I still remember the first time I made these Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe—I honestly didn’t expect them to turn out this good. The salmon was crispy on the outside, soft and flaky inside, and that creamy garlic sauce wrapped every bite in pure comfort. I made it on a busy evening, but it felt like something straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
Everyone at the table kept reaching for more, and I knew this recipe was a keeper. If you love easy meals that feel special, you can also enjoy similar easy indulgent bites likeSmash Dumpling Tacos Recipe.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites
• Fresh salmon fillets – 1 lb, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes (fresh salmon gives the best texture and flavor)
• Olive oil – 2 teaspoons, helps the salmon cook evenly and crisp lightly
• Salt – ½ teaspoon, enhances the natural taste of salmon
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground for better aroma
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon, adds warmth and color
• Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon, boosts savory flavor
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, balances the richness
For the Garlic Cream Sauce
• Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons, creates a smooth, rich base
• Fresh garlic – 3 to 4 cloves, minced for bold flavor
• Heavy cream – ½ to 1 cup, depending on how thick you like the sauce
• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, freshly grated for smooth melting
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, adds brightness
• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish
Note: This recipe serves 4 people comfortably based on the ingredient quantities.
Variations
• Dairy-free version using coconut cream and nutritional yeast
• Lower-fat option with half-and-half or light cream
• Spicy version by adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper
• Herb-forward flavor using dill, basil, or chives
• Citrus-enhanced sauce with lemon or lime zest, or a sweet twist like Churro Saltine Toffee Recipe for dessert afterward
Cooking Time
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 to 10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Equipment You Need
• Air fryer – cooks salmon evenly while keeping it tender
• Cutting board – for safe and easy prep
• Sharp knife – ensures clean, even salmon cubes
• Mixing bowl – for seasoning the salmon
• Small saucepan – for making the garlic cream sauce
• Measuring spoons and cups – keeps flavors balanced
How to Make Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe
Preparing the Salmon
I start by patting the salmon dry using paper towels, which helps remove excess moisture. This step makes a big difference in how crispy the salmon turns out. Then I cut the fillets into even, bite-sized cubes so they cook uniformly.
Seasoning the Salmon
I place the salmon cubes in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder go in next, and I gently toss everything until each piece is well coated. A splash of lemon juice adds freshness right from the start.
Cooking the Salmon Bites
I arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cooking them at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes gives perfectly crisp edges while keeping the inside moist and flaky. I shake the basket halfway for even cooking.
Making the Garlic Cream Sauce
While the salmon cooks, I melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, I add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. I pour in the cream and lemon juice, stirring gently as the sauce thickens.
Finishing the Sauce
When the sauce is warm and slightly thickened, I stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts smoothly, creating a rich and creamy texture. I turn off the heat and taste the sauce, adjusting salt if needed.
Bringing Everything Together
Once the salmon bites are done, I transfer them to a serving plate. I spoon the warm garlic cream sauce generously over the top and finish with chopped parsley for color and freshness. The dish is ready to serve immediately.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
• I always use fresh salmon instead of frozen for better texture
• I avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so the salmon crisps evenly
• I grate Parmesan fresh to prevent a grainy sauce
• I taste the sauce before serving and adjust lemon or salt as needed
• I add lemon zest right before serving for extra freshness
How to Serve Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe
• Serve over steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes
• Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
• Present as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy sharing
• Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges for a restaurant-style look
• Drizzle extra sauce just before serving for added richness
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
• Calories: 400 to 500
• Protein: Around 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 3 to 5 grams
• Fat: 35 to 40 grams
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerating
Allow the salmon bites to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days without losing much flavor.
Freezing
The cooked salmon bites can be frozen without the sauce for up to 1 month. I recommend making the sauce fresh when serving, as cream-based sauces do not freeze well.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to restore crispness. The sauce can be gently warmed on the stove over low heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this dish always wins hearts at the table:
• It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy days
• The air fryer makes the salmon crispy without deep frying
• The garlic cream sauce is rich, comforting, and flavorful
• It works beautifully as both a main dish and an appetizer
• The recipe is versatile and easy to customize