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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with 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 delivers perfectly crispy skin and tender, flaky fish every time. Ready in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon filets (about 6 oz each), skin-on
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
  2. Pat the salmon filets completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Season both sides of the salmon generously with salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Set aside about 2 tablespoons for later.
  5. Brush the tops and sides of the salmon filets with the lemon butter mixture (not the skin). Place skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving at least an inch of space between filets.
  6. Cook at 375°F for 6 minutes. Do not open the basket.
  7. Increase temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare or 130°F for medium.
  8. Remove salmon from air fryer using tongs. Brush with reserved lemon butter mixture. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, pat salmon very dry before seasoning. Do not crowd the air fryer basket. Let salmon come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking. The two-temperature method (375°F then 400°F) ensures crispy skin and juicy flesh. If salmon filets are different thicknesses, cut thicker one in half horizontally to even them out. For dairy-free, substitute olive oil or avocado oil for butter.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/crispy-air-fryer-salmon-with-lemon-butter-in-15-minutes/