Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a fast and healthy dinner.
• Perfectly Cooked: The air fryer cooks salmon to tender, flaky perfection with minimal effort.
• Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the natural taste of the salmon.
• Healthy & Delicious: Salmon is packed with omega-3s, and this recipe uses minimal oil for a light yet satisfying meal.

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Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon

1. Salmon Fillets

• Use fresh or frozen (thawed) salmon fillets. Wild-caught salmon is often preferred for its richer flavor.

2. Butter

• Unsalted butter provides richness and helps keep the salmon moist while cooking in the air fryer.

3. Garlic

• Fresh minced garlic adds a delicious savory flavor to the butter sauce.

4. Lemon Juice

• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the butter.

5. Parsley

• Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the final dish. You can also use other herbs like dill or chives.

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How to Make Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon

This simple air fryer salmon recipe is ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and brush both sides with the garlic butter sauce. Reserve a small amount of the sauce for drizzling after cooking. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon

• Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if your fillets have skin. Air fry at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 5: Serve

• Remove the salmon from the air fryer and drizzle with the remaining garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a slice of lemon. Serve immediately.

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Tips for Making the Best Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon

1. Use Fresh Salmon

• Fresh salmon works best in this recipe, but if you’re using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

2. Don’t Overcook the Salmon

• Air fryers cook quickly, so keep an eye on the salmon to avoid overcooking. The fish should be flaky but still moist inside.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy exterior on the salmon.

4. Brush on the Garlic Butter

• Brushing the salmon with garlic butter before and after cooking adds extra flavor and moisture to the dish.

5. Customize with Herbs

• Experiment with other herbs like dill, thyme, or cilantro to change up the flavor profile.

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Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Garlic Butter Salmon

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.

2. Honey Garlic Salmon

• Stir 1 tablespoon of honey into the garlic butter sauce for a sweet and savory flavor combination.

3. Lemon Dill Salmon

• Add fresh or dried dill to the garlic butter sauce for a classic lemon-dill flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon.

4. Herb-Crusted Salmon

• Sprinkle the salmon with a mix of fresh herbs and breadcrumbs before air frying for a crispy, flavorful crust.

5. Pesto Salmon

• Swap out the garlic butter for a layer of pesto on top of the salmon fillets before air frying for a fresh, herby twist.

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FAQs: Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon

1. Can I Use Frozen Salmon?

• Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before air frying for the best results.

2. How Long Do I Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer?

• Cook salmon fillets at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, depending on their thickness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Without Butter?

• Yes! You can substitute olive oil for the butter if you prefer a lighter option.

4. What Can I Serve with Garlic Butter Salmon?

• Serve this salmon with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

5. How Do I Store Leftover Salmon?

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the air fryer for a few minutes.

[tasty-recipe id=”3498″]