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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter

crispy air fryer salmon - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy salmon skin with juicy, tender flesh, finished with a rich garlic herb butter. Ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces (170 g) each, preferably wild-caught
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley and dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow air circulation.
  5. Cook for 7-9 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the skin is golden and crispy.
  6. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; salmon is perfectly cooked at 125°F (52°C) for medium doneness. Avoid overcooking.
  7. Remove salmon carefully and immediately spread or spoon the prepared garlic herb butter over the hot fillets so it melts into the flesh and skin.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with a lemon wedge.

Notes

Pat salmon skin dry thoroughly before cooking to ensure crispiness. Avoid flipping salmon during air frying. Preheat air fryer for best results. Butter should be softened for easy mixing. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil-based spread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, garlic herb butter, quick salmon recipe, healthy dinner, easy salmon, weeknight dinner