Air Fryer Salmon With Garlic Butter

Highlighted under: Nourishing Dishes

I absolutely love making Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter! The combination of rich salmon and the aromatic garlic butter creates a dish that's bursting with flavor. In just 15 minutes, I can cook a perfectly flaky salmon fillet that's juicy and delicious. It's become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights, and the best part is that it requires minimal prep while delivering maximum taste. I can't wait to share how easy and satisfying this recipe is with all of you!

Gwendolyn Reed

Created by

Gwendolyn Reed

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:45:35.743Z

When I first tried making salmon in the air fryer, I was amazed at how quick and flavorful it could be. This method not only cooks the salmon perfectly, but it also infuses it with the rich taste of garlic butter, elevating the dish beyond the everyday ordinary. I remember savoring each bite and feeling accomplished for whipping up such a delicious meal in a fraction of the time it usually takes.

To ensure the salmon stays moist while getting that beautiful crust, I let it marinate in the garlic butter before cooking. This little touch makes a huge difference, and I find that using fresh herbs as a garnish afterward adds that extra pop of flavor. Plus, the air fryer helps to lock in the juices while achieving an irresistible taste that keeps me coming back for more!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick cooking time without sacrificing flavor
  • Rich garlic butter sauce that enhances the salmon
  • Healthy option that's packed with omega-3s

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious air fryer salmon:

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to use fresh salmon for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your air fryer salmon:

Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat, then stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in a dish and pour the garlic butter mixture over them. Allow the fillets to marinate for about 10 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Air Fry the Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal!

Enjoy your delicious, garlic butter-infused salmon!

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Pro Tips

  • For a bit of extra zing, serve the salmon with lemon wedges on the side.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but it's best to thaw the salmon in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking.

→ How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

Salmon should have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and should flake easily with a fork.

→ What can I serve with the air fryer salmon?

It pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

→ Can I make this dish with another type of fish?

Yes, this garlic butter method works wonderfully with other fish such as trout or tilapia.

Air Fryer Salmon With Garlic Butter

I absolutely love making Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter! The combination of rich salmon and the aromatic garlic butter creates a dish that's bursting with flavor. In just 15 minutes, I can cook a perfectly flaky salmon fillet that's juicy and delicious. It's become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights, and the best part is that it requires minimal prep while delivering maximum taste. I can't wait to share how easy and satisfying this recipe is with all of you!

Prep Time5 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time20 minutes

Created by: Gwendolyn Reed

Recipe Type: Nourishing Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 2 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 salmon fillets
  2. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. Fresh parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat, then stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 02

Place the salmon fillets in a dish and pour the garlic butter mixture over them. Allow the fillets to marinate for about 10 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Step 03

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 04

Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal!

Extra Tips

  1. For a bit of extra zing, serve the salmon with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g