cider vinegar in the glaze adds a nice tang but can be omitted if preferred.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the tenders at their best.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
