Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce is a simple recipe your whole family will love. This quick and easy meal is perfect for salmon lovers. Make these deliciously seasoned salmon nuggets swimming in a creamy sauce in just 20 minutes!
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If you like this recipe, try my Blackened Salmon in Air Fryer and Air Fryer Salmon Tacos next!
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Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce
These delicious air fryer salmon bites are quick to make, yet they look and taste like a fancy restaurant dish.
They can be served over Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes, Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, or cooked pasta for an easy weeknight dinner. One of my favorites is salmon tacos using 3 Ingredient Flatbread.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites Ingredients
- Salmon. I used four 3-ounce salmon fillets that were previously frozen. You could also use a large salmon filet.
- Olive oil. This helps to crisp up the salmon and give the seasoning something to stick to. You can also use cooking spray or avocado oil.
- Seasoning: The salmon is seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Garlic cream sauce: Unsalted butter, fresh garlic, half-and-half, and parmesan cheese. Use heavy cream for a richer sauce.
See the printable recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
How to make air fryer salmon bites
First, remove salmon skin using a sharp knife. A fillet knife works very well. Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces (approximately 1-inch cubes) and place them in a medium bowl.
Next, combine the seasonings in a small bowl. Toss the salmon cubes in olive oil, then add the seasonings. Toss gently until each piece is well-coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned salmon pieces in the basket of your air fryer in an even layer. Do not overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry salmon for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The salmon is done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F with a meat thermometer, and the salmon chunks are golden brown.
How to make creamy garlic sauce
Prepare the garlic cream sauce while the salmon is cooking in the air fryer. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the half-and-half and stir to prevent the mixture from burning.
When hot but not boiling, add the Parmesan cheese. Simmer over low to medium heat until the sauce thickens.
And that's it! Toss the cooked salmon with the garlic sauce in a large bowl and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions, grated Parmesan cheese, or fresh parsley and enjoy!
Can I make salmon bites in the oven?
Yes, you can make these crispy salmon bites in the oven instead of the air fryer. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. After removing the skin, dice and season the salmon according to the recipe, and arrange them in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
If you love these air fryer salmon bites, you will also love my Honey Glazed Smoked Salmon and Maple Glazed Salmon.
Jeri's Top Tips
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels for extra crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon cubes.
- Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Read How Long Does Salmon Last In The Fridge? for more information and storage tips.
- To reheat, gently warm in the air fryer or stovetop until heated.
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve this easy main dish with my No Fail Instant Pot Rice, cauliflower rice, Creamy Dill Mashed Potatoes, Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes, or Smoked Mashed Potatoes.
I also like to add a side of Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower, Air Fryer Green Beans, or Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli.
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Printable Recipe
Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup half-and-half
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400℉.
- Cut the salmon into 1-inch pieces. Toss the salmon with olive oil in a mixing bowl until well coated.
- Mix together the paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning over the salmon and toss until coated evenly.
- Place the seasoned salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes. Add the half-and-half cream, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. When hot, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer over low- medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the crispy air-fried salmon bites with the garlic cream sauce until well-coated in a large bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired.
Video
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Notes
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels for extra crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon cubes.
- Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, gently warm in the air fryer or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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