Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

Perfectly cooked salmon can feel like a restaurant-level achievement, yet it is surprisingly simple when prepared in the air fryer. This Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter delivers tender, flaky fish with a lightly crisp exterior in under 15 minutes. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking, while the lemon garlic butter melts into the salmon, creating rich flavor balanced by bright citrus notes.

I have tested salmon in the oven, on the stovetop, and even on the grill, but the air fryer consistently produces the most reliable results with minimal cleanup. I once tried this recipe with a touch of fresh dill added to the butter, and it elevated the flavor beautifully. Whether you are preparing a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this salmon recipe offers simplicity, speed, and impressive taste in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, flavorful, and requires minimal ingredients. The air fryer keeps the salmon moist while creating a delicate crisp on the edges. It is ideal for healthy meals, busy evenings, and elegant presentations without complicated techniques.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets
Choose fresh, skin-on salmon fillets of even thickness for consistent cooking. The skin helps protect the fish from drying out and becomes slightly crisp in the air fryer.

Unsalted butter
Butter creates richness and carries the garlic and lemon flavors into the salmon. Using unsalted butter allows better control over the seasoning.

Fresh garlic
Minced garlic provides bold, aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic is recommended for the best taste and fragrance.

Fresh lemon juice
Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter. Freshly squeezed juice offers the cleanest flavor.

Lemon zest
Zest adds concentrated citrus aroma and enhances the overall lemon profile without extra acidity.

Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavor of the salmon and ensures a well-seasoned result.

Black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds subtle heat and depth that complements the buttery sauce.

Fresh parsley
Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal finish and visual appeal to the final dish.

Directions

Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the surface brown properly. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper.

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well until fully combined.

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer without overlapping.

Brush the lemon garlic butter generously over the top of each fillet. Reserve a small amount for finishing after cooking.

Cook the salmon for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Once cooked, carefully remove the fillets and brush with the remaining lemon garlic butter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people, based on four 6-ounce salmon fillets. Preparation time is approximately 5 minutes, and cooking time ranges from 7 to 10 minutes. Total time is about 15 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain moisture. Leftover salmon can also be flaked cold into salads.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe serves as a versatile base for many flavor adaptations. For a Mediterranean variation, add dried oregano and a sprinkle of crumbled feta after cooking. The combination of lemon and herbs pairs beautifully with the richness of the fish.

If you prefer a slightly sweet glaze, mix a teaspoon of honey into the lemon garlic butter. I once added a small drizzle of honey along with crushed red pepper flakes, and the sweet-spicy balance worked exceptionally well.

For a creamy twist, stir a spoonful of Dijon mustard into the butter mixture before brushing it over the salmon. The mustard adds tang and complexity without overpowering the lemon.

You can also incorporate fresh herbs such as dill or thyme into the butter for a more aromatic profile. A squeeze of additional lemon juice just before serving enhances brightness even further.

For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with olive oil while keeping the garlic and lemon components intact. The result remains flavorful and lighter while still delivering a satisfying texture.

These simple modifications allow you to tailor the recipe to your preferences while maintaining the same dependable air fryer method.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

The following nutrition information is approximate per serving (one 6-ounce fillet with sauce):

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	34 g
Carbs	2 g
Fat	26 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	420 mg

This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and gluten-free. It is rich in high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it suitable for balanced and heart-conscious meal plans.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Choose Even Fillets
Uniform thickness ensures consistent cooking and prevents dry edges.

Do Not Overcook
Salmon continues to cook slightly after removal, so monitor closely.

Brush Generously
Coating with butter both before and after cooking enhances moisture and flavor.

Use Fresh Lemon
Fresh juice and zest provide brighter flavor than bottled alternatives.

Let It Rest Briefly
Allow the salmon to sit for 2 minutes before serving to retain juices.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon in the air fryer?

Yes, but thawing first ensures more even cooking and better texture.

Do I need to flip the salmon?

No, cooking skin-side down allows the fillet to cook evenly without flipping.

How do I know when salmon is done?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute olive oil for butter while keeping the lemon and garlic.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad complement it well.

How long does cooked salmon last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored, it will last up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter combines convenience with refined flavor. The air fryer ensures tender, flaky salmon in minutes, while the bright lemon garlic butter elevates every bite. This recipe is ideal for busy evenings, elegant dinners, and healthy meal planning, delivering reliable and impressive results each time.

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