Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal? This Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon is the perfect answer! With tender, flaky salmon coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is easy to make and full of flavor. The air fryer gives the salmon a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and juicy. 🐟🍋

Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon combines the simplicity of cooking in an air fryer with the indulgent flavors of garlic and butter. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home. The best part? It’s ready in under 15 minutes, making it a quick and healthy option without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a flavorful yet simple dish. The garlic butter adds richness to the salmon, while the air fryer ensures that it’s cooked to perfection with minimal effort. It’s a versatile meal that pairs well with a variety of side dishes, from roasted vegetables to rice or a fresh salad. Plus, the air fryer reduces the cooking time, so you can enjoy a delicious, healthy meal in no time.

Main Ingredients for Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon

Each ingredient in this recipe has been carefully selected to enhance the natural flavors of the salmon, creating a balanced and flavorful dish:

• Salmon Fillets (4, about 6 oz each): Fresh salmon fillets are the star of this dish, providing healthy omega-3 fats and a rich, tender texture.
  • Look for wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutritional value.
• Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Butter adds a rich, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with the salmon.
  • If you prefer, you can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic provides a strong, aromatic flavor that enhances the butter and salmon.
  • Mince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly across the salmon.
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed): Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the butter.
  • Fresh lemon juice is key to balancing the flavors.
• Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish, complementing the garlic butter.
  • You can substitute with other herbs like dill or thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the salmon and garlic butter sauce.

Benefits of Ingredients

• Salmon is a nutrient-dense fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. It’s also high in protein and vitamin D, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.
• Garlic not only adds a delicious flavor but also offers immune-boosting properties, making this dish both tasty and nutritious.

How to Make Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Stir until well combined. This garlic butter sauce will coat the salmon fillets, giving them a rich and flavorful base.
2. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure they crisp up in the air fryer. Season both sides of the salmon generously with salt and pepper. Brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of each fillet, making sure to cover them evenly.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating the air fryer ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and gets a nice, crispy exterior.
4. Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
   • Tip: If your fillets are thinner, check them at 7-8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
5. Serve: Remove the salmon from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite side dishes!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, make sure the salmon fillets are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent them from cooking evenly.
• Adjust Cooking Time for Thicker Fillets: If your salmon fillets are particularly thick, you may need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
• Add Extra Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of honey to the garlic butter sauce before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! If using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking in the air fryer. This ensures the fillets cook evenly and crisp up nicely.

How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If it’s not quite there yet, return it to the air fryer for another minute or two.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon?
This salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, rice, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with a side of lemon wedges for extra brightness.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the air fryer for a few minutes or warm gently in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.