Print

Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Close-up of a perfectly cooked piece of air fryer salmon with a golden, crispy, herb-crusted top.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Learn how to cook salmon fillets in the air fryer for a perfectly crispy exterior and a juicy, flaky interior. This simple garlic butter recipe is fast, healthy, and ideal for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step is key for achieving a crispy exterior.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top (flesh side) of each salmon fillet.
  4. Season the fillets with salt and pepper.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
  7. Air fry for 10 to 13 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. For medium doneness, aim for 12 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  8. Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, place the salmon skin-side down first and cook for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for 2-4 more minutes until done.
  • If your fillets are very thick (over 1.5 inches), you may need to add 1-2 minutes to the total cook time.
  • You can substitute the Italian seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon paprika for color.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/air-fryer-salmon-crispy-garlic-butter/