Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon is a simple recipe for a luxurious dinner in less than 30 minutes! Salmon fillets are infused in a fragrant garlic and butter marinade and then air-fried for a quick and healthy dish so delicious you’ll want to add it to your weekly meal rotation. Air-frying is a cooking method that’s super simple yet produces crisp and juicy salmon every time—you’ll feel like a pro!
Table of Contents
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Ingredients list for the Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon recipe
- 1 1/2 pound salmon fillet, cut into 3 or 4 portions
- 1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt and fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, optional
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
What you need to make the garlic butter air fryer salmon
Salmon fillets: Opt for skinless so all salmon flesh is exposed to air circulation. We prefer wild-caught salmon for a less fatty one, but it’s up to you! If using frozen salmon, let it thaw overnight in your refrigerator before making the recipe.
Garlic: Finely mince the garlic–this is great to release the garlic juice in the marinade, improving the flavor! Do not grate the garlic because the air fryer might dry it and make it taste bitter.
Garlic powder: Fresh garlic tastes slightly different from garlic powder or granules. Here, the combination of fresh and dried garlic enhances the marinade.
Butter: Unsalted butter is better, so you can adjust salt in the marinade.
Olive oil: Helps to keep the melted butter, well… melted
Lemon: A nice squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the salmon marinade! Add a drizzle also when serving.
Parsley: Brings a fresh touch to the marinade.
Red chili pepper flakes: If you like spicy and color ;) If not, just omit it from the recipe ingredients.
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
How to make air fryer salmon:
1. Pat your salmon filets dry with a paper towel and arrange them on a shallow plate.
2. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, melted butter, grated garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley.
3. Pour half of the marinade over the salmon and massage to coat well. Let sit for 20 minutes or more.
4. Set the air fryer to 400℉ (200℃). When ready, arrange the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook the marinated salmon in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve the air fryer salmon immediately with the remaining half of the sauce/marinade on the side if you like. Enjoy! ❤️
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Tips for the garlic butter air fryer salmon recipe
- Some air fryers require turning the food at mid-cooking time. If it’s the case for you and you have salmon with skin on, start with skin on top. This way, you get a nice crispy salmon flesh on top when serving.
- If you plan to marinate your salmon overnight, omit the lemon juice. The acidity will “cook” the salmon and risk giving it a weird texture. Add the lemon over the salmon before cooking.
How to serve garlic butter air fryer salmon
We like to add a side of rice, roasted tomatoes, or steamed asparagus. Feel free to try the salmon with bulgur or on top of pasta.
How to keep air fryer salmon leftovers
You can keep any garlic butter air fryer salmon leftovers in your refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Gently reheat in the microwave, adding a few drops of water to loosen the sauce.
More salmon recipes you might like
- 24 Healthy Salmon Recipes For Dinner
- Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe
- Baked Salmon in Foil
- Blackened Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
- BBQ Baked Salmon
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
