Sometimes, dinner calls for something that feels just a bit special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. This Air Fryer Lemon Butter Salmon fits that moment perfectly. It’s quick, straightforward, and offers that golden, crispy skin that makes salmon so satisfying, all wrapped in a zesty butter sauce that’s bright without overpowering the fish.
I remember the first time I made this—I was halfway through a busy week, juggling work emails and a dinner guest who arrived early. I almost forgot to start the air fryer, but the salmon’s aroma pulled me back just in time. The kitchen filled with the scent of garlic and lemon, soft butter melting into the fish’s crispy skin. I wasn’t sure if it would turn out flaky enough since I didn’t check it exactly at the 10-minute mark, but it came out just right, tender and juicy inside. It’s one of those meals you don’t have to stress over, which somehow makes it taste even better.
- It’s fast — under half an hour from start to finish — so perfect for busy evenings.
- The crispy skin contrasts beautifully with the tender salmon inside.
- The lemon butter sauce adds brightness but isn’t heavy, though it does mean you’ll want some crusty bread or rice to soak it up.
- Using an air fryer means less mess and no need to watch the stove constantly.
If you’re not used to cooking salmon this way, don’t worry — the air fryer handles most of the work. Just keep an eye on the timing to avoid overcooking, especially if your fillets are a bit thinner or thicker than average.
PrintAir Fryer Lemon Butter Salmon
A quick and easy air fryer recipe for perfectly cooked salmon fillets with a zesty lemon butter sauce. Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, skin on, about 6 ounces each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil.
Season the salmon fillets evenly with salt and black pepper.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
Once the salmon is cooked, transfer the fillets to serving plates.
Drizzle the lemon butter sauce evenly over each salmon fillet.
Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
In terms of equipment, you really only need your air fryer and a small pan for the lemon butter sauce. The sauce comes together quickly while the salmon cooks, so multitasking here feels pretty natural. For serving, this salmon shines beside a simple green salad or some roasted veggies. I’ve also tried swapping parsley for dill, which adds a slightly different note, though I usually stick to the classic here. Another time, I added a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning — it was interesting, but not everyone loved it as much as I did. If you want to keep it simple, just the salt and pepper work fine.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon fillets? You can, but it’s better to thaw them first for even cooking. Otherwise, you might get uneven texture.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon? Bottled lemon juice will do in a pinch, though fresh zest really lifts the flavor.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out? Reheating gently in the air fryer at a lower temperature works best to keep the fish moist.
Give this Air Fryer Lemon Butter Salmon a try when you want something flavorful but fuss-free. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a small indulgence after a long day, and you’ll likely want to make it again soon.