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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Using a clean paper towel, thoroughly pat each salmon fillet dry to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- 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.
- Carefully slice the salmon fillets into uniform 1-inch cubes using a sharp kitchen knife, ensuring even cooking.
- Gently tumble the salmon pieces into the marinade, delicately coating each cube to maximize flavor absorption.
- 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.
- Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to ensure even browning and continued cooking.
- 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.
- Carefully transfer the cooked salmon bites to a clean serving bowl, preserving their crispy exterior.
- For the garlic cream sauce, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it becomes smooth and slightly bubbling.
- Incorporate heavy cream, freshly minced garlic, chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and ground black pepper into the melted butter.
- 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.
- Generously drizzle the warm garlic cream sauce over the salmon bites just before serving, complementing the dish with the rich, velvety sauce.
- 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