For Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce, you season cubes of salmon filets, air fry them, and then toss them in a creamy garlic butter sauce. If you love salmon, be sure to try my Salmon Patties and Blackend Salmon, too!.
As an avid home cook and salmon lover I’m always looking for quick easy and healthy ways to enjoy this superfood fish. Recently, I discovered that using an air fryer is hands-down the best method for cooking cubed salmon fillets to tender, flaky perfection in just minutes.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my proven air fryer salmon recipe, cooking times, helpful tips and frequently asked questions to deliver perfect salmon cubes every time. Let’s dive in!
Why Air Fry Salmon Cubes?
Air frying cubed salmon fillets offers many benefits:
- Super fast – Cooks in only 8-10 minutes
- Perfect texture – Crispy exterior, moist interior
- Flavourful – Seals in moisture and seasoning
- Healthy – Uses less oil than traditional frying
- Easy cleanup – Minimal splattering or mess
Air fryers cook salmon quickly and make a tasty crispy crust by moving hot air around very quickly. The cubes cook much faster than baking, but they keep all of their natural juices and soft texture.
Step-by-Step Method
Follow these simple steps for foolproof air fried salmon every time:
1. Cut Salmon into Cubes
- Purchase 2 6-oz salmon fillets
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Remove any bones or skin
- Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes
Aim for uniform cube sizes to ensure even cooking.
2. Season the Salmon Cubes
- Place cubes in a bowl and coat with 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Season with desired herbs and spices
- Toss gently to distribute seasoning
I love using a lemon pepper or Cajun seasoning blend. Get creative with your favorite flavors!
3. Preheat Air Fryer
- Preheating is key for crispy salmon
- Set temperature to 400°F
- Allow 3-5 minutes to preheat fully
Use this time to prep the seasoned cubes.
4. Add Salmon to Air Fryer
- Place cubes in a single layer in the basket
- Don’t overcrowd – leave space for air circulation
- Cook for 8-10 minutes
Cooking times may vary based on air fryer wattage.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking
- Gently shake basket or toss cubes at 4-5 minutes
- Cook remaining 3-5 minutes until done
Flipping the cubes halfway ensures even browning and cooking.
6. Check Doneness and Serve
- Salmon is done at 145°F internal temperature
- Baste cubes with any juices in basket
- Enjoy hot or at room temperature
Be careful not to overcook or the cubes will dry out. Now you can enjoy tender, flaky salmon cubes in just 10 minutes!
Handy Air Fryer Salmon Tips
- Use uniform cube sizes – 1 inch works great
- Brush basket with oil to prevent sticking
- Don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if needed
- Spritz with lemon juice before serving
- Use medium heat around 400°F
- Flip or shake halfway through
- Cook just until opaque and flaky
Follow these tips and tricks for air fryer success.
Cooking Times for Different Cuts
While 8-10 minutes is ideal for 1-inch cubes, cooking times can vary slightly based on the salmon cut:
- Cubes – 8-10 minutes
- Small fillets – 10-12 minutes
- Large fillets – 12-15 minutes
- Steaks – 15-18 minutes
As a general rule, thicker cuts take a few minutes longer. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness for any size salmon.
5 Delicious Seasoning Options
One of the best parts of air frying salmon is infusing tons of flavor. Try these tasty seasoning ideas:
- Lemon pepper – Excellent classic choice
- Cajun blackening seasoning – Bold and spicy
- Garlic herb rub – Savory garlic and herb blend
- Teriyaki marinade – Sweet and salty
- Jerk seasoning – Caribbean-inspired heat
Mix up the flavors to keep your salmon exciting. The air fryer seals in every ounce of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Salmon cubes make for a quick, healthy and satisfying meal any time of day. Here are serving ideas:
- Breakfast – Add to avocado toast
- Lunch – Enjoy in a salad or wrap
- Dinner – Serve with roasted veggies and rice
- Appetizer – Top crackers or lettuce cups
- Snack – Toss with pasta or couscous
Salmon cubes are incredibly versatile. Get creative with your own signature combinations!
FAQs About Air Frying Salmon
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
What size cubes work best?
Aim for uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw first before cutting into cubes.
Is olive oil necessary?
A little oil helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
How do I know when it’s done?
Salmon is cooked at an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I also cook fillets or steaks?
Yes, follow the same method adjusting times as needed.
What if my air fryer is smaller?
Cook salmon in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding.
Enjoy Restaurant-Quality Salmon at Home
With my simple air fryer salmon cube recipe, you can enjoy gourmet-quality salmon any night of the week with minimal fuss and preparation.
In just minutes, the air fryer works its magic to deliver salmon that’s tender and moist inside with an incredibly crisp, flavorful crust.
So skip the takeout and let your air fryer do the work! Salmon cubes are just one of many easy seafood dishes you can make in the air fryer. Give this recipe a try soon.
How to Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
While the salmon is cooking, make the cream sauce. Add the garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper to a medium saucepan and heat them over medium heat. This will make the sauce. Stir everything together for 4-5 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the sauce is heated through.
Pour the sauce over the salmon and get all the pieces covered in the creamy sauce. Serve the air fryer salmon bites with garlic cream sauce over mashed potatoes or rice. For a little healthier option, top the salmon over some cauliflower mashed potatoes. And, in the future, you may want to try just the sauce over a pile of noodles, too…yum!.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites Ingredients
Salmon: This recipe starts with two, 6-ounce salmon filets with the skin removed. I will let you know how to easily remove the skin next.
Seasonings: The salmon is coated in lime juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream has at least 30% fat, while half-and-half only has 10% to 18% fat.
Garlic: With garlic in the name of the sauce, I had to add plenty of garlic!
