There’s something magical about perfectly cooked salmon — that golden crust, buttery center, and the aroma of garlic melting into every flaky bite. And with this Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter Glaze, you can have that restaurant-level flavor in under 15 minutes.
No smoke. No messy pans. Just pure, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
This is the only air fryer salmon recipe you’ll ever need.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon
- Quick & easy: Ready in less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect texture: Crispy skin on the outside, tender and buttery inside.
- Healthy indulgence: Packed with protein and omega-3s, yet keto- and low-carb-friendly.
- Versatile flavors: Garlic butter, honey glaze, or lemon dill — it works with all!
- Minimal cleanup: The air fryer keeps your kitchen spotless.
- Crowd-pleaser: Elegant enough for date night, simple enough for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Turn it into salmon bites, patties, or bowl meals.
Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter Glaze
Equipment
- Air fryer (any brand, 4 qt or larger)
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush or spoon
- Tongs or spatula
- Aluminum foil or parchment liner (optional for easy cleanup)
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional for extra crispiness
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup optional for glaze
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika optional for color
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Substitution Tips:
- Use ghee or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Add honey mustard miso, or Dijon for a tangy twist.
- Replace salmon with cod trout, or halibut if desired.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–4 minutes. This helps the salmon cook evenly and get that crispy edge.
- Mix the garlic butter glaze:In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Prep the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with the garlic butter glaze. Pro Tip: Dry salmon = crispier skin and better caramelization!
- Air fry to perfection: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket (avoid overcrowding). Cook for 7–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Brush & serve:Brush with a final layer of warm garlic butter glaze, top with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges. Pro Tip: Want an extra glossy finish? Air fry for 1 extra minute after brushing with glaze.
Notes
How to Save It for Later
- Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry for 2–3 minutes at 350°F or warm gently in a pan.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Tip: Reheat only once for best texture and taste.
Nutrition
Little Secrets for Success
- Don’t skip preheating — it ensures that golden sear.
- Always pat the salmon dry to avoid steaming instead of crisping.
- Line your basket for easy cleanup, but make sure air can circulate.
- Adjust time for fillet thickness — thinner cuts cook faster.
- Rest salmon 2 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Fun Variations to Try
- Honey Garlic Salmon: Add 1 tbsp honey to the glaze for a sweet-savory flavor.
- Teriyaki Twist: Mix in 1 tbsp soy sauce and ½ tsp sesame oil.
- Blackened Cajun: Sprinkle blackened seasoning before air frying.
- Miso Glaze: Combine butter with miso paste and rice vinegar.
- Lemon Dill: Skip honey and add dill + lemon zest.
- Salmon Bites: Cut into cubes, toss in glaze, and air fry for 6–8 minutes — great for rice bowls or tacos!
Perfect Pairings
- Serve with Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries or a simple quinoa salad.
- Add to a salmon bowl with rice, avocado, cucumber, and chili crunch.
- Try it in Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with slaw and hot honey drizzle!
👉 Garlic & Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries
👉 Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
A Bite Full of Health
Salmon isn’t just delicious — it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Each serving is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins like B12 and D. Air frying makes it a low-oil, low-carb, and keto-friendly dinner that feels indulgent but stays healthy.
Questions You Might Have (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw overnight in the fridge and pat dry before air frying.
Q2: Do I need to flip the salmon?
No, it’s not necessary — the air fryer circulates heat evenly.
Q3: Can I make it without butter?
Absolutely. Use olive oil or ghee, or make a honey-mustard glaze instead.
Q4: What’s the best air fryer temperature?
400°F (200°C) is ideal for crispy edges and juicy centers.
Q5: How do I know it’s cooked?
When it flakes easily with a fork or reaches 145°F internally.
Q6: Can I double the batch?
Yes, just cook in batches to avoid crowding.
Nothing beats a homemade batch of Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter Glaze — tender, flaky, and irresistibly buttery. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or when you want something that tastes fancy but feels easy.
