Air-Fried Salmon with Lemon Butter Recipe
This recipe for succulent air-fried salmon delivers perfectly cooked, flaky fillets with a rich lemon butter flavor in just 15 minutes. Infused with garlic and fresh dill, this quick and healthy dish is ideal for a nutritious dinner and highlights the ease and speed of air frying for tender, flavorful seafood.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 150–200g salmon fillets per serving
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Lemon Butter Mixture
- 30g butter (2 tablespoons), softened
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 clove garlic, freshly pressed
Garnish
- 1 bunch fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and pat them dry thoroughly with kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture, ensuring better browning during cooking.
- Season the Fillets: Generously season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper. Place the fillets flat in a bowl to prepare for the lemon butter application.
- Make Lemon Butter Paste: Combine the softened butter with freshly pressed garlic, the juice of half a lemon, and the zest of the other half. Mix well until it forms a creamy, flavorful paste.
- Coat the Salmon: Spread half of the lemon butter paste evenly on top of the salmon fillets, gently rubbing it in to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Line the air fryer basket with baking paper to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets in the basket with the seasoned side facing up for even cooking.
- Start Air Frying: Set the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and cook the salmon for 8–10 minutes. Timing depends on fillet thickness; monitor for doneness.
- Midway Baste: After 5 minutes, open the basket and pour the remaining lemon butter paste over the salmon to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Check for Doneness: The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and appears opaque inside, indicating thorough cooking without dryness.
- Rest the Salmon: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the cooked salmon with freshly chopped dill for a bright, herbal finish and serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon fillets are dry to promote better browning and a crispy finish.
- Adjust air fryer time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets to avoid over or undercooking.
- Fresh dill is optional but adds a lovely, fresh flavor that complements lemon and garlic.
- Use baking paper specifically designed for air fryers to prevent blocking air circulation.
- Leftover lemon butter paste can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Keywords: air-fried salmon, lemon butter salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon dish, air fryer seafood, lemon garlic butter salmon
