Imagine a restaurant-quality salmon dish that's not only incredibly delicious but also ridiculously easy to make right in your own kitchen. This Air Fryer Lemon Butter Salmon is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, offering a mouthwatering meal that's packed with flavor, takes minimal effort, and delivers maximum satisfaction in just over 20 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or someone who wants a healthy yet indulgent meal, this recipe is your ultimate culinary shortcut to salmon perfection.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Butter, melted
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: salmon fillets, melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the salmon.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is well coated. Allow it to marinate for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Once marinated, carefully place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the salmon in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be opaque and easily flake with a fork when done.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let it rest for a minute before serving.
- Serve the air fryer lemon butter salmon with your choice of sides, such as steamed vegetables or rice, and garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Salmon: Select fresh, high-grade salmon fillets with even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Pat Dry Before Marinating: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from salmon, which helps the marinade adhere better and promotes crispy edges.
- Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Leave space between fillets for hot air circulation, guaranteeing even cooking and crispy exterior.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking duration depends on fillet thickness. Thinner fillets might need 8-10 minutes, while thicker cuts require 12-14 minutes.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let It Rest: Allow the salmon to rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and ensure juicy, tender flesh.
- Experiment with Seasonings: While this recipe uses a classic lemon butter approach, feel free to try different herb and spice combinations to suit your taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 346kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 101mg
