Juicy Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter Lemon Sauce

Why You’ll Love Juicy Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter Lemon Sauce Recipe

• Super fast — takes only minutes to prep and cook

• Minimal ingredients — just salt, pepper, and a flavorful sauce

• Healthier cooking method — air frying keeps it light

• Versatile — serves well with rice, veggies, salads, or pasta

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 salmon fillets (about 115 g / 4 oz each)

• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

For the garlic lemon butter sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• (Optional: fresh parsley, for garnish)

Directions

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.

2. Season each fillet with salt and ground black pepper.

3. Cook in the air fryer at 400 °F (200 °C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. (If your fillets are thicker, you may need an extra 2–3 minutes.)

4. While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant (avoid browning).

5. Stir in the lemon juice, remove from heat, and (if using) add chopped parsley.

6. Once the salmon is done, transfer the fillets to a serving plate and spoon the garlic butter lemon sauce over the top.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 fillets

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 8–10 minutes

• Total time: 13–15 minutes

Variations

• Garlic Herb: Add dried Italian seasoning before cooking or fresh dill to the sauce

• Honey Garlic: Whisk a little honey into the butter sauce for a sweet-savory twist

• Spicy Cajun: Rub salmon with Cajun seasoning before air frying; drizzle with lemon juice afterward

• Teriyaki: Brush salmon with teriyaki sauce before cooking and glaze again after

• Maple Glaze: Mix maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic and brush on during the last 2 minutes

• Brown Sugar Mustard: Combine brown sugar and Dijon mustard for a lightly caramelized topping

• Lemon Pepper: Use lemon pepper seasoning and skip the sauce for a lighter version

Storage/Reheating

• To store: Place cooled leftover salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• To reheat: Use the air fryer at 350 °F (180 °C) for 3–4 minutes, or until warmed through (be careful not to overcook).

FAQs

What if I only find skinless salmon fillets?

Yes — skinless fillets work fine. Just handle gently when transferring because they can be more delicate.

Can I line the air fryer basket with parchment paper?

Yes — you may use parchment to ease cleanup, but avoid covering the entire basket. Leave plenty of space for air circulation.

Can I cook salmon from frozen?

Yes — place frozen fillets directly in the basket and air fry at 400 °F (200 °C) for about 12–15 minutes. Season halfway through once it’s thawed or after cooking.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and be opaque in the center. For more precision, the internal temperature should reach about 125–130 °F (52–54 °C) for medium, or up to 145 °F (63 °C) for fully cooked.

Can I use other fats instead of butter?

Yes — you may substitute olive oil or ghee, though the flavor and richness will differ slightly.

Can I make the garlic lemon sauce ahead of time?

You can, but it’s best when fresh. If you make it ahead, warm it gently and stir before drizzling over the salmon.

What side dishes pair well with this salmon?

Rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, a fresh salad, or even pasta all pair nicely.

What if my air fryer is smaller / I have more fillets?

Cook in batches so you don’t overcrowd the basket. Proper air flow ensures even cooking.

Can I adjust cooking time for thicker or thinner fillets?

Yes — add 2–3 minutes for thick fillets, or reduce a minute or so for thinner ones, always checking for doneness.

Is it okay if the sauce is too strong or mild?

Yes — adjust the garlic and lemon to your taste. You can dilute with more butter or add more lemon/parsley to balance the flavor.

Conclusion

This air fryer salmon recipe is a fantastic go-to when you want a delicious, healthful meal that’s ready in minutes. With only a few ingredients and a tasty garlic lemon butter sauce, it’s simple yet elegant. Try the variations to keep it fresh and suited to your flavor preferences.

Juicy Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter Lemon Sauce

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This air fryer salmon recipe delivers tender, flaky, and perfectly cooked salmon in under 15 minutes. It’s a healthy and easy dinner option that requires minimal ingredients and effort.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Brush the seasoning mixture over the salmon fillets evenly.
5. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket skin-side down, leaving space between them.
6. Air fry for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium or 145°F (63°C) for well done.
7. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving with lemon wedges.

Notes

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust seasoning to taste or use your favorite spice blend.
• Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 530mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg