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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

This dish features skin-on salmon fillets cooked in an air fryer until crispy and golden, with tender, flaky flesh inside. A quick garlic butter sauce with lemon adds a bright, savory finishing touch that complements the rich fish. The result is a beautifully crispy, flavorful salmon ready to serve with minimal fuss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets salmon fillets, skin-on preferably even thickness
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced fresh is best
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • optional fresh parsley or dill chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Small saucepan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then brush lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes, ensuring it's hot enough for crispy skin.
  3. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching to allow even crisping.
  4. Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through; the skin should be bubbling and golden brown, and the flesh will look opaque and flaky when done.
  5. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly golden.
  6. Stir in lemon juice and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld into a bright, aromatic sauce.
  7. Once the salmon is cooked, carefully transfer the fillets to serving plates, skin-side up to keep the crispy texture intact.
  8. Drizzle the warm garlic lemon butter sauce generously over the hot salmon fillets, letting it seep into the flaky flesh.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley or dill if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the crispy skin and tender, flavorful flesh.