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These salmon bites from the air fryer are crispy and full of flavor, topped with a rich creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s a simple and healthy dish that feels fancy but comes together super fast. Perfect for nights when you want something tasty without a lot of hassle.
I discovered this dish when I needed an easy but impressive seafood meal. Now it’s my go-to when friends pop in unexpectedly. Everyone loves the crispy outside and tender salmon inside, all wrapped up in that sauce that makes it special.
Ingredients
- One-inch salmon cubes: fresh or thawed wild salmon tastes best
- Minced black pepper: freshly ground for better aroma than pre-ground
- Olive oil: extra virgin adds a fruity touch and helps crisp the salmon
- Low sodium soy sauce: brings a mild salty depth without overpowering
- Dry white wine: adds a tangy complexity, chicken broth works as a swap
- Fresh garlic minced: the sauce’s main flavor, use fresh for a punch
- Unsalted butter: melts smoothly for the sauce letting you adjust salt levels
- Garlic powder: adds gentle garlic flavor without burning
- Heavy cream: gives the sauce its creamy, smooth feel
- Fresh lemon juice: brightens and cuts through the rich sauce
- Fresh parsley chopped: adds color and a fresh herb note
- Grated Parmesan cheese: pick a good aged parmesan for a nutty sharp flavor
- Cornstarch: optional but helpful to thicken sauce smoothly with no lumps
How to Make It
- Finish and Plate:
- Put the crispy salmon on plates and spoon plenty of the creamy garlic sauce on top. This goes great with steamed veggies and fluffy rice.
- Whip Up the Sauce:
- Turn the heat down to low and pour in the cream. Let it simmer gently then add grated Parmesan. Stir until it’s melty and thickened a bit. Mix in lemon juice and parsley. If you want thicker sauce, stir cornstarch into the lemon juice before adding. Salt and pepper it to your taste.
- Cook the Salmon:
- Arrange salmon cubes in one layer inside your air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F for about eight minutes. Halfway through, shake or turn the basket so the salmon crisps evenly all around.
- Start the Sauce:
- While the salmon cooks, melt butter on medium heat in a small pan. Add minced garlic and sauté quickly for about half a minute until you smell the garlic, but don’t let it brown. Pour in white wine and let it bubble down until most of the alcohol is gone, about a minute.
- Prep the Salmon:
- Dry the salmon cubes with paper towels so they get nice and crisp. Toss them in soy sauce, olive oil, black pepper, and garlic powder to coat well. Spray the air fryer basket lightly so nothing sticks.
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Parmesan is a favorite here because its nutty, sharp taste balances the sauce’s richness so well. The first time I served this at a family party everyone loved it instantly when the sauce hit the plate.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for up to two days. Warm it gently in a low oven or microwave to keep the salmon tender and the sauce smooth. It’s best freshly made but reheats nicely for a quick meal later.
Swap Ideas
If you want a lighter or dairy-free sauce, try coconut or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Use chicken or veggie broth instead of white wine if you want to skip alcohol. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can swap in for parsley to change things up.
How to Serve
Pair these salmon bites with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a light, healthy meal. Quinoa or couscous works well if you want something besides rice. A crisp green salad with lemon dressing also matches the rich sauce nicely.
Background Info
Air frying gives salmon a crispy touch by circulating hot air instead of using tons of oil. Garlic and Parmesan are classic Mediterranean flavors that bring out the best in simple fish dishes. This dish blends a modern way of cooking with flavors that never go out of style.
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Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I get the salmon bites crispy in the air fryer?
Drying the salmon well before adding spices helps the outside get crunchy. Lightly spraying the air fryer basket stops sticking and helps even browning.
- → What can I use instead of white wine in the garlic sauce?
You can swap white wine for chicken broth or vegetable stock to keep the flavor without using alcohol.
- → What’s a good side for these salmon bites?
Rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies go great with these bites, balancing the creamy sauce nicely.
- → Can the garlic sauce be made lighter?
Try half-and-half or a lighter cream to dry it out a bit but keep the sauce silky.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?
Stir some lemon juice with a little cornstarch before adding it to the sauce to gently thicken it without changing the taste.
- → What’s the best temp and timing for air frying salmon bites?
Set the air fryer to 390°F and cook for about 8 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway so it crisps up on the outside but stays tender inside.