This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon is a winner for any dinner! Juicy salmon fillets cooked to perfection with a buttery garlic sauce that sings with flavor.
You’ll love how quick and easy this dish is to make! Just season, air fry, and get ready to enjoy tasty salmon in under 15 minutes. I might just make this every week! 🐟✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon is best for flavor, but if it’s not available, try using frozen fillets. Just make sure to thaw them first. I often use skin-on fillets as the skin helps to keep the fish moist.
Unsalted Butter: While unsalted butter is ideal for controlling salt levels, you can use salted butter if needed. Just reduce the added salt slightly to balance the flavors.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work as a substitute. Just use 1/4 teaspoon per clove for a milder taste.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs are so flavorful, but if parsley isn’t on hand, try substituting with dried parsley or even fresh dill or thyme for a different twist.
Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon is fantastic, but lime will also brighten the dish nicely. If you have lemon juice bottled, just a splash can substitute as well.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer?
Cooking salmon perfectly in an air fryer is all about timing and temperature. Here’s how to nail it every time:
- Always preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
- For even flavor, make sure to cover the salmon completely with the garlic butter mix.
- Cook skin-side down; it protects the flesh and keeps the fish moist.
- Check for doneness around the 8-minute mark. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Remember, overcooking salmon can make it dry, so it’s better to err on the side of undercooked and let it rest for a few minutes. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter salmon!
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened and divided
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: fresh thyme or dill for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. You’ll have a delicious dinner ready in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure that your salmon cooks evenly.
2. Mix the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth garlic butter mixture.
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Drizzle a little olive oil over each fillet and rub it in to coat evenly.
4. Add the Garlic Butter:
Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet. Make sure to cover them well for maximum flavor!
5. Place Salmon in the Air Fryer:
Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd them, so if you have to do it in batches, that’s okay!
6. Air Fry the Salmon:
Cook the salmon at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times may vary slightly depending on fillet thickness.
7. Baste for Extra Flavor:
About halfway through cooking, carefully spoon any melted garlic butter that’s pooled at the bottom of the air fryer basket over the salmon. This enhances flavor and helps keep the salmon moist.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When the salmon is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Garnish with extra parsley, a pat of butter if desired, and lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch.
9. Pair It Up:
For a complete meal, serve the garlic butter salmon with steamed asparagus or your favorite side dish. Enjoy your flavorful, tender salmon!
This method yields a juicy, mouthwatering salmon fillet topped with a fragrant garlic butter sauce, making it a delightful dinner treat. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon Fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for a couple of hours.
How Can I Store Leftover Salmon?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
What Should I Serve with Garlic Butter Salmon?
This dish is delicious with various sides! Try pairing it with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal.
Can I Make the Garlic Butter Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, let it soften a bit before spreading it over the salmon.