Garlic Parmesan Salmon Bites

Name: Garlic Parmesan Salmon Bites With Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed; 2 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil; 1 tsp seafood seasoning; 1 tsp salt-free Greek seasoning; 3 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp garlic paste; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp Tuscan seasoning; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; Prepared mashed potatoes, for serving

Garlic Parmesan Salmon Bites are pan-seared salmon pieces coated in a rich, buttery garlic Parmesan cream sauce and served over creamy mashed potatoes for an elegant yet simple weeknight meal.

🌍American 🏷️Salmon bites 🏷️Garlic parmesan salmon 🏷️Cream sauce 🏷️Mashed potatoes Comfort food

🏷️

🏷️Weeknight dinner

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TikTok

Total

15 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
2 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil
1 tsp seafood seasoning
1 tsp salt-free Greek seasoning
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp garlic paste
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp Tuscan seasoning
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Prepared mashed potatoes, for serving

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Instructions

1
Cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized cubes.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the salmon cubes with garlic-infused olive oil, seafood seasoning, and salt-free Greek seasoning. Toss well to coat.
3
Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in an air fryer basket, using parchment paper if desired. Cook until golden and cooked through (time and temperature not specified).
4
While the salmon is cooking, prepare the cream sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
5
Add the garlic paste, heavy whipping cream, and chopped fresh parsley to the melted butter.
6
Season the sauce with Tuscan seasoning, whisk to combine, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
7
Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and continue to whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
8
To serve, place a generous portion of prepared mashed potatoes in a bowl.
9
Arrange the cooked salmon bites on top of the mashed potatoes.
10
Pour the garlic Parmesan cream sauce over the salmon and potatoes. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat salmon dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve a golden crust and prevent sticking.
Let the garlic paste bloom in butter for 30 seconds before adding cream to deepen the garlic flavor without bitterness.
Don't overcrowd the pan—cook salmon in batches if needed so each piece gets a proper sear.
Stir the Parmesan cheese into the sauce off heat to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.

Substitutions

Heavy whipping cream → half-and-half or Greek yogurt (sauce will be thinner)
Fresh parsley → fresh dill or chives (complements salmon equally well)
Parmesan cheese → Asiago or Gruyère (maintains richness and umami)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat salmon and sauce separately on low heat to avoid overcooking the fish.

Common Questions

How do you know when salmon bites are cooked through?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It should be opaque throughout with no translucent center.

Can you make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the salmon and sauce separately up to 1 day ahead. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop and pan-sear the salmon fresh just before serving for best texture.

What's the best way to remove salmon skin?

Use a sharp knife angled slightly downward and cut between the skin and flesh with a gentle sawing motion, or ask your fishmonger to skin it when you purchase the fillet.

Can you substitute heavy cream in this recipe?

You can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt, though the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Sour cream also works but adds tanginess—adjust to taste.

How do you prevent salmon from sticking to the pan?

Use garlic-infused olive oil as directed, ensure the pan is hot before adding salmon, and avoid moving the fish around—let it sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side.