This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for dinner! Just imagine tender salmon coated in rich garlic butter, cooking to perfection in no time.
Whenever I make this, the smell fills the kitchen and makes everyone rush to the table! Plus, it’s super easy—just season, air fry, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best, but you can use frozen ones—just make sure they’re fully thawed. If you don’t like salmon, try using cod or trout instead, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or olive oil work well, though they will change the flavor slightly. I’ve even used ghee for a nice nutty taste!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch—just one teaspoon will do. I’m a garlic lover, so I sometimes add a bit more for extra kick!
Herbs: Fresh parsley is great, but feel free to swap it out for dill or cilantro based on your taste preference. I particularly enjoy using dill when serving with lemon!
How Can I Ensure My Salmon is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the timing right is key to perfect salmon in the air fryer. Start by checking the thickness of your fillets. In general, 7-9 minutes at 400°F works well for 6 oz fillets. Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- Preheat your air fryer. This helps cook the salmon evenly from the start.
- Check the doneness by poking the thickest part with a fork. It should flake easily and be opaque.
- For a crispy finish, consider air frying for an extra minute or two if you want that little bit of crunch.
Always remember, salmon continues to cook even after you take it out, so don’t overdo it!
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 5 minutes to prepare and another 7-9 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In just under 15 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should take about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and gets that nice golden finish on the outside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix everything together well so that the garlic and seasonings are evenly distributed in the butter.
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Gently pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. This helps the butter mixture stick better! Using a brush, generously coat each fillet with the prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring you cover the tops and sides evenly.
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Carefully place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave a little space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the salmon thoroughly.
5. Cook the Salmon:
Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should appear opaque and flake easily with a fork when done. Adjust the time as necessary for your desired level of doneness.
6. Optional Crisping:
If you prefer a slightly crispier top, you can give the salmon an extra 1-2 minutes in the air fryer after the initial cooking time or briefly broil it in the oven to get that perfect crust.
7. Final Touches:
Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. If there’s any leftover garlic butter in the basket, drizzle it over the salmon fillets for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your mouthwatering garlic butter salmon hot with sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy every bite of this delicious meal!
Your flavorful and juicy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon is now ready to impress! Enjoy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or run it under cold water for a quicker thaw. Pat it dry before proceeding with the recipe to ensure the garlic butter adheres well.
Can I Substitute the Butter with Olive Oil?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute unsalted butter with olive oil. It will give a different flavor, but the dish will still be delicious!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! You can use garlic powder instead. About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder equals 1 clove of garlic. Just stir it into the butter mixture without needing to mince, and you’ll still achieve great flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave to avoid drying it out, keeping in mind that salmon can dry out quickly!
