I love the simplicity and elegance of a well-cooked piece of salmon. Over the years, I’ve tried countless methods—grilling, baking, pan-searing—but the air fryer has completely changed the game for me. It delivers a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender inside, all without adding unnecessary oils. And pairing it with a garlic lemon butter sauce? That’s pure magic on a plate.
Cooking this recipe feels like a little culinary victory every time. I enjoy how the garlic gently infuses into the butter, while the lemon adds a bright, fresh note that lifts the richness of the salmon. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve to guests. Every bite is a balance of flavors that makes me fall in love with salmon all over again.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with the skin on. The skin crisps beautifully in the air fryer, locking in moisture and flavor. Fillets that are evenly sized will cook more consistently, giving you perfect results every time.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring a rich, aromatic flavor to the sauce. Minced garlic works best as it infuses evenly into the butter, creating a silky, flavorful coating for the salmon.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds a creamy, indulgent base to the sauce. It melts into the garlic, creating a luscious, golden drizzle over the perfectly cooked salmon.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing the richness of the butter and salmon. Its acidity helps lift the flavors, giving the sauce a fresh, zesty kick.
Olive Oil: A light brush of olive oil on the salmon before air frying helps achieve a crisp, golden finish while preventing the fillets from sticking to the basket.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these simple ingredients enhance the natural flavor of the salmon. I always recommend freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of sea salt for the best results.
Fresh Herbs (Optional): Herbs like parsley or dill can add a beautiful fresh finish to the dish. They are sprinkled over the salmon just before serving for color, aroma, and an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients List
- 2 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each, skin on)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet lightly with olive oil, then season both sides with salt and pepper. This step ensures the salmon gets a crispy, flavorful exterior.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the salmon cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
Air Fry the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still remains juicy inside.
Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in the lemon juice. Remove from heat and set aside.
Serve the Salmon
Place the cooked salmon on plates and drizzle generously with the garlic lemon butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Cook fillets in a single layer for even cooking and crispy skin.
- Check internal temperature: Salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for precision.
- Adjust garlic to taste: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic in the sauce.
- Make ahead: The garlic lemon butter sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and garlic make a big difference in the flavor profile of this dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before air frying to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
You can substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative, but the sauce won’t have the same creamy richness.
How long will leftovers stay good?
Cooked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your air fryer basket can accommodate the extra fillets without overcrowding.
What can I serve with this salmon?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.