Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Salmon Bites: Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel. Cut each filet into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
