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Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

Close-up of a juicy, golden-brown air fryer salmon fillet topped with melted butter, garlic, and fresh parsley.
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Achieve perfectly crispy skin and flaky, juicy interior with this easy Air Fryer Salmon recipe. Ready in under 15 minutes, this lemon garlic butter preparation is the best way to cook salmon in your air fryer for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner.

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
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub the olive oil over all sides of the salmon fillets, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the fish.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  4. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. If using skin-on, place them skin-side down first.
  5. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. Cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillets; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  6. While the salmon cooks, prepare the lemon garlic butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
  7. Once the salmon is cooked, carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer. Brush the tops generously with the lemon garlic butter mixture.
  8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For the crispiest skin, place the salmon skin-side down and do not overcrowd the basket.
  • If your fillets are very thick (over 1.5 inches), you may need to reduce the temperature slightly to 380°F (195°C) and cook for 13-15 minutes to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is done.
  • This recipe works well for making Air Fryer Salmon Bites; cut the fillets into 1-inch cubes before seasoning and cooking for 8-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/air-fryer-salmon/