Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly cooked salmon fillet that's crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, and bursting with garlic butter goodness - all without spending hours in the kitchen! This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, transforming a potentially boring fish dish into a restaurant-quality meal in just 15 minutes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a quick, delicious, and foolproof recipe that proves healthy eating can be both easy and incredibly delectable!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Lightly brush the salmon fillets with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring even coating on both sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, leaving space between them for even air circulation.
- Cook the salmon for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Check the salmon midway through cooking and brush with additional garlic butter if desired.
- Once cooked, carefully remove salmon from the air fryer and let rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Pat the salmon completely dry before cooking to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh garlic for the most robust flavor - pre-minced garlic from a jar won't provide the same punch.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space between fillets for even cooking and crispy edges.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature - 145°F is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked salmon.
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding lemon zest or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- If your salmon fillets are different thicknesses, adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
- Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
