These Air Fryer Salmon Bites are your new favorite quick meal! They’re tender, crispy, and bursting with flavor, especially when paired with a creamy garlic sauce that gives them a tasty twist.
I love how easy it is to whip up this dish. Just pop the salmon in the air fryer, whip up that sauce, and boom—dinner is ready. Perfect for busy nights! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this recipe. If you prefer or need a budget-friendly option, frozen salmon works too! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness but avocado oil is a great substitute if you’re looking for a higher smoke point. It’s neutral in flavor and works well with salmon.
Spices: You can adjust spices to fit your taste. For example, use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked paprika. If spice isn’t your thing, skip the red pepper flakes.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: Either option makes a creamy sauce. For a lighter alternative, plain yogurt works as well. You can also try vegan sour cream if you need a plant-based version.
Fresh herbs: Dill or parsley brightens the dish. I often switch them based on what’s fresh and available in my kitchen.
How do you ensure perfectly cooked salmon bites?
Cooking salmon in the air fryer is quick, but there are a few tips to make sure they come out just right. First, cut the salmon into even-sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking. If you crowd the basket, the air won’t circulate properly, so it’s crucial to arrange the salmon in a single layer.
- Preheat the air fryer before adding the salmon; this helps with even cooking.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for a golden exterior.
- Check for doneness by breaking a piece in half. It should be opaque and flake easily.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce
Ingredients List:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes to enjoy these tasty Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it warm up for about 5 minutes. This step is essential for even cooking and crispiness!
2. Prepare the Seasoning Mix:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until everything is combined into a nice, fragrant paste.
3. Coat the Salmon:
Next, gently toss the salmon cubes in the spice mixture, making sure all the pieces are well-coated. Be gentle to keep the salmon pieces intact!
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so they cook evenly. If you need to cook in batches, that’s perfectly fine to ensure they come out perfectly.
5. Cook the Salmon Bites:
Air fry the salmon bites for about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to help them crisp up all over. The salmon should be fully cooked and slightly crispy on the outside.
6. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
While your salmon bites are cooking, prepare the garlic cream sauce. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream or Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and taste; adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the garlic cream sauce over the salmon or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley or dill, and don’t forget the lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze!
Enjoy your flavorful and tender Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce! They make a fantastic appetizer or a light main dish.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to retain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave them; just be sure to use a lower power setting to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make the Garlic Cream Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic cream sauce a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before serving; it may thicken a bit as it chills.
What Can I Serve with These Salmon Bites?
These salmon bites pair wonderfully with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or over a bed of rice or quinoa. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra garlic cream sauce for dipping!
