If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious, and downright show-stopping seafood dinner, Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce should absolutely be at the top of your must-cook list. Imagine perfectly seasoned, bite-sized morsels of tender salmon, air-fried to crisp-edged perfection, then generously drizzled with a rich, garlicky cream sauce and sprinkled with fresh herbs. This dish manages to feel special enough for guests but is easy enough to throw together on a busy weeknight, making it an instant favorite in any kitchen.

Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce is all about quality, vibrant ingredients working together in harmony. Each one brings its own flair—flavor, texture, or color—to the final plate, so don’t skip or skimp on these essentials!

Salmon fillet (1 lb, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes): The star of the show—choose the freshest fish you can find for buttery texture and flavor.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the seasonings cling to the salmon bites while encouraging those crispy edges in the air fryer.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle warmth and gorgeous color to the fish.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the salmon’s natural savoriness and complements the garlic cream sauce.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish—taste and adjust as you go.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the flavors.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The secret to the luscious, velvety sauce—use full-fat for the dreamiest result.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): The aromatic backbone of the cream sauce; fresh is best here.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Infuses the sauce with a little extra richness and body.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle hint of heat—feel free to skip or adjust to your preference.
Parmesan cheese, grated (2 tablespoons): Brings umami depth and helps thicken the sauce.
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (1 tablespoon): For a burst of freshness and color as the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This ensures the basket is hot when your salmon goes in, giving you those irresistibly crisp edges from the very first minute of cooking.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites

In a medium bowl, combine your salmon cubes with the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until each piece is beautifully coated. This simple blend wakes up the natural flavors of the salmon and guarantees every bite is well seasoned.

Step 3: Arrange and Air Fry

Spread the seasoned salmon cubes out in a single layer inside the air fryer basket—no overcrowding, please! Cook them for 7 to 9 minutes, giving the basket a gentle shake halfway through to help them cook evenly. You’re looking for salmon that’s cooked through yet wonderfully moist, with slightly crispy edges.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

While the salmon bites are doing their thing, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add your freshly minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love a touch of heat, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan and cook for another minute or so until the sauce is creamy and just thickened. Remove from the heat and get ready to assemble!

Step 5: Serve Everything Together

Arrange the hot, crispy salmon bites on a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle generously with that dreamy garlic cream sauce, then shower with chopped parsley or chives. Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce are now ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce

Garnishes

Garnishing might seem like a bonus step, but it brings fresh brightness and a pop of color to your salmon bites. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives not only makes everything look extra inviting, but also adds a sweet herbaceous note that balances the richness of the garlic cream sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

These salmon bites partner beautifully with a host of sides—you really can’t go wrong! Consider serving them over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or vibrant roasted veggies. The mild, buttery flavor of the salmon and the luscious sauce complement everything from simple steamed greens to a decadent risotto.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce into an appetizer by skewering each bite on a toothpick with a drizzle of sauce for dipping. Or tuck them into warm pita pockets with crunchy lettuce, drizzle with sauce, and top with fresh herbs for a handheld main course. They’re even fabulous over a hearty salad for a lighter, elegant meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the salmon bites and garlic cream sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making them just as irresistible the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked salmon bites for up to a month. Lay them out on a sheet pan to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. The garlic cream sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have extra, pour it into a small container and freeze for up to two weeks. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the salmon bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their texture without drying them out. Warm the sauce gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently so it stays smooth and creamy—add a splash of cream or milk if it needs loosening up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps you achieve those golden, crispy edges in the air fryer and allows the seasonings to stick well.

Is there a lighter option for the garlic cream sauce?

You can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even light cream for a lighter version of the sauce. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still deliver plenty of garlicky goodness and silkiness.

Do I have to use an air fryer?

While air frying gives these salmon bites their signature crispness in record time, you can also bake them in a very hot (425°F) oven on a lined baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer. The results are still delicious!

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or even a bit of cream cheese will provide a similar creaminess and savory depth. You can also skip it for a dairy-free option if desired.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the center is just opaque. Overcooking can make it dry, so start checking at the 7-minute mark for perfect, juicy bites.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce are a true celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in ultimate harmony. Give this recipe a whirl and watch it become your new weeknight staple—or the centerpiece of your next dinner with friends. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these flavorful and crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites served with a luscious Garlic Cream Sauce. This easy seafood dish is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Bites:

1 lb skinless salmon fillet (cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Cream Sauce:

1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Prepare Salmon Bites: Toss salmon cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Make Garlic Cream Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, sauté garlic, add cream, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Serve: Drizzle the garlic cream sauce over the cooked salmon bites and garnish with fresh herbs.