Description
Succulent garlic butter salmon bites deliver restaurant-quality flavor through simple air fryer magic. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create an effortless meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 salmon filets (6 oz/170 g each), skin removed
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter (½ stick/57 g)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (59.5 g/4 fl oz)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (from 1–2 limes, squeezed)
- ½ tsp garlic, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (199°C) and lightly spray basket with nonstick cooking spray. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, lime juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined. Slice salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes and gently coat with marinade.
- Air Frying Process: Arrange marinated salmon bites in a single layer within air fryer basket, ensuring sufficient space for air circulation. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to promote even browning.
- Cooking Completion: Continue air frying for an additional 4-5 minutes until salmon reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C) internal temperature. Transfer crispy bites to a serving bowl.
- Garlic Cream Sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add heavy cream, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for 4-5 minutes until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Serving: Drizzle warm garlic cream sauce generously over salmon bites. Plate immediately with preferred accompaniments like mashed potatoes or steamed rice.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
- Precision Cutting: Use a sharp knife to create uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring consistent cooking and attractive presentation for each salmon bite.
- Temperature Timing: Monitor internal salmon temperature carefully, aiming for 140-145°F to guarantee perfectly cooked, tender fish without drying out.
- Sauce Synergy: Continuously stir garlic cream sauce while cooking to prevent burning and create a smooth, velvety texture that complements the salmon’s richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 406
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 91 mg