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Ninja Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce
5 from 21 votes

Ninja Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce

This recipe offers bite-sized salmon cubes seasoned with lemon pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic, and butter, air fried to create tender pieces with browned edges. Accompanied by a garlic cream sauce made from shallots, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan, and herbs, the dish balances rich, creamy flavors and the fresh taste of salmon in an easy-to-make appetizer or main.

Prep Time
8 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 3
Calories: 795 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Main Course, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound salmon
  • ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1½ teaspoon lemon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar or a low-carb brown sugar alternative, see notes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika sweet
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted, melted)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (to make the sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (to make the sauce)
  • 1 shallot half of a small onion, small, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic use more, or less, according to taste, minced
  • 1½ cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • ¼ tsp salt (taste)
  • 1 handful parsley or your favorite herbs such as thyme, or tarragon, freshly chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, lemon pepper, brown sugar, sweet paprika, and black pepper.
  2. Pat the salmon dry using a paper towel and cut it into bite-sized 1-1½ inch cubes. Transfer the pieces to a bowl, and top with the melted butter, garlic, and the prepared spices.
  3. Line your air fryer basket with an air fryer liner or spray it with an olive oil spray, for easier cleanup.
  4. Place the salmon pieces inside the basket in a single layer, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes. Prepare the sauce while the salmon is cooking and make sure to check midway through and shake your air fryer basket accordingly. Depending on the air fryer you are using, you may need to flip the salmon pieces using a pair of tongs.
  5. Air fry until the salmon cubes are cooked through in the middle and browned around the edges.
  6. To make the garlic sauce, heat olive oil in a pan or skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the shallot or onion and garlic, then saute for a few seconds (or until translucent).
  7. Gradually stir in the heavy cream, salt, and parmesan cheese, and allow the garlic cream sauce to simmer for 2-5 minutes, or until thickened.
  8. Stir in the chopped parsley then remove the pan from the heat. To serve, transfer the air-fried salmon bites to plates and top with the garlic cream sauce. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Cooking time may vary between air fryer models; monitor the salmon bites halfway and adjust as needed.
  • Use brown sugar alternatives to keep the recipe keto-friendly, or make your own sugar substitute blend.
  • Serve the salmon bites immediately for best texture; leftovers keep refrigerated for 3-5 days.
  • Reheat salmon bites in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes to retain crispiness.
  • Store the garlic cream sauce separately in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze up to 6 months.
  • Feel free to customize the herb garnish with thyme, tarragon, or parsley according to taste.

Nutrition Information

Calories 795kcal (40%) Carbohydrates 9g (3%) Protein 37g (74%) Fat 68g (105%) Saturated Fat 36g (180%) Polyunsaturated Fat 7g (41%) Monounsaturated Fat 20g (100%) Trans Fat 0.3g (15%) Cholesterol 247mg (82%) Sodium 937mg (39%) Potassium 951mg (20%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 2588IU (52%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 213mg (21%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 795

% Daily Value*

Calories 795kcal 40%
Carbohydrates 9g 3%
Protein 37g 74%
Fat 68g 105%
Saturated Fat 36g 180%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7g 41%
Monounsaturated Fat 20g 100%
Trans Fat 0.3g 15%
Cholesterol 247mg 82%
Sodium 937mg 39%
Potassium 951mg 20%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 2588IU 52%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 213mg 21%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.