This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon is a mouthwatering treat! It cooks quickly and is packed with flavor from the garlic and butter that make it super tasty.
You’ll love how it gets crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. I love serving it with a side of veggies for a delicious dinner! Easy, fast, and oh-so-good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon is best for flavor and texture. If you can’t find it, you can use frozen fillets, just make sure to thaw them completely. Other fish like trout or cod can work too, but expect some flavor changes.
Unsalted Butter: For a rich flavor, use unsalted butter, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute with olive oil or even coconut oil for a hint of sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the way to go for the best flavor, but if you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Just use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for the flavor it offers.
Fresh Herbs: I love using fresh parsley for its brightness. You can swap it with dill or basil if you prefer! Dried herbs can replace fresh; just use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds great acidity that brightens the dish. If you’re in a bind, lemon juice from a bottle will do, but fresh is always better!
How Do I Ensure My Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you succeed:
- This recipe cooks at 400°F (200°C). Preheat your air fryer first for an even cook.
- The cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillets. A general guideline is 7-9 minutes for 6 oz fillets.
- To check for doneness, gently poke with a fork. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Rest the fillets for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to settle.
With these tips and the right ingredients, you’ll have tasty salmon every time! Enjoy your meal! 😊
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon slices, for garnish and serving
- Optional: 3 asparagus spears or other veggies for air frying alongside salmon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 7-9 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer, making it a quick and tasty dinner option in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This will be your flavorful garlic butter!
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Take the salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then, rub each fillet lightly with olive oil on all sides. This helps achieve that beautiful crispy texture when cooking!
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure to leave some space around each piece so they cook evenly.
4. Add the Garlic Butter:
Spread dollops of the prepared garlic butter evenly over the top of each salmon fillet. Make sure to coat them nicely for that rich flavor!
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your salmon starts cooking at the perfect temperature.
6. Cook the Salmon:
Once preheated, place the basket in the air fryer and cook the salmon for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has a slightly crispy top.
7. Optional Veggies:
If you’d like, add asparagus or other veggies to the air fryer during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete meal.
8. Finish and Serve:
Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet for an added burst of flavor.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish the salmon with lemon slices and serve immediately. Enjoy your beautifully cooked, flavorful Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon—crispy on the edges, tender inside, and full of buttery garlic goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thawing can be done overnight in the fridge or by placing the sealed fillets in a bowl of cold water for quick thawing.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of minced garlic.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Use Different Herbs?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Fresh dill, thyme, or even basil can make great substitutes for parsley, adding a unique flavor to the dish.
