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Spring Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Butter

air fryer salmon with lemon butter - featured image
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This quick and easy air fryer salmon delivers unbelievably crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh, all coated in a bright lemon butter sauce. Perfect for spring evenings, it comes together in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Fresh dill or chives (optional, for serving)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Dry brine the salmon: Pat each fillet dry with paper towels. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over the skin side and let sit skin-side up for 15 minutes.
  2. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Pat salmon dry again to remove any moisture beads.
  3. Season the fillets: Mix black pepper and garlic powder. Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle seasoning evenly over both sides.
  4. Make the lemon butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine cubed butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Stir with a fork; set aside at room temperature.
  5. Arrange salmon skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry at 390°F for 6 minutes. Carefully flip each fillet using tongs, then spoon half of the lemon butter mixture over the top. Continue cooking for 2-4 minutes, until salmon flakes easily and internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium or 145°F (63°C) for well-done.
  7. In the last 30 seconds, spoon remaining lemon butter over the salmon and let it melt.
  8. Remove salmon from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh herbs, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Don’t skip the dry brine for the crispiest skin. Let butter soften to room temperature for even melting. For dairy-free, use ghee or plant butter. If salmon sticks to the basket, ensure it’s dry and the basket is preheated. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://morselora.com/spring-crispy-air-fryer-salmon-with-lemon-butter/