Print

Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

Close-up of a glistening, perfectly cooked piece of air fryer salmon topped with butter sauce and fresh parsley.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside salmon fillets in your air fryer. This easy recipe uses lemon and garlic butter for a flavorful, healthy weeknight dinner ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin/exterior.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside.
  3. In a separate small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  4. Rub the salmon fillets lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the salmon.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
  7. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. Cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillets. For very thick fillets, start checking at 10 minutes.
  8. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the tops of the salmon generously with the lemon garlic butter mixture.
  9. Remove the salmon from the air fryer. Drizzle any remaining butter mixture over the fish and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for a quick weeknight salmon meal.

Notes

  • For the best crispy salmon in air fryer results, do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • If you prefer a different flavor profile, substitute the lemon garlic butter with 2 tablespoons of Teriyaki sauce or Honey Garlic glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  • This recipe works well for salmon bites; reduce the cook time slightly to 8-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbymia.com/air-fryer-salmon-lemon-garlic-butter-recipe/