Garlic butter Air Fryer Salmon

The juiciest salmon done in 10 minutes with no fuss. This Air Fryer salmon recipe with garlic butter is a weeknight dinner hero!

Salmon is at the top of my list for quick and easy dinners. It helps that it’s healthy and full of good fats and protein too. Pair this good-for-you fish with an air fryer and you have a match made in Heaven. I use my air fryer more than I’d like to admit. But who can blame me? This air fryer salmon recipes comes out incredibly juicy every time and is ready in less than 10 minutes. No need preheat the oven or stand over a hot stove. What’s not to love?

Ingredients

Full recipe with amounts in the recipe card below. 

• Salmon fillets. I prefer using skin on salmon. Other oily fish like tuna, mackerel or trout can be used instead.
• Melted butter. 
• Garlic cloves. 
• Oregano. Parsley and chives are good substitutes.
• Chilli flakes. Red pepper flakes.
• Lemon juice. 
• Fresh parsley. 
• Salt and pepper.

How to cook salmon in an air fryer

1. Make the garlic butter: Combine melted butter, crushed garlic, oregano, chilli flakes, fresh parsley and lemon juice in a bowl and mix. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Season the salmon: Season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Cook the salmon: Place the salmon, flesh-side down on a piece of parchment paper, then brush over half of the garlic butter. Place in the air fryer and allow to cook at 200ºC/390ºF for 5 minutes or until the skin is crisp. Gently turn over the salmon, remove the parchment paper and brush with the remaining garlic butter. Place back in the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the salmon is cooked to your preference. Remove and serve with lemon.

How long to cook in salmon in air fryer

Depending on the thickness of the salmon, it shouldn’t take more than 8-10 minutes to cook at 200ºC/390ºF in the air fryer.

How do I know when salmon is cooked?

I prefer cooking salmon until it is still slightly underdone in the center. This will ensure it doesn’t dry out so it will be perfectly moist and juicy. Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily or when it reaches 62ºC/145ºF on a meat thermometer.

What to serve with air fryer salmon

1. 10-minute lemon garlic sautéed broccolini
2. Mini Hasselback potatoes
3. Easy green salad with lemon Parmesan dressing

Air fryer recipes

1. Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken with Jalapeño Ranch
2. Lemon Rosemary Air fryer chicken thighs
3. Crispy Air Fryer Ravioli with Tomato Sauce

I always use my Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer when developing air fryer recipes. It is by far the most efficient air fryer I’ve used and the basket size is excellent for a family of 4. This post isn’t sponsored but I am partnered with Instant Pot South Africa.