Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce is a quick and delicious appetizer or main dish that combines tender salmon pieces with a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfectly air-fried for a crispy exterior and served with a creamy garlic sauce, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon filets (6 ounces each), skin removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
• ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (59.5g) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (for sauce)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel. Cut each filet into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the salmon bites and gently toss to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Arrange the salmon bites in an even layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F. Transfer cooked salmon to a bowl.
5. Step 5: While salmon cooks, prepare the garlic cream sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, heavy cream, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is heated through, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Pour the garlic cream sauce over the salmon bites and serve immediately, ideally over mashed potatoes or rice.

Tips & Variations

• Ensure salmon pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Try serving with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover salmon bites and garlic cream sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the salmon. The sauce can be reheated over low heat with occasional stirring.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before cutting and cooking to ensure even cooking and to prevent excess moisture.

What can I serve with salmon bites?

These salmon bites pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

These Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce are tender, flavorful pieces of salmon coated in a zesty lime-garlic marinade and air fried to perfection for a crispy edge and juicy inside. Paired with a rich and creamy garlic sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and fresh parsley, this quick and easy recipe makes a delicious appetizer or main dish served over mashed potatoes or rice.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 2 salmon filets (6 ounces each), skin removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1–2 limes)
• ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Cream Sauce

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (59.5g) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Salmon Bites: Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel. Cut each filet into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife.
3. Marinate Salmon: In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss the salmon bites gently in this mixture ensuring they are well coated.
4. Air Fry Salmon: Place salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, flip the bites, then air fry for another 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F. Transfer cooked salmon bites to a bowl.
5. Make Garlic Cream Sauce: While salmon cooks, heat butter, heavy cream, garlic, parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until butter is melted and the sauce is fully combined and warmed through, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Serve: Pour the garlic cream sauce over the salmon bites. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Use fresh lime juice for the best bright flavor.
• Make sure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F for safe consumption.
• You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if unavailable, but fresh is recommended for flavor.
• This recipe can be doubled but cook in batches to maintain quality.

Keywords: salmon bites, garlic cream sauce, air fryer salmon, easy seafood recipe, appetizer, quick dinner