Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Butter: Easy 15-Minute Dinner
This Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Butter delivers shatteringly crisp skin and a buttery, flaky interior in just 15 minutes. It’s a quick, foolproof weeknight dinner that feels fancy but takes almost zero effort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-9 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional garnishes: fresh dill, parsley, or chives; lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels, especially the skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Set aside.
- Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring fillets are not touching.
- Cook at 400°F for 7 minutes without opening the basket.
- After 7 minutes, carefully open the basket and brush the tops of the fillets with the lemon butter mixture. Do not flip the salmon. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 125-130°F for medium.
- Rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices if desired.
Notes
For the crispiest skin, dry the salmon obsessively with paper towels. Do not flip the salmon during cooking. If the skin isn’t crispy after 8 minutes, increase temperature to 425°F and cook 1-2 more minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 34
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