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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Butter

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This crispy air fryer salmon with lemon butter is a quick and easy 15-minute dinner that delivers perfectly crispy skin and tender, flaky fish. A happy accident turned into a weekly staple, this recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped)
  • Lemon slices (for serving)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Let salmon fillets sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Pat each fillet very dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the lemon butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and dill. Whisk together.
  3. Season the salmon: Brush the lemon butter mixture generously over the flesh side of each fillet. Reserve about 1 tablespoon for later.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, without touching. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. For 1-inch thick fillets, 8 minutes for medium-rare, 10 minutes for well-done.
  7. Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer (125°F for medium-rare, 130°F for medium, 135°F for well-done) or flake with a fork.
  8. Remove fillets with tongs and brush with reserved lemon butter mixture.
  9. Let rest for 2 minutes. Serve immediately with lemon slices and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Pat the salmon very dry for crispy skin. Don’t flip the salmon during cooking. For even cooking, use fillets of similar thickness. Let salmon come to room temperature before cooking. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/crispy-air-fryer-salmon-with-lemon-butter-easy-15-minute-dinner/