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Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter Glaze

Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course dinner
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

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.
    Overhead shot of air fryer salmon ingredients on wooden table — garlic, butter, lemon, honey, parsley.
  • 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!
    Close-up of brushing garlic butter glaze over fresh salmon fillets on parchment paper.
  • 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).
    Overhead photo of salmon fillets cooking inside an air fryer basket, golden and sizzling.
  • 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

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 34gFat: 18g
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