Description
These Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce are everything you want in a dish—crispy, tender salmon pieces paired with a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or an elegant appetizer, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy salmon in a fresh, exciting way!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skinless and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the salmon bites.
- Season the Salmon:
- In a large bowl, combine the salmon pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the Salmon Bites:
- Place the seasoned salmon pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The salmon should be cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir continuously.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Once the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate.
- Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the salmon bites and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Salmon cooks quickly, so check at the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Pairings: This dish pairs well with asparagus, quinoa, or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Air-Fryer
- Cuisine: American