Print

Best Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Butter Recipe

crispy air fryer salmon with lemon butter - featured image
Print Recipe

This crispy air fryer salmon with lemon butter is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality results in under 15 minutes. The air fryer creates shatteringly crisp skin while the flesh stays tender and flaky, all topped with a bright, buttery lemon sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Extra fresh parsley (for serving)
  • Flaky sea salt (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and let them sit on a plate, uncovered, for about 5 minutes.
  2. Drizzle olive oil over the flesh side of the salmon and rub it in gently. Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Let the seasoned salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you preheat the air fryer.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each fillet.
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness. Do not flip the salmon.
  6. While the salmon cooks, make the lemon butter sauce: melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  7. Check for doneness: the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium or 130°F (54°C) for medium-well.
  8. In the last minute of cooking, open the air fryer and brush the lemon butter sauce generously over the skin side of the salmon. Close and cook for the final minute.
  9. Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using tongs. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle any remaining lemon butter sauce over the top, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed. Patience with drying the salmon is key for crispy skin. Watch the thickness of fillets and adjust cooking time accordingly. Don’t skip preheating the air fryer. Let the salmon rest before serving. Double the lemon butter sauce if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, lemon butter salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon, keto salmon, gluten-free salmon

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/best-crispy-air-fryer-salmon-with-lemon-butter-recipe/