Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce

I’m excited to share one of my favorite recipes with you: Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce! This dish is incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy appetizer1. The combination of crispy salmon bites and creamy garlic sauce is simply irresistible.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Serving Size: 2-3 people

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights2.
• Delicious Flavor: The crispy salmon paired with the rich garlic cream sauce is a match made in heaven1.
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or over your favorite pasta or veggies2.
• Healthy: Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids1.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon Bites

• 1 pound salmon, skinless and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredients for Garlic Cream Sauce1

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 tablespoon cooking wine or sherry (or a little apple cider vinegar as a substitute)1
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup minced parsley

Let’s Get Cooking: Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the salmon is evenly coated.
2. Air Fry the Salmon: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and slightly crispy.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallot and cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes1.
4. Add Wine (Optional): Add the cooking wine or sherry to the saucepan and stir for about 1 minute1.
5. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer1.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the cream mixture and stir until the sauce thickens1.
7. Season and Finish: Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, garlic salt, pepper, and parsley1.
8. Combine and Serve: Pour the garlic cream sauce over the air-fried salmon bites. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Over Pasta: Toss the salmon bites and garlic cream sauce with your favorite pasta for a complete meal2.
• With Veggies: Serve over steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower1.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the salmon bites with toothpicks for a delicious party snack.
• With Rice: Serve over rice of your choice2.

Tips for Customization

• Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic cream sauce for extra flavor8.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salmon or the sauce for a little heat.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like dill, thyme, or oregano in the sauce.
• Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or light cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce34.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cooking.
• Can I make the garlic cream sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop4.
• Can I freeze the garlic cream sauce? Yes, allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop34.
• Can I use dairy-free cream? Yes, you can substitute with Silk Heavy whipping cream2.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 5g

Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.Enjoy this simple, flavorful, and healthy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe. I hope you love it as much as I do!