This easy garlic butter salmon in an air fryer consists of wild salmon fillets coated in garlic butter and simple seasonings, with the health benefits of being cooked in an air fryer with little oil.
This juicy salmon provides a healthy meal for the entire family that can be served with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lemon butter sauce and a side of green beans, white rice, or other side dishes to suit your personal preference.
I am on a mission to create more air fryer recipes in near future which you can find in my Air Fryer Recipe list.
Our family loves salmon recipes and air fryer recipes and some of our favorites include Air Fryer Zucchini Skins, Skillet Fried Salmon Patties and Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.
There is a skip-to-recipe button in the top left corner along with a clickable table of contents list (just below) that will quickly take you to the part you are more interested in. Enjoy!
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Ingredients
My few comments on the ingredients + don't forget to read the Tips section!
The full recipe and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below this post.
- Salmon filets - I’ve used two filets (about 6 oz each) for this recipe, but you could easily increase this when serving to more people, it just means that you will need to air fry the fresh fish in batches so that you don’t overcrowd the basket. You can air fry these filets from fresh or frozen. If you don't enjoy salmon skin, use skinless salmon fillets.
- Butter - Use salted or unsalted butter to melt. It's a good idea to omit the salt called for in the ingredients when using salted butter.
- Garlic - Freshly minced garlic from fresh garlic cloves will provide the best garlic flavor, but you can use grocery store minced garlic instead or garlic powder.
- Herbs - Use freshly chopped parsley or dill in the melted butter seasoning.
- Seasoning salt and black pepper - To taste.
- Red pepper chili flakes - This is optional and provides a lovely kick of spicy heat without being overpowering.
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 390 F according to manufacturer instructions. (Mine was 400 F for 5 minutes) Cosori 5.8 quart.
Season the filets with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, parsley, and garlic.
With a small basting brush, generously coat the filets with the mixture.
Once the air fryer is preheated, transfer the salmon filets into the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.
The salmon is ready when it’s easily flaking, and its internal temperature should reach 145 F.
Enjoy right away.
JULIA'S TIP You don’t need to flip the salmon filets while cooking. I place the filets with the salmon skin side down.
Tips
- Space the salmon filets out in the air fryer basket, so they are not overcrowded. Proper circulation of hot air will ensure an even cook on all sides. You could also turn the filets over mid-cook, although it’s optional.
- You can easily double or triple this recipe if serving a larger crowd. You will likely then need to fry the filets in batches.
- I’ve used regular salmon filets in this recipe. If you opt for thicker or larger filets, adjust the cooking time.
- You can use fresh or frozen salmon filets for this recipe. Thaw frozen filets overnight in the refrigerator first. Add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time when cooking salmon filets from frozen.
- Honey can be added to the buttery lemon sauce to make air fryer honey garlic salmon.
JULIA'S TIP The salmon is cooked adequately when the flesh flakes easily using a fork. If you aren’t sure, use a food thermometer by inserting it into the thickest section of the salmon. The internal temperature should register 145F or more for the salmon to be done.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
Keep the leftover salmon in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can flake it and add to salads or reheat it in the oven or air fryer until piping hot all the way through.
For freezing it is best to freeze uncooked fillets.
Serving Suggestions
What is a good side dish with salmon?
Well, almost anything to be honest. It really comes down to your likes, seasonal produce and the time you have in total to make the dinner.
- Cold side and quick to make. For a quick side dish and sauce substitute Habanero Mango Salsa, Pico De Gallo, or even Avocado Crema - these are all great and easy-to-make sides. Add a dollop or two on top of the salmon when serving.
- Air fryer sides. For a more complex, but still quick option, consider making salty Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes or crispy Brussels Sprouts With Chipotle Aioli, and air fryer Cauliflower in the same air fryer you made salmon. Easy and quick.
- The classics. And of course, always favorite staple foods such as rice, mashed potatoes (or sweet potatoes), cabbage and potatoes, steamed vegetables, and quinoa.
- My personal favorites - Cajun Corn On The Cob, easy and cheesy Asparagus, Mediterranean Cucumber Salad or juicy and refreshing Spinach Strawberry Salad during summer.
FAQ
10 minutes is all you need to cook regular fresh salmon fillets in the air fryer. Cooking for any longer will dry the fish out.
I’ve used melted butter with seasoning and fresh herbs to flavor the lemon garlic salmon filets, keep them moist, and prevent them from drying out while cooking. Be careful not to cook the salmon filets for longer than 10 minutes, so the meat doesn’t dry out.
While you can use fresh or frozen salmon for this recipe, I prefer to allow frozen filets to thaw in the refrigerator before adding them to the preheated air fryer.
If you go ahead and cook the filets from frozen, you run the risk of the fish not being cooked through completely. While you could add extra cooking time, you could end up drying out certain parts of the filets while the center remains undercooked.
You don’t need to flip the salmon filets while cooking. I place the filets with the salmon skin side down.
Easy Seafood Recipes
We love all sorts of seafood recipes, from our 5-minute pan seared Tuna Tacos, to juicy and melting in your mouth and perfect Eggs Royale With Salmon for breakfast. We serve almost all our seafood with a refreshing and a little spicy Mango Salsa.
Or simply go to ALL AIR FRYER recipes for more inspiration.
I hope you'll enjoy this garlic butter salmon in air fryer recipe, please leave a rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo of your food and tag me on Instagram @theyummy_bowl. I love seeing your creations!
Thank you for reading,
Love,
Julia
Garlic Butter Salmon In Air Fryer
INGREDIENTS
- 2 6 oz Salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoon butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley or dill
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Chili flakes (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 F according to manufacturer instructions. (Mine was 400 F for 5 minutes) Cosori 5.8 quart
- Season the filets with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, parsley, and garlic. With a small basting brush, generously coat the filets with the mixture.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, transfer the salmon filets into the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. The salmon is ready when it’s easily flaking, and its internal temperature should reach 145 F.
- Enjoy right away.
Video
NOTES
- Space the salmon filets out in the air fryer basket, so they are not overcrowded.
- Proper circulation of hot air will ensure an even cook on all sides. You could also turn the filets over mid-cook, although it’s optional.
- You can easily double or triple this recipe if serving a larger crowd. You will likely then need to fry the filets in batches.
- I’ve used regular salmon filets in this recipe. If you opt for thicker or larger filets, adjust the cooking time.
PRIVATE NOTES
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
This recipe has been inspired by The Manual.
Julia
Easy, juicy and flaky salmon fillets made with garlic butter in air fryer.