Air Fryer Salmon With Garlic Butter

Name: Air Fryer Salmon With Garlic Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Wholesome Ideas

I absolutely love making Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter. It's one of those dishes that combines convenience and incredible flavor in just a few minutes. The air fryer locks in the natural juices of the salmon while creating a crispy exterior, and the garlic butter elevates the taste to a whole new level. I can whip this up for a quick weeknight dinner or serve it to guests for a special occasion. It's a recipe that never disappoints and always earns rave reviews from anyone who tries it.

Created by

Adriana Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:40:35.635Z

When I first tried cooking salmon in the air fryer, I was blown away by the results! The combination of garlic and butter not only adds a delicious richness but also helps to keep the salmon moist during cooking. I like to marinate the salmon for a brief time to really let those flavors penetrate, and I've found that 15 minutes in the air fryer is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked fish.

Another tip I've learned is to always check the internal temperature of the salmon with a thermometer. Ideally, it should reach about 145°F to ensure it's cooked through but still flaky. Overcooking can lead to dry salmon, which is no fun at all. Enjoying this dish with a side of veggies or a fresh salad makes for a complete meal!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich garlic flavor that complements the salmon perfectly
Crispy texture on the outside while tender and flaky inside
Ready in just 25 minutes for a quick yet gourmet meal

Understanding the Salmon

Choosing the right salmon is crucial for this dish. I recommend using wild-caught salmon if possible, as it tends to have a richer flavor and firmer texture compared to farmed salmon. If you're looking for a more cost-effective option, skin-on salmon fillets work beautifully. The skin helps lock in moisture during cooking, providing that delightful flakiness you'll want when it’s ready to serve.

For optimal results, let the salmon come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking throughout the fillet. If you notice any fishy smell when selecting your salmon, it's best to choose another piece or ask the fishmonger for a fresher option.

Mastering the Garlic Butter

The garlic butter is truly the star of this dish, and it's essential to get it just right. Start with high-quality unsalted butter; this allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. Melting the butter gently, either in the microwave or on the stovetop, is key—too much heat can burn the garlic, turning it bitter. When mixing in the garlic, you want to integrate it until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Feel free to get creative with your garlic butter by adding other herbs like thyme or dill, which pair wonderfully with salmon. If you’re looking for a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice touch to the sauce and complement the garlic's richness.

Serving Suggestions

This Air Fryer Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a healthy option, consider serving it with a vibrant salad that features mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots also make a delightful accompaniment, as their natural sweetness balances the garlic butter's richness.

If you have leftovers, store the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that crispy exterior. Alternatively, flake the salmon to add it to salads, pasta, or grain bowls for a quick lunch.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.

Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.

Air Fry the Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Brush half of the garlic butter mixture over the salmon.

Cook

Cook the salmon for 10 minutes. After that, brush the remaining garlic butter on the salmon and cook for another 5 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork.

Serve

Remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper before cooking.

Troubleshooting Air Frying

One common issue with air frying is uneven cooking. To ensure it doesn’t happen, arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. If you’re cooking multiple fillets, consider working in batches to give them adequate space. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring each piece cooks evenly and develops that sought-after crispy texture.

Always check the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thinner fillets may require slightly less cooking time, while thicker ones might need an extra minute or two. A general rule of thumb is to cook for about 10 minutes total, but it’s vital to check for doneness—look for a fork that easily flakes the fish and a slightly opaque interior.

Scaling the Recipe

If you need to scale up the recipe for a gathering, you can easily double the ingredients for the garlic butter. However, when it comes to the salmon, try to keep the cooking batch size to about four fillets at a time for optimal cooking results. Adjust the timing slightly, as you may need to add a minute or two if you’re cooking more fillets together.

For meal prep, consider marinating the fillets in the garlic butter mixture for an hour or two before cooking. This can enhance the flavor even more and make your cooking time shorter on busy weeknights. Just make sure not to marinate too long, as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to 'cook' the fish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

→ What side dishes pair well with this salmon?

Steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad work beautifully alongside the salmon.

→ How should I store leftover salmon?

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I substitute the butter with another fat?

Yes, you can use olive oil or even ghee for a dairy-free option!