Description
These Garlic Parmesan Salmon Bites are crispy, juicy, and coated in an irresistible buttery garlic sauce. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they offer an effortless way to enjoy seafood without turning on the oven. With a savory crust and a rich, cheesy finish, these bites are perfect as a protein-packed appetizer or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 2 to 3 pounds salmon, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 tablespoon seafood seasoning (like Old Bay or Cajun)
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Olive oil (for coating)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) garlic butter (or unsalted butter)
- 5 to 8 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prep the Salmon
Cut the skinless salmon into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with enough olive oil to lightly coat.
Season
Sprinkle the seafood seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika over the salmon. Toss gently until the spices are well distributed.
Coat
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned salmon. Toss again until every piece has a light, even coating. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and lightly grease the basket with oil spray. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching or overcrowding the basket (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through at the 5-minute mark.
Make the Sauce
While the salmon cooks, melt the stick of garlic butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the chopped fresh garlic, parsley, and red chili flakes. Cook gently until the garlic is fragrant (about 2-3 minutes), then turn off the heat.
Toss and Serve
Transfer the cooked, crispy salmon bites to a large clean bowl. Pour the warm garlic butter sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Notes
Uniform Cutting: Cut your salmon into roughly equal 1-inch cubes. This ensures that all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from drying out while others remain undercooked.
Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryers rely on circulating hot air to crisp food. If you pile the salmon bites on top of each other, they will steam instead of crisping.
Grate Your Own Cheese: For the best texture, grate your own Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated options often contain anti-caking agents that prevent the cheese from melting smoothly into the warm sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner/Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: air fryer salmon bites, garlic parmesan salmon, keto seafood recipes, easy salmon dinner, crispy salmon bites, healthy air fryer recipes, gluten free dinner