If you’re searching for a dish that turns heads and disappears fast from the plate, look no further than these Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders. Imagine salmon strips wrapped in a golden, crunchy crust, finished with a sticky-sweet drizzle of spiced honey—every bite explodes with flavor and a subtle heat that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or just treating yourself, this recipe guarantees a winning combination of tender fish, bold seasoning, and irresistible texture.

Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple yet essential these ingredients are—each one purposefully chosen to build flavor, boost crunch, or create that gorgeous color. Even better, you likely have many of them on hand already, making Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders the perfect anytime treat.

Salmon fillets: Fresh, skinless salmon strips are rich and meaty—the star of our tenders.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the salmon, ensuring every bite is juicy.
Garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory depth throughout each tender.
Smoked paprika: Delivers a subtle smokiness and a pop of vibrant color.
Salt: Brings out all those natural salmon flavors.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
All-purpose flour: Forms a classic, crispy base for the coating.
Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style crumbs create the crunchiest possible crust.
Cornmeal: Adds extra crunch and a hint of toasted sweetness.
Eggs: The key binder that helps the coating cling to each piece of salmon.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Ideal for shallow frying, ensuring a crisp, golden finish.
Honey: The sweet foundation for our hot honey drizzle.
Hot sauce: Balances the honey with fiery heat—add more if you love it spicy.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those craving an even bolder kick.

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Salmon

Start by cutting the salmon fillets into 1-inch wide strips—think about the perfect finger-food size. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gently add in the salmon strips and toss to coat every piece. Pop the bowl in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for max flavor and tenderness). This bath not only infuses the salmon with zesty spice but also keeps it incredibly moist during frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge and Egg Wash

Set up your assembly line: In a shallow dish, stir together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, and cornmeal—these three create the signature crunch that makes Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders so crave-worthy. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Get ready for the next step; things are about to get deliciously messy!

Step 3: Coat the Salmon Strips

Remove the marinated salmon from its buttermilk soak, letting any excess liquid drip off. Working with one strip at a time, coat it generously in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it back into the flour mix for an extra-thick, crispy layer. Make sure each piece is fully coated so that every bite delivers that unbeatable crunch.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a sturdy skillet and heat it over medium. You’ll know it’s ready when a breadcrumb sizzles on contact. Carefully add the coated salmon strips in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until they’re deeply golden and crisp. Move them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Drizzle

In a small saucepan set over low heat, gently combine the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until warmed through and silky—you’ll see the mixture thin out and become perfectly pourable. Taste and adjust the heat level to your liking. Drizzle the hot honey right over the salmon tenders, or serve it on the side for dipping if you prefer that irresistible crispy crunch from start to finish.

How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders

Garnishes

Give your Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders a finishing touch with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, a bright squeeze of lemon, or a pinch of flaky sea salt. These little pops of color and freshness not only look stunning but also amplify the flavors in every bite.

Side Dishes

These salmon tenders truly shine next to cool, creamy slaw, tangy pickles, or a pile of crispy fries. For a lighter pairing, go for a citrusy green salad or some steamed veggies. Your favorite dipping sauces—ranch, extra hot honey, or a garlicky yogurt dip—will turn this meal into pure comfort food bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sliding the tenders onto mini skewers to jazz up an appetizer platter, or tuck them into warm tortillas with slaw for a salmon taco twist. Pile them up on a platter with little cups of hot honey for dipping at your next party and watch them vanish in minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. This keeps your crispy coating reasonably intact, and the flavors meld even more overnight.

Freezing

Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled tenders on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zipper bag or container. They’ll keep their quality for about 1-2 months in the freezer; just be sure to hold off on the hot honey drizzle until after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until hot and crispy. You can use an air fryer for a quick, ultra-crunchy finish. Avoid microwaving if possible—it tends to soften that glorious crust.

FAQs

Can I bake or air-fry these Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders instead of frying?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, arrange the coated salmon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in your air fryer basket. Bake or air-fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or until the coating is golden and the salmon is cooked through. You may want to mist lightly with oil for extra crispiness.

Can I use a different fish?

Yes—mild white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times depending on the thickness of your strips, as white fish may cook faster than salmon.

How spicy are these tenders?

Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders have a lovely, balanced heat thanks to the hot honey. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less hot sauce and skip the red pepper flakes. True spice lovers can simply crank it up!

Can I prep these ahead of time?

You can marinate the salmon and prep your dredging stations in advance. Coat and fry them just before serving for the best crunch, or coat and freeze the uncooked strips for later frying or baking.

What’s the best way to meal prep with these tenders?

Cook a big batch, store the cooled tenders (without the hot honey) in the fridge or freezer, and reheat just before serving. The hot honey can be made ahead, too—simply warm and drizzle whenever you’re ready to serve up a quick, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something irresistible about Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders—the crunch, the sweet heat, the tender salmon all rolled into one unforgettable dish. I hope you dive in, make them your own, and share this recipe (and a big, happy platter) with family and friends!

Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are a delicious twist on traditional salmon recipes. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey sauce, they are perfect for a flavorful seafood meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Tenders:

1 pound skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch wide strips
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Dredge:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 eggs

Hot Honey Sauce:

1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon hot sauce (more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the Salmon: Combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate salmon strips for 20 minutes to 2 hours.
Prepare the Dredge: Mix flour, panko, and cornmeal in a shallow dish. Beat eggs in a separate bowl.
Dredge the Salmon: Coat salmon strips in the flour mixture, then egg, then flour again.
Fry the Salmon: Fry in vegetable oil until golden and crispy.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce: Warm honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Drizzle over salmon tenders.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase hot sauce or add cayenne pepper to the dredge.
You can bake or air-fry the tenders at 400°F for 12–15 minutes for a lighter version.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American