Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon
Perfectly flaky air fryer garlic butter salmon with a golden crust, ready in just 20 minutes and packed with 38g of protein per serving — an easy, healthy main course the whole family will love.
8m
4
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Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on, patted dry
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined. Set aside.
- 2
Season the Salmon
In a separate small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture evenly over the flesh side of each fillet.
- 3
Apply the Garlic Butter
Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the flesh side of each seasoned salmon fillet, reserving a small amount for basting during cooking.
- 4
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–4 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 5
Cook the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each fillet. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness (about 10 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets). Do not flip. At the halfway point, brush the remaining garlic butter over the tops of the fillets.
- 6
Check for Doneness
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium or 145°F (63°C) for well-done. The top should appear lightly golden and the edges slightly caramelized.
- 7
Rest and Garnish
Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer basket using a spatula. Allow the fillets to rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Chef's Tips
For the crispiest skin, make sure the salmon fillets are completely dry before seasoning — moisture is the enemy of a good crust. If your fillets are thinner than 1 inch, start checking for doneness at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if needed. Leftover salmon keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days and is delicious flaked over salads or rice bowls.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this air fryer garlic butter salmon
How long does it take to make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon?
This recipe takes 20 minutes total time, including 8 minutes prep time and 12 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon recipe?
This recipe is rated as Easy difficulty level, making it perfect for beginners.
Can I make substitutions in this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this air fryer garlic butter salmon ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this air fryer garlic butter salmon up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover air fryer garlic butter salmon?
Store leftover air fryer garlic butter salmon covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with air fryer garlic butter salmon?
This air fryer garlic butter salmon pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze air fryer garlic butter salmon?
Yes, this air fryer garlic butter salmon freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.