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Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these salmon bites with garlic cream sauce—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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 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

Method
 

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Notes

  • 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