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Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon

This dish features salmon fillets cooked in an air fryer until crispy on the skin and tender inside. The fish is coated with a fragrant garlic butter made by melting butter and mixing in fresh garlic, then cooked to achieve a golden, flaky texture with a crispy crackle on the skin. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal with vibrant citrus and herbal notes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets salmon fillets skin-on preferred for crispy crackle
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or salted butter, adjust salt later
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil for brushing
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • optional fresh herbs parsley or dill, chopped

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Small saucepan
  • Brush or spoon

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, especially from the skin. Lightly brush or spray them with olive oil to help the skin crisp up. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  2. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, gently pressing them to ensure good contact with the surface. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and the fish is just starting to turn opaque around the edges.
  3. While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly golden. Stir in the lemon juice for a bright, citrusy aroma.
  4. Remove the salmon from the air fryer once the skin is crispy and the flesh is opaque and flaky. Transfer the fillets to a plate or serving dish.
  5. Use a spoon or brush to generously swirl the warm garlic butter over the top of the hot salmon fillets, allowing the butter to seep into the flaky flesh and coat the crispy skin.
  6. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill over the salmon for added color and flavor. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
  7. Serve immediately with your choice of sides—perhaps a fresh salad or roasted vegetables—and enjoy the crispy, tender salmon with aromatic garlic butter.