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Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

Close-up of two perfectly cooked, juicy air fryer salmon fillets topped with melted butter and fresh parsley.
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Achieve perfectly crispy skin and flaky, juicy interior with this simple Air Fryer Salmon recipe. It uses a bright lemon garlic butter coating and cooks fast, making it ideal for a quick 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
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  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 another small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over 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. If your fillets are thick, you may need to cook in batches.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 12 minutes. Cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillets. Check for doneness at 8 minutes; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, and the fish should flake easily with a fork.
  8. Once cooked, immediately brush the lemon garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the hot salmon fillets.
  9. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
  10. Serve your crispy air fryer salmon immediately with your favorite healthy sides.

Notes

  • For the crispiest skin, place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
  • If you prefer a sweeter flavor, substitute half the butter mixture with 1 tablespoon of honey for a honey garlic salmon air fryer variation.
  • This recipe is excellent for low carb air fryer dinner plans.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/air-fryer-salmon-crispy-juicy-lemon-garlic/