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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter – Easy Best Recipe

crispy air fryer salmon - featured image
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This air fryer salmon delivers perfectly crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh in just 15 minutes. Coated in a glossy garlic lemon butter, it’s a restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels, pressing firmly on the skin.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over both fillets, including the skin side. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides, being generous with salt on the skin.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk until well combined.
  5. Brush the butter mixture onto the top and sides of each fillet generously, avoiding the skin side. Reserve about 1 tablespoon for after cooking.
  6. Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Cook at 400°F for 7-9 minutes (for 6-ounce, 1-inch thick fillets). The skin should be golden and crispy, and the flesh should flake easily but remain slightly translucent in the center. Internal temperature should reach 125-130°F for medium.
  8. As soon as the salmon comes out, brush the reserved garlic lemon butter over the top.
  9. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes to allow carryover cooking and for the butter to soak in.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and a final squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Notes

Pat the salmon skin extremely dry for maximum crispiness. Do not flip the salmon during cooking. If fillets are thicker than 1.5 inches, add 1-2 minutes. For thinner fillets, check at 6 minutes. Fresh garlic is essential; jarred garlic may burn. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive or avocado oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, garlic lemon butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/crispy-air-fryer-salmon-with-garlic-lemon-butter-easy-best-recipe/