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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe: Easy Lemon Butter in 15 Minutes

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This crispy air fryer salmon with lemon butter is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that converts even self-proclaimed salmon haters. With a perfectly crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish, it’s ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Set aside about 2 tablespoons for brushing after cooking.
  4. In another small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Brush each salmon fillet lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice rub evenly over all sides. Gently pat the spices into the fish.
  6. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets, making sure they are not touching.
  7. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
  8. About 2 minutes before the cooking time is up, open the air fryer and brush the fillets with the reserved lemon butter mixture. Close and finish cooking.
  9. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer (135-140°F / 57-60°C for medium).
  10. Remove the salmon carefully with tongs and transfer to a serving platter. Let rest for 2-3 minutes. Brush with any remaining lemon butter mixture and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Pat the salmon very dry for maximum crispiness. Let the fish come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even results. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. For dairy-free, use vegan butter or avocado oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, lemon butter salmon, quick salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner