This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon is a tasty treat! It’s super quick to make and packed with flavors from garlic and buttery goodness. Perfectly cooked and buttery, what’s not to love?
Honestly, the air fryer makes everything easier, and clean-up is a breeze! I like to serve it with some veggies or rice—dinner sorted in no time! 🐟💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: The star of the dish! You can use skin-on or skinless salmon fillets. If salmon isn’t available, try trout or even chicken breasts, though cooking times will differ.
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap it for olive oil or avocado oil. Just know the flavor will change a bit!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the best for flavor, but garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar can work in a pinch. Just adjust the amount based on how strong you like it!
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish. Dried parsley can substitute, but fresh is really worth it if you have it. Other herbs like dill or chives can also add a nice twist.
Paprika: This adds color. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or replace it with a bit of cayenne pepper for a little heat!
How Do You Get the Best Garlic Butter Flavor on Salmon?
Getting that flavorful garlic butter on your salmon requires a few tips. First, make sure to pat the fillets dry so the butter mixture adheres well. Mixing the ingredients well ensures the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture generously on each side of the salmon. Don’t hold back!
- Cook the salmon at 400°F for a quick cook time—8 to 10 minutes—so it stays juicy.
- Let the salmon rest for a minute after cooking to allow the flavors to set.
By following these tips, you’ll maximize the garlic butter goodness and make your salmon shine!
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional for color)
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So in under 20 minutes, you can have a delicious, buttery salmon meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps your salmon cook evenly and develop a nice crisp exterior.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir well until everything is combined. This flavorful sauce is the heart of your dish!
3. Prepare the Salmon Fillets:
Gently pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the garlic butter adhere better and ensures a lovely crust when it cooks.
4. Coat the Salmon:
Generously brush each salmon fillet with the garlic butter mixture on all sides. Make sure to coat them well to infuse them with flavor!
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if fillets have skin. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
6. Cooking Time:
Cook the salmon at 400°F (205°C) for 8-10 minutes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets. To check for doneness, the salmon should easily flake with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. If there’s any leftover garlic butter in the basket, drizzle it over the salmon for an extra flavor boost.
8. Garnish:
For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh lemon slices or an extra sprinkle of parsley. It’s not just pretty; it adds a nice tangy flavor too!
9. Enjoy:
Serve your air fryer garlic butter salmon immediately with your favorite sides—try it with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Enjoy your perfectly cooked, flavorful Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is by placing it in the fridge overnight or using the cold water method—submerge the sealed salmon in cold water for about 30 minutes.
Is There a Low-Fat Option for the Garlic Butter?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil or melted coconut oil. You can also reduce the amount of butter used—try using just 1-2 tablespoons for a more modest flavor while keeping it healthy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, just warm gently in the air fryer or microwave. If the salmon seems dry, add a drizzle of olive oil or a bit more garlic butter to restore its juiciness!
What Can I Serve With This Salmon?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. For an impressive touch, serve it over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or alongside a lemon-herb couscous for a delicious meal!
