Quick & Tasty Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Air fryer salmon bites spark culinary excitement with their irresistible golden-brown crunch and succulent interior.

Seafood lovers appreciate these delectable morsels for their quick preparation and restaurant-quality results.

The delicate fish upgrades into crispy, flavor-packed nibbles that elevate home cooking to new heights.

Minimal ingredients and rapid cooking make this dish a game-changer for weeknight meals.

Creamy garlic sauce provides a luxurious complement, enhancing the salmon natural richness with tangy, velvety notes.

Health-conscious individuals will delight in this protein-packed treat that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

Anyone seeking a sophisticated yet simple dinner solution will fall in love with these mouthwatering bites.

Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce

• Speedy Seafood Delight: Whip up restaurant-quality salmon bites in just 10 minutes using an air fryer, making gourmet cooking effortless and quick for busy home chefs.
• Flavor-Packed Protein Punch: Zesty lime, garlic, and paprika marinade transforms ordinary salmon into a mouthwatering, tender protein-rich meal that's bursting with bold, balanced flavors.
• Creamy Comfort Companion: Luxurious garlic cream sauce adds a velvety, rich dimension to the crispy salmon bites, creating a restaurant-worthy experience right in your kitchen with minimal cooking skills required.

The Essentials for Air Fryer Salmon Bites

• Salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon with firm texture and bright color for best flavor and texture.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and adds moisture to salmon bites.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright citrus flavor and helps tenderize the fish.
• Minced Garlic: Provides aromatic and savory base for salmon seasoning.
• Paprika: Offers mild smoky flavor and beautiful reddish color to salmon.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste of salmon.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for the cream sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, velvety texture to the garlic sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Adds intense garlic flavor to the cream sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings color and light herbal notes to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and enhances the sauces flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prepare Air Fryer and Salmon

Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray. Pat salmon filets dry using a paper towel, then slice into 1-inch cubes using a sharp knife.

Step 2: Create Flavor Marinade

• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk ingredients until well blended.

Step 3: Coat Salmon Bites

Gently toss salmon cubes in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Cook Salmon in Air Fryer

Arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip each piece. Continue cooking 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140-145°F.

Step 5: Prepare Garlic Cream Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir continuously for 4-5 minutes until sauce is heated and ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer cooked salmon bites to a serving bowl. Drizzle generously with garlic cream sauce. Serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Salmon Bites Every Time

• Moisture Magic: Pat salmon filets completely dry to ensure crispy, golden-brown edges that seal in delicious flavor.
• Seasoning Secrets: Marinate salmon bites for 15-30 minutes before air frying to enhance depth of taste and tenderness.
• Space Strategy: Arrange salmon pieces in a single layer without touching to guarantee even, crisp cooking and prevent steaming.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring perfectly cooked salmon that remains juicy and flaky.
• Sauce Swirl: Whisk garlic cream sauce continuously to prevent burning and create a smooth, velvety texture that complements the salmon beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Salmon Bites

• Refrigerate: Store salmon bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the garlic cream sauce into another container to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• Reheating: Warm salmon bites gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to preserve their crispy exterior. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the fish tough and rubbery. Drizzle fresh cream sauce over the reheated bites just before serving to revive their delicious taste.
• Freezing: Freeze plain salmon bites in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pairing Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Sides

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, buttery salmon bites with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the creamy sauce and highlighting the fish's delicate flavors.
• Serve with Zesty Citrus Salad: Create a refreshing side of mixed greens with orange segments, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the salmon's richness and provide a bright, tangy contrast.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Prepare a light quinoa side dish with fresh herbs like dill and chives, adding texture and a nutty undertone that enhances the garlic cream sauce's complexity.
• Add Roasted Asparagus Spears: Quickly roast asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a simple, elegant vegetable side that provides a crisp, green complement to the salmon's soft texture.

Fun Variations of Air Fryer Salmon Bites

• Spicy Sriracha Salmon Bites: Replace paprika with sriracha sauce and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce.
• Mediterranean Herb Salmon Bites: Swap lime juice with lemon juice and add dried oregano, thyme, and a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning. Serve with tzatziki sauce instead of garlic cream sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon Bites: Use soy sauce and sesame oil in the marinade. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Pair with a quick wasabi-mayo dipping sauce for extra flavor.
• Cajun Salmon Bites: Mix Cajun seasoning into the oil mixture instead of paprika. Create a remoulade sauce using mayonnaise, mustard, and Cajun spices for a zesty Southern-style accompaniment.

Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy air fryer salmon bites bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Packed with zesty garlic cream sauce, these tender salmon morsels offer you a quick, protein-rich meal that delights both palate and health.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 salmon filets (6 ounces/170 grams each), skin removed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick/57 grams)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (59.5 grams/4 fluid ounces)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1–2 limes, squeezed)
• ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer by heating it to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (199 degrees Celsius) and lightly coat the basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Using a clean paper towel, thoroughly pat each salmon fillet dry to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
3. Create a flavorful marinade in a medium mixing bowl by whisking together olive oil, fresh lime juice, finely minced garlic, smoky paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper until ingredients are completely integrated.
4. Carefully slice the salmon fillets into uniform 1-inch cubes using a sharp kitchen knife, ensuring even cooking.
5. Gently tumble the salmon pieces into the marinade, delicately coating each cube to maximize flavor absorption.
6. Arrange the marinated salmon bites in a single layer within the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the space to allow proper air circulation.
7. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to ensure even browning and continued cooking.
8. Continue air frying for an additional 4-5 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit (60-63 degrees Celsius), indicating perfect doneness.
9. Carefully transfer the cooked salmon bites to a clean serving bowl, preserving their crispy exterior.
10. For the garlic cream sauce, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it becomes smooth and slightly bubbling.
11. Incorporate heavy cream, freshly minced garlic, chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and ground black pepper into the melted butter.
12. Continuously stir the sauce for 4-5 minutes, allowing the ingredients to blend and the flavors to meld together until it reaches a creamy consistency.
13. Generously drizzle the warm garlic cream sauce over the salmon bites just before serving, complementing the dish with the rich, velvety sauce.
14. Serve immediately alongside your preferred side dishes such as creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy steamed rice.

Notes

• Quick prepping makes these salmon bites a weeknight dinner champion.
• Cutting salmon into uniform squares ensures even cooking and perfect texture.
• Marinating with zesty lime and fragrant spices elevates the fish’s natural flavors.
• Air frying creates crispy exteriors while keeping the inside tender and moist.
• Creamy garlic sauce adds luxurious richness that complements the salmon’s delicate taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 112 mg