Best Air Fryer Salmon

This Air Fryer Salmon recipe offers a fast and easy way to get a delicious dinner on the table with minimal effort. The lemon garlic dill butter adds a bright, fresh flavor to perfectly cooked salmon fillets that are tender and flaky. It is ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you want a healthy meal without fussing over complicated techniques.

I first made this during a busy week and loved how the air fryer made the salmon juicy but crispy around the edges. Now it’s my go to when I want something healthy and satisfying fast.

Ingredients

• Two salmon fillets: Fresh and firm fillets work best for even cooking
• Salt and pepper: Balances and enhances the natural salmon flavor
• One large lemon: Sliced to layer under the salmon to infuse bright citrus notes
• Four tablespoons salted butter: Room temperature for easy mixing and creamy richness
• Two to three garlic cloves: Minced for pungent aromatic depth
• One teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice: Adds extra brightness and acidity
• Two teaspoons dried dill: A herb that pairs beautifully with salmon freeze dried dill is fine if fresh is not available

Instructions

Spray the basket:

Spray your air fryer basket with a nonstick spray to prevent the salmon from sticking and make cleanup easier

Make the lemon garlic dill butter:

In a small bowl combine the softened salted butter with minced garlic lemon juice and dried dill. Mix thoroughly until well combined and set aside

Prepare the salmon:

Pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel for better seasoning adhesion. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper to taste

Arrange lemon slices and salmon:

Place the lemon slices evenly at the bottom of the air fryer basket forming a bed for the salmon. Then place the seasoned salmon fillets on top of the lemon slices

Top with butter:

Put a dollop of the prepared lemon garlic dill butter on each salmon fillet letting some melt over during cooking

Air fry salmon:

Cook the salmon in your preheated air fryer set to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for approximately ten minutes depending on thickness. Salmon is done when it flakes gently when poked in the center but remains moist and tender

Serve with more butter if desired:

Add another spoonful of the lemon garlic dill butter on top of the cooked salmon for an extra burst of flavor before serving

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the lemon garlic dill butter which makes the salmon taste gourmet without adding any complicated steps. It’s become a family favorite especially on nights when I just want something simple but still special.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat gently warm in the air fryer or oven to keep the texture flaky and moist rather than overcooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have dried dill fresh chopped dill or even fresh parsley can work as a substitute. Use unsalted butter if you want to control sodium more closely. Lemon zest can also be added to the butter for extra citrus punch.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus steamed green beans or a fresh mixed green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. A side of quinoa or wild rice also complements the dish nicely for a complete meal.

This air fryer salmon is quick and flavorful making it perfect for busy weeknights. The lemon garlic dill butter adds a gourmet touch with very little effort.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I cook salmon with the skin on or off?

Both options work well. The skin helps keep moisture in during cooking, but it’s fine to remove if you prefer.

→ How do I know when the salmon is done?

Check by gently poking the center; it should flake easily but remain moist, ideally medium rare to avoid overcooking.

→ What temperature and time are best for air frying salmon?

Cook at 390°F for about 10 minutes, adjusting slightly based on fillet thickness.

→ Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this method?

Yes, frozen fillets work well; just ensure they are fully thawed or adjust cooking time as needed.

→ What side dishes would complement this salmon?

Light sides like steamed asparagus, mixed green salad, or roasted vegetables pair nicely with the lemon garlic dill flavors.