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Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

Close-up of a golden-brown air fryer salmon fillet topped with fresh green parsley and resting in buttery sauce.

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Make crispy and juicy air fryer salmon fillets in under 15 minutes using a simple lemon garlic butter seasoning. This is an easy, healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve a crispy exterior.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside.
  3. Rub the salmon fillets lightly with olive oil.
  4. In a separate small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
  7. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your fillets. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, and the exterior should look golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove the salmon from the air fryer. Brush the tops generously with the lemon garlic butter mixture.
  9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, place the salmon skin-side down first and cook for 8 minutes before brushing with butter and cooking for the remaining time.
  • If you prefer a different flavor, substitute the lemon garlic butter with 2 tablespoons of your favorite teriyaki or honey garlic glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  • This recipe works well for low carb air fryer dinner plans.

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