Air Fryer Salmon Fillets with Lemon Garlic Butter (5-Minute Prep)

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Fillets with Lemon Garlic Butter (5-Minute Prep)

1. 1

   Step 1: Season and oil the salmon

   Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place skin-side down on a cutting board. Drizzle and rub with olive oil, then season evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

   For this step

   • 4 filletsSalmon fillets (6 oz / ~170 g each), skin on
   • 1 tbspExtra-virgin olive oil
   • 1 tspKosher salt
   • 1/2 tspFreshly ground black pepper
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Make the lemon garlic butter

   In a small, microwave-safe bowl or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over low heat or in 20-second bursts in the microwave. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, and mix until fragrant; set aside so flavors meld while the salmon cooks.

   For this step

   • 3 tbspUnsalted butter
   • 2 clovesGarlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
   • 1 mediumLemon (zest + juice of 1 medium lemon)
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Preheat and arrange in the air fryer

   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes. Arrange the seasoned fillets skin-side down in a single layer in the basket or tray, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
4. 4

   Step 4: Air fry the salmon

   Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and registers 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium doneness. Avoid overcooking; thin fillets may be done in as little as 6 minutes.
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Brush with butter and serve

   Remove fillets from the air fryer and immediately brush generously with the lemon garlic butter. Let rest 1–2 minutes, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

   For this step

   • 2 tbspFresh parsley, chopped (for finishing)
   

1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place skin-side down on a cutting board. Drizzle and rub with olive oil, then season evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
2. In a small, microwave-safe bowl or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over low heat or in 20-second bursts in the microwave. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, and mix until fragrant; set aside so flavors meld while the salmon cooks.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes. Arrange the seasoned fillets skin-side down in a single layer in the basket or tray, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
4. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and registers 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium doneness. Avoid overcooking; thin fillets may be done in as little as 6 minutes.
5. Remove fillets from the air fryer and immediately brush generously with the lemon garlic butter. Let rest 1–2 minutes, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.