There’s something about the sizzle of salmon in an air fryer that feels a little magical, especially after a long day. I remember one evening, distracted by a buzzing phone and half a dozen tabs open on my laptop, I tossed the salmon in the basket almost absentmindedly. The air fryer did its thing, and before I knew it, the kitchen filled with the bright scent of lemon and butter mingling with garlic. I grabbed a fork, still scrolling through messages, and that first bite was a gentle surprise—tender, flaky, with just the right zing from the lemon butter sauce. It was simple, quick, and honestly, exactly what I needed. The skin got delightfully crisp, though I might have left it in a bit longer than usual, but hey, I was multitasking. This dish brought a quiet comfort and a little celebration to a regular night.
Why You’ll Love It:
– Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something impressive without the fuss.
– The air fryer crisps the salmon’s skin beautifully, adding texture that almost feels indulgent.
– The lemon butter sauce adds a fresh brightness, though it’s straightforward and not overly complicated—it’s simple—and that’s kind of the point.
– It’s easy to customize if you want to swap parsley for dill or add a pinch of chili flakes for a gentle kick.
If you’re worried about overcooking or the fish sticking, don’t be. The air fryer’s even heat distribution makes it surprisingly forgiving, and the olive oil brush keeps things slick. Plus, the lemon butter sauce feels fancy but comes together in a snap.
PrintAir Fryer Lemon Butter Salmon
A quick and easy air fryer recipe for perfectly cooked salmon fillets with a zesty lemon butter sauce. This dish is flavorful, tender, and ready in under 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 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 3 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.
Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
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 frequently to avoid 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 the salmon fillets.
Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Kitchen Notes:
I usually use a basic air fryer basket—nothing fancy—and it works just fine. When serving, a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad balances the richness without stealing the spotlight. Sometimes I add a few capers to the lemon butter sauce for a briny twist, though I haven’t tested how that changes the flavor for everyone. If you’re short on fresh parsley, a sprinkle of dried herbs can work in a pinch, though fresh definitely feels brighter. And while the recipe calls for skin-on fillets, you can try skinless if that’s your preference; just watch the cooking time closely.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A: I usually prefer fresh for the best texture, but if you thaw it properly and pat it dry, it should work well.
Q: How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
A: Look for the flesh to flake easily with a fork and a slightly opaque center.
Q: Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the butter and garlic mixture in advance and add lemon juice and zest just before serving.
Q: Is it okay to reheat leftovers in the air fryer?
A: Yes! A few minutes at a lower temperature keeps the salmon moist without drying it out.
If you’re ready to turn a simple salmon fillet into a quick, flavorful dinner, this air fryer lemon butter salmon is waiting to surprise you. Give it a try and see how easy, satisfying cooking fish can be.