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Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

Close-up of a juicy, perfectly cooked air fryer salmon fillet topped with a savory garlic butter glaze and fresh parsley.
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You can make restaurant-quality salmon tonight! This air fryer salmon recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and a flaky, juicy interior every time. It is fast, healthy, and uses a simple lemon garlic butter that tastes amazing.

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 the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside.
  3. Rub the salmon fillets lightly with olive oil.
  4. In a separate small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the salmon fillets.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your fillet. For medium doneness, aim for 10 minutes.
  8. After 10 minutes, brush the tops of the salmon generously with the lemon garlic butter mixture.
  9. Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the butter is sizzling and the edges are golden brown.
  10. Remove the salmon from the air fryer. Drizzle any remaining butter mixture over the top and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best results.

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 reduce the temperature slightly to 380°F (195°C) and cook for 14-16 minutes total to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is cooked.
  • This recipe works well for salmon bites too; cook bites for 8-10 minutes total.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/air-fryer-salmon-crispy-juicy-lemon-garlic-butter/