Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce

If you’ve been searching for a quick, flavorful, and impressive way to make salmon, look no further! These Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce are about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. Imagine crispy, golden-brown salmon pieces that are tender on the inside, paired with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that will make you want to drizzle it on everything. It’s a perfect combination of crispy and creamy, and the air fryer makes it all so easy! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving up a crowd, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this one!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce

I’m about to let you in on a little secret: Air fryers are total game-changers for cooking salmon. These salmon bites come out perfectly crispy on the outside, but still melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. And the garlic cream sauce? Oh, it takes this dish to the next level. You’ll want to drizzle it on everything—seriously.

Here’s why you’re going to love this recipe:

• Quick & Easy: With the air fryer, cooking these salmon bites takes barely any time at all. Less than 20 minutes, and dinner’s done! Perfect for when you need a fast meal that still feels special.
• Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer does its magic, giving the salmon the crispiest exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. You’ll never want to bake salmon in the oven again.
• Flavor-Packed: The garlic cream sauce is rich, tangy, and savory, with just the right amount of kick from the garlic. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to dip, drizzle, and savor every bite.
• Customizable: Want to switch up the sauce? Try adding some lemon zest or a dash of cayenne for a bit of extra zing. You can tweak it to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding your family or serving it at a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to get rave reviews. It’s an easy win!

Ingredients in Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce

This recipe is simple but packed with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, skinless salmon cut into bite-sized pieces. These are the stars of the dish, so you want them to be fresh and high quality.
• Olive Oil: To lightly coat the salmon and help it crisp up in the air fryer.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced—this is the base of the delicious cream sauce.
• Heavy Cream: For the creamy, dreamy texture of the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce and helps it thicken up beautifully.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon brightens up the sauce and complements the salmon perfectly.
• Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, of course!

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! These air fryer salmon bites come together in no time at all, and the garlic cream sauce is the perfect finishing touch.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the salmon bites will cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.

Prepare the Salmon

Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat the pieces evenly.

Air Fry the Salmon

Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

While the salmon is cooking, make the garlic cream sauce. In a small saucepan, melt a bit of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese and lemon juice, and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss the Salmon in the Sauce

Once the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a plate. Drizzle the garlic cream sauce over the salmon, or toss the bites directly in the sauce for extra flavor.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a little freshness, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin D: 12µg
Calcium: 180mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 650mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce

These salmon bites are absolutely divine on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Salads: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens or arugula can balance out the richness of the salmon and garlic cream sauce.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts work beautifully with this dish.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salmon bites with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the garlic cream sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Don’t forget the bread! A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Additional Tips

• Adjust the Sauce: If you like your sauce extra creamy, you can add more heavy cream or parmesan. For a tangier kick, a bit more lemon juice or zest is a great addition.
• Make It Spicy: Want to heat things up a bit? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a larger group, you can easily double the recipe and make more salmon bites in batches.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

Q2: Can I use a different kind of fish?
A2: Yes, other firm fish like cod or trout could work as a substitute for the salmon.

Q3: Can I make the garlic cream sauce ahead of time?
A3: Definitely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.

Q4: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A4: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Q5: Can I air fry the salmon bites in batches?
A5: Yes, depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon bites in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

Q6: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A6: You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free cheese in place of the parmesan.

Q7: Can I use a store-bought garlic cream sauce instead of making my own?
A7: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a pre-made garlic cream sauce can work just as well.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

Q9: How spicy is the garlic cream sauce?
A9: The sauce is not very spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes to make it as spicy as you like!

Q10: Can I serve this dish with a side of pasta?
A10: Yes! The creamy sauce would pair beautifully with pasta, especially something like fettuccine or penne.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce are a total game-changer. With the perfect balance of crispy salmon and a rich, garlicky cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely packed with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, fire up that air fryer and treat yourself to a meal that’s both comforting and impressive—your taste buds will thank you!

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