Name: Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 2 salmon filets (6 ounces each), skin removed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1-2 limes, squeezed; ½ teaspoon garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 10 reviews

There’s something truly irresistible about a plate of perfectly cooked salmon, especially when it’s dressed up with an ultra-creamy, garlicky sauce. The Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe is my go-to whenever I want to treat friends (or myself) to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Succulent morsels of salmon are quickly air-fried to tender perfection, then bathed in a dreamy garlic cream sauce that infuses each bite with velvety richness. Whether you need an impressive party bite or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish always gets rave reviews!

Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe is how it delivers such an indulgent taste with a short list of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Every element here plays a major role—from the brightness of lime to the comforting butter in the sauce—ensuring each bite is full of flavor and color.

Salmon filets: Choose fresh, boneless salmon fillets for the best texture and flavor in your bites.
Olive oil: Helps to coat the salmon pieces and lock in moisture, while encouraging browning.
Fresh lime juice: Adds zesty brightness and balances the richness of the cream sauce.
Minced garlic: For an aromatic punch in both the marinade and the sauce—don’t skimp!
Paprika: Brings warmth and a hint of smokiness to the salmon seasoning.
Kosher salt: Draws out the natural flavors of both the salmon and the sauce.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of peppery heat, keeping every bite lively.
Unsalted butter: The base of the sauce, lending luscious texture and a mellow flavor.
Heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly velvety, luxurious garlic cream sauce.
Fresh parsley: Lifts the whole dish with color and herbaceous notes—always use fresh if you can.

How to Make Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer and Salmon

Start by setting your air fryer to 390°F so it’s nice and hot when the salmon goes in. Give the basket a spritz of nonstick cooking spray. Meanwhile, take the time to gently pat the salmon filets dry—this helps them crisp beautifully. Slice them into uniform, 1-inch squares; not only do they cook evenly this way, but they become perfectly poppable bites!

Step 2: Whip Up the Marinade

Grab a medium bowl and mix together olive oil, fresh lime juice, half a teaspoon of garlic, paprika, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. This marinade infuses every salmon bite with flavor and helps tenderize the fish. Add your salmon cubes, tossing gently so each piece is coated evenly—let them sit while you get your air fryer ready.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon Bites

Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Give them 4-5 minutes, then flip and repeat for another few minutes. The goal is bite-sized morsels that are delectably golden outside, juicy inside, and cooked to that magic internal temperature of 140-145°F. Once done, pop them into a bowl and keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

As the salmon finishes up, it’s time to prepare that dreamy garlic cream sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in heavy cream, the rest of your garlic, and that fresh parsley. Season with another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together for about 4-5 minutes, just until the sauce thickens slightly and turns aromatic—don’t let it boil.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

To complete your Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe, pour the hot sauce right over the salmon bites. Let them soak up every drop or serve them on a plate and drizzle the sauce generously. These are incredible over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even spooned on crostini for appetizers. Dive in while warm!

How to Serve Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe

Garnishes

Give your platter an extra pop of freshness with a generous shower of minced fresh parsley, or add a fine zesting of lemon or lime for zing. A dusting of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper instantly elevates both the look and the flavor of the finished dish.

Side Dishes

These salmon bites thrive alongside buttery mashed potatoes, classic steamed rice, or garlicky sautéed greens like spinach or asparagus. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette perfectly offsets the creamy richness of the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe into elegant two-bite skewers for cocktail parties, or tuck the salmon and sauce into soft mini tortillas with avocado and slaw for zesty tacos. Serve atop toasted baguette slices for effortless, crowd-pleasing appetizers with restaurant-style flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salmon bites are best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Since salmon is delicate, store the garlic cream sauce separately if possible to prevent sogginess and keep flavors vibrant.

Freezing

While the salmon bites themselves can be frozen for up to one month (just thaw overnight in the fridge), cream-based sauces tend to change texture after freezing. If you want to prep in advance, freeze just the salmon and whip up the sauce fresh right before serving for best results.

Reheating

For warm, juicy salmon bites, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the air fryer for a minute or two. Reheat the garlic cream sauce separately on the stovetop, whisking in a splash of cream if needed to bring back its silky texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, which can dry out the salmon.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for the Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cutting and marinating, so it can absorb those delicious flavors and achieve the desired crispness in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can cook the salmon bites in a hot skillet with a touch of oil, or bake them in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Both alternate methods deliver tasty results; just keep an eye on doneness.

Can I make the garlic cream sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Gently reheat it on the stove, whisking well until smooth before serving with the salmon bites.

Is there a dairy-free version of the Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe?

For a dairy-free twist, substitute the butter with olive oil and use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream for the sauce. This keeps the recipe rich and luscious without any dairy.

What other herbs can I use besides parsley?

Fresh dill, chives, or even a hint of tarragon work beautifully in the garlic cream sauce, lending different floral or anise notes to the Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried the Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe yet, now’s the time to treat yourself and your loved ones! It’s crowd-pleasing, unfussy, and packs loads of flavor into every bite. Get your air fryer ready and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.