If you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal that’s packed with flavor, these Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce are perfect. The crispy, tender salmon bites paired with a rich, creamy garlic sauce make for an indulgent yet lighter dish. This recipe is quick, easy, and a great option for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer. The air fryer gives these bites a crispy exterior without all the oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Healthy: Air frying reduces the amount of oil used, keeping this dish light yet flavorful.
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Deliciously Crispy: The salmon bites turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
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Flavorful: The garlic cream sauce adds a rich and creamy contrast to the perfectly seasoned salmon bites.
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Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or even served over a bed of greens for a fresh meal.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
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1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Salmon Bites:
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Cut the Salmon: Cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch pieces.
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Season the Salmon: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the salmon cubes and gently toss until they are well-coated in the seasoning mixture.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
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Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Air Fry the Salmon Bites:
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Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to work in batches.
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Cook: Air fry the salmon for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and golden on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
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Melt Butter: While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
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Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Stir in Parmesan: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Remove the sauce from heat and add the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
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Plate the Salmon: Once the salmon bites are done, transfer them to a serving platter.
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Drizzle Sauce: Drizzle the garlic cream sauce over the salmon bites, or serve it on the side for dipping.
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Garnish: Top with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy:
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Dig In: Enjoy these crispy salmon bites with the rich, creamy garlic sauce for a quick and delightful meal or appetizer!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
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Different Sauces: If you’re not a fan of garlic cream sauce, try serving these salmon bites with a tangy dill sauce or a zesty lemon aioli.
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Vegetables: Add some roasted vegetables or a fresh salad as a side for a well-rounded meal.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon bites and sauce in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days.
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Reheat: To reheat, air fry the salmon bites at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until heated through. Reheat the garlic cream sauce gently on the stovetop.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it before preparing.
Can I use a different kind of fish?
Yes, you can substitute salmon with other fish like cod, tilapia, or trout. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.
Can I make the garlic cream sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the garlic cream sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently before serving.
Can I cook the salmon without an air fryer?
Yes, you can pan-sear the salmon bites in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or bake them in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add more smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicier version of the salmon bites.
How can I serve these salmon bites as a meal?
Serve the salmon bites over rice, quinoa, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce are the perfect blend of crispy, tender salmon and a rich, creamy sauce. They’re quick, easy, and a healthy alternative to frying, making them ideal for a weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer. Whether you’re a fan of salmon or just looking for a new way to prepare it, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce are a perfect blend of crispy, tender salmon and a rich, creamy sauce. A healthier alternative to frying, this easy-to-make dish is packed with omega-3s and flavor, making it an ideal quick weeknight dinner or elegant appetizer. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
1 lb fresh salmon fillet (skin removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon Bites: Cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces). In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the salmon cubes and toss until well-coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Air Fry the Salmon Bites: Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: While the salmon cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Remove from heat and add the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Once the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle with the garlic cream sauce or serve the sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
Optional: For extra flavor, serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispness.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic cream sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
