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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Butter – Easy 15-Minute Dinner

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This crispy air fryer salmon with lemon butter is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that delivers a shatteringly crisp crust and tender, flaky interior in under 15 minutes. The bright, rich lemon butter sauce ties it all together for a meal that feels fancy but comes together faster than takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon very dry with paper towels, using several paper towels per fillet to remove all moisture.
  2. Brush the fillets lightly with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning gently into the flesh. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 5 minutes while you preheat the air fryer.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
  4. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Cook for 7 minutes without opening the air fryer.
  6. Carefully flip the salmon using tongs. If the skin sticks, let it cook for another minute before trying again.
  7. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness. For a 1-inch thick fillet, 10 minutes total is usually perfect. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness: 125°F to 130°F for medium, 135°F for well-done.
  8. While the salmon cooks, make the lemon butter sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with a tiny pinch of salt.
  9. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Serve immediately, drizzling the warm lemon butter sauce over the crispy salmon. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry is the most important step for achieving crispiness. Do not skip preheating the air fryer. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil mixed with vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, lemon butter salmon, quick salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner, weeknight salmon, healthy salmon, keto salmon, gluten-free salmon

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