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Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

A beautifully glazed, seasoned fillet of air fryer salmon resting on a white plate.
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Achieve perfectly crispy skin and flaky, moist interior every time you cook salmon in your air fryer. This easy lemon garlic butter recipe is ready fast for a 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 (for garnish)

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, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the olive oil over all sides of the salmon fillets, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the top and sides of 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 overlap.
  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 another small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
  7. Once the salmon is cooked, carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer.
  8. Brush the lemon garlic butter mixture generously over the top of each hot salmon fillet.
  9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For the crispiest skin, place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
  • If your fillets are very thick (over 1.5 inches), you may need to cook them for an extra 1 to 2 minutes.
  • This recipe works well for meal prepping; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

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