If you crave that perfect balance of crunch, spice, and a touch of sweetness all wrapped around tender, flaky salmon, this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe is about to become your new obsession. With golden, crispy coating giving way to juicy, flavorful fish and a drizzle of spicy honey glaze that dances on your tongue, it’s a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or impressing friends with something unique, these salmon tenders deliver bold flavors and satisfy every craving with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the key to making this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe a home run. Each item plays an important part in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden crust.
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillets: Fresh and cut into 1-inch wide strips to ensure quick, even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tenderizing acidity and helps infuse flavor into the salmon.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a warm, savory base note throughout the dish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky depth that enhances the crispy coating without overpowering the fish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning both the marinade and the breading.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mild heat that layers nicely with the hot honey drizzle.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the initial coating to help the breading stick perfectly.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds extra crunch with its airy texture.
- ½ cup cornmeal: Gives a subtle grainy crunch and golden color to the crust.
- 2 eggs: Acts as the glue that holds the breading in place.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Provides the perfect medium for crisping up the tenders without overwhelming their flavor.
- ⅓ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness that contrasts the heat and enhances the salmon’s taste.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (more to taste): The star of the “hot” part, giving the honey drizzle a lively kick.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Extra heat for those who want to turn up the spice dial even more.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
Start by mixing the buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss your salmon strips into this flavorful bath, ensuring each piece is well coated. The buttermilk doesn’t just add tang–it tenderizes the salmon so every bite melts in your mouth. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
While the salmon marinates, mix together the all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, and cornmeal in a shallow dish. These three create the magic crust, combining delicate crunch from the panko and the subtle grit of the cornmeal for that irresistible texture you want in every bite.
Step 3: Get Ready to Coat
Beat your eggs in a separate bowl. When the salmon is ready, take each strip out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off gently. Dip each tender first into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and back into the flour mixture again, pressing lightly to make sure every inch is coated. This double dredge means a thick, crispy shell after frying.
Step 4: Fry the Tenders to Golden Perfection
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your breaded salmon tenders in batches–crowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and make them soggy rather than crisp. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until the crust is golden and crunchy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Drizzle
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir gently until the honey is warmed through and the flavors marry beautifully. This sticky, spicy glaze is the perfect finishing touch that brightens and balances the salmon’s rich flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over your crispy salmon tenders or serve it on the side for dipping. Either way, each bite will hit you with a fabulous contrast of heat, sweetness, and crunch that keeps you coming back for more.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro not only brightens the plate visually but adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the spicy-sweet flavors. Thinly sliced green onions or a few lemon wedges offer zesty brightness and cut through the richness of the fried tenders, making every bite feel fresh.
Side Dishes
These crispy salmon tenders pair perfectly with light, crisp sides like a simple mixed greens salad or steamed asparagus. For something heartier, try roasted sweet potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up any extra hot honey sauce. Rice pilaf or quinoa are also excellent choices to balance the dish’s spice with their mild nuttiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe into a fun finger food platter? Serve them with an array of dips–ranch, lemon aioli, or even a cool cucumber yogurt sauce. Wrapping the tenders in lettuce leaves or serving them atop a crunchy slaw makes for an irresistible handheld meal perfect for casual gatherings or game day treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover crispy hot honey salmon tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, preserving the texture and flavor well enough for a quick, satisfying second meal.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, freeze the cooked tenders on a baking sheet first to keep them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to one month without losing much of their crispness or flavor.
Reheating
To bring your leftover tenders back to life, reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 8 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that signature crunch and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is fantastic here, you can substitute with cod, haddock, or tilapia. Just keep an eye on cooking times as leaner fish might cook a bit faster.
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The sauce has a mild to moderate heat depending on how much hot sauce and red pepper flakes you use. You can always adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it milder or extra fiery.
Is it possible to bake the salmon tenders instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, bake the breaded tenders at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried but still delicious.
What can I use instead of buttermilk if I don’t have any on hand?
A simple substitute is mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes. This mimics buttermilk’s acidity for tenderizing the salmon.
Can I make the breading gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to maintain crispiness without gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely magical about the way this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe comes together: crunchy, flavorful, spicy, and sweet all at once. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how addictive these tenders can be!
Print
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are perfectly seasoned salmon strips marinated in a flavorful buttermilk blend, coated in a crunchy mixture of flour, panko, and cornmeal, then fried to golden perfection. Finished with a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle, this easy American main course delivers a satisfying balance of heat and sweetness, perfect for a quick and delicious seafood meal.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch wide strips
For the Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 2 eggs, beaten
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, about 1 inch for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Salmon: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon strips, toss to coat thoroughly, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours to marinate and enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, and cornmeal. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Coat the Salmon: Remove the salmon pieces from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dip each strip first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and then back into the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, thick coating.
- Fry the Salmon Tenders: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully fry the coated salmon tenders in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain the Tenders: Remove the fried salmon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes, stirring until well combined and slightly warmed through.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy salmon tenders or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot sauce or add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra heat.
- To make a lighter version, bake or air-fry the tenders at 400°F for 12–15 minutes instead of frying.
- Ensure oil temperature is medium heat to avoid burning the coating while cooking the salmon thoroughly.
- Salmon tenders are best served fresh and crispy. Avoid letting them sit too long to maintain texture.
