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Creamy Garlic Air Salmon

Featured in: Hearty Meals and Dinner Favorites

Air fryer salmon bites with garlic cream sauce give you a fast, classy dinner in less than 20 minutes. Salmon pieces get hit with paprika and garlic powder, then crisp up in the air fryer. While that’s going, melt butter and sizzle garlic, then stir in some cream and toss in Parmesan cheese. The end result? Soft, flaky salmon with a dreamy garlic sauce. Scoop it over mashed potatoes, rice, or toss next to green beans—you’ll love it.
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By Chloe Chloe
Updated on Fri, 23 May 2025 15:13:03 GMT
Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Pin it
Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce | cookitdelish.com

Bite-sized salmon gets tossed in a simple blend of spices then popped in the air fryer till it’s crunchy outside and soft inside. You’ll get that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, flaky-inside salmon every time. A creamy garlic sauce takes it over the top. This one’s great for weeknights—fast, super tasty, and you don’t need any tricky steps.

I made this one night when everything was chaos and we needed dinner fast. My husband instantly wanted it again. Even my picky daughter finished her meal and grabbed seconds. That’s how simple and crowd-pleasing these crispy salmon bites are.

Irresistible Salmon Essentials

  • Fresh parsley: Chops up bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color
  • Black pepper: Gives a gentle spicy kick and a hint of depth
  • Sea salt: Rounds out the flavors and ups the crunch
  • Paprika: Adds smoky flavor and makes everything look prettier
  • Garlic powder: Brings a punchy aroma without the risk of burning garlic
  • Olive oil: Lets the seasoning cling and helps get that golden finish
  • Fresh salmon fillet: Main star—packed with nutrients and rich taste

Simple Cooking Steps

Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and pile the crispy salmon on a platter. Pour over the warm cream sauce before serving, or let folks help themselves.
Sauce Whipping:
Drop butter into a pot and let it melt. Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute. Pour in cream slowly, whisk non-stop. Let it bubble a bit till it thickens a little.
Air Frying Magic:
Fire up your air fryer to 400°F. Lay out salmon pieces in a single layer. Set the timer for 4 minutes, shake the basket, then let them cook 4-5 more minutes till you hear that crunch.
Add the Seasonings:
Sprinkle paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the salmon cubes. Toss around to cover everything. Let them rest for a few before cooking.
Get Salmon Ready:
Use paper towels to blot off any extra water. Slice salmon into even chunks (about an inch wide). Put into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and stir it up.
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Pin it
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce | cookitdelish.com

We love these salmon bites on a bed of mashed potatoes—garlic cream sauce soaking in. My husband’s go-to is pairing it with roasted asparagus so he keeps things light. It’s easy to make this meal fit everyone’s favorites.

Tasty Sides

Spoon these crispy salmon bites over garlic rice and drizzle with rich sauce. Mix it up with a green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette. Want to keep things lighter? Go for oven-roasted veggies like zucchini or Brussels sprouts.

Easy Flavor Changes

Craving some heat? Swap paprika for Cajun blend and add a pinch of cayenne for that punch. If Mediterranean’s your vibe, try oregano, lemon zest, and a little pepper flake. Or whip up an Asian twist with a quick marinade of soy, honey, ginger, and garlic, top with sesame seeds, serve with jasmine rice.

Smart Storage

Stash leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge—good for two days. Keep the sauce and salmon separate so it doesn’t get soggy. Pop the salmon back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes to crunch it up again. Warm the sauce gently on the stove, whisking until it’s smooth.

Delicious Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce Pin it
Delicious Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce | cookitdelish.com

After trying salmon all sorts of ways, this air fryer method’s still my favorite. Bare effort, totally tasty. It’s my weeknight cheat for fresh seafood that could honestly pass for something from a nice restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it fine to use salmon with skin left on?
Yep, skin-on salmon works. Put the pieces in with the skin side down. The skin won’t get super crisp like it would from the oven or a skillet.
→ Any good swap for heavy cream?
You could try half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, though the sauce won’t turn out as thick. If you want it lighter, go for evaporated milk.
→ How can I tell when the salmon’s cooked through?
When your salmon flakes right apart with a fork and looks totally opaque inside (not see-through), it’s done—plus, it should be at 145°F (63°C).
→ Can I get this dish ready ahead of time?
Salmon bites are tastiest right after you finish cooking, but you can definitely make the sauce early and warm it up when you need it.
→ What are tasty sides for these salmon bites?
Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, creamy mashed potatoes, or a basic green salad with lemon dressing all go great with these bites.

Creamy Garlic Air Salmon

Crispy, juicy salmon bites from the air fryer, all tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Looks impressive but honestly a breeze to whip up.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By Chloe: Chloe

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Salmon

01 1 teaspoon paprika
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 Salt and pepper to your liking
05 Fresh parsley, chopped for sprinkling on top
06 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into small pieces

→ Garlic Cream Sauce

07 1/2 cup heavy cream
08 A generous squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
09 Salt and pepper as needed
10 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
11 1 tablespoon butter
12 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Step 01

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat until ready to go.

Step 02

Throw the salmon chunks into a mixing bowl. Pour in the olive oil, sprinkle on paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything so the pieces are evenly coated.

Step 03

Lay the salmon chunks out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Give them plenty of space. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, till they're crispy outside and fully cooked inside.

Step 04

While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a saucepan on medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for 1-2 minutes until it’s smelling fantastic.

Step 05

Lower the heat and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring as you do. Mix in the Parmesan along with some salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the sauce is silky and smooth. If you'd like, toss in a bit of lemon juice for freshness.

Step 06

Transfer the salmon bites from the air fryer to a plate. Pour the garlic cream sauce generously on top and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve while everything is still nice and hot!

Notes

  1. Feeds 2-4 people, depending on how big the appetites are.
  2. Great with mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or any sides you love.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Air fryer
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes fish (salmon)
  • Has dairy (butter, heavy cream, Parmesan)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g