This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon is a real treat! It’s flavorful and cooks up perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. You’ll love the rich garlic butter sauce!
I can’t get over how quick and easy this is to make. Just season, pop it in the air fryer, and dinner is ready in no time! Paired with veggies, it’s a total win. 🥦🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: The star of the dish! Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for flavor and texture. If you prefer a different fish, try trout or even tilapia for a lighter option.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you’re watching your sodium, use olive oil instead for a healthier twist. It will bronze the salmon nicely too!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best taste. In a pinch, garlic powder can work. Just be careful since it’s more concentrated; use about 1/8 teaspoon instead.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can substitute it with dill or chives if you prefer a different herbal flavor.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for its zing! Bottled lemon juice can work but might lack that fresh burst of flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Cook salmon just right, so it’s flaky and tender. Here’s how to check its doneness:
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, depending on thickness.
- The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork – that’s when it’s ready!
- If you have a food thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Remember, it’s better to undercook slightly since the salmon will continue cooking a bit after you take it out of the air fryer! Enjoy your meal!
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed if desired
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 7-9 minutes of cooking time. In just under 25 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful and healthy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Start by combining the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Give it a good mix until everything is well blended.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Next, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking right from the start!
3. Season the Salmon:
While the air fryer is heating up, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lay them on a plate and brush each fillet generously with the garlic butter sauce, saving a little bit of sauce for later.
4. Cook the Salmon:
Carefully place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. There’s no need to flip them during cooking! Check for doneness – the salmon should flake easily with a fork when it’s ready.
5. Add Finishing Touches:
Once your salmon is cooked to perfection, brush it with any leftover garlic butter sauce for an extra boost of flavor and a beautiful shine.
6. Serve:
Transfer the salmon to a serving plate. If you’d like, you can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve lemon wedges on the side for a delicious squeeze just before eating.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely first! The best way to thaw is to place the salmon in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, submerge it in cold water in a sealed bag for about an hour. Pat it dry before cooking to ensure the salmon gets that nice crispy exterior.
What Can I Substitute for Garlic?
If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. For every clove of garlic, use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. Just mix it into the butter sauce. Keep in mind that the flavor won’t be as bold, so adjust to taste!
How to Store Leftover Salmon?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, do it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent it from drying out. You can also add a little splash of fresh lemon juice to revitalize the flavor!
Can I Use Other Fish Besides Salmon?
Absolutely! This garlic butter sauce works wonderfully with other fish such as trout, cod, or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets, as different fish may require slightly different cooking times.