If you’re looking for a fast, foolproof way to put an elegant salmon dinner on the table, Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is about to become your go-to. Perfectly cooked, juicy salmon fillets are finished with a silky, garlicky lemon butter sauce that makes every bite sing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy & Effortless: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is weeknight magic at its best.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The luscious garlic lemon butter sauce elevates tender salmon to something you’d expect from your favorite bistro.
- Easy Ingredients, Big Results: You only need a handful of everyday staples, but the flavor payoff is nothing short of spectacular.
- No Mess, No Guesswork: The air fryer guarantees evenly cooked, succulent fish—no sticking, no flipping, and virtually no cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I absolutely love that every ingredient in this dish has a purpose—the richness of the salmon, the brightness of the lemon, the aroma of butter and garlic. Simple as they are, they each play a starring role in making your Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce shine!
- Salmon fillets: Opt for center-cut fillets for the juiciest, most even cooking—skinless or skin-on both work beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Just a dash brings out and balances the delicate flavor of the fish.
- Butter: This forms the luxurious base of your sauce, giving the dish a rich, silky finish.
- Fresh garlic (minced): Adds irresistible aroma and depth that takes your sauce over the top.
- Vegetable stock: A little splash ensures your sauce has lovely body and savory undertones.
- Lemon juice: The acidity brightens up every bite and keeps things tasting fresh and light.
Variations
The beauty of Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is that it’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you want to play with flavor, swap out ingredients, or accommodate dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to get creative while still enjoying a standout meal.
- Herb it Up: Sprinkle fresh dill, parsley, or thyme into the sauce or over the salmon for an herbal twist that pairs perfectly with fish.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the butter sauce for gentle heat.
- Citrus Swap: Try using lime juice or even a splash of orange juice for a slightly different (but equally delicious) citrus flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute your favorite vegan buttery spread and use vegetable or chicken stock for the sauce so everyone can dig in!
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Step 1: Season and Arrange the Salmon
Lightly season your salmon fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then nestle them into your air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not touching—giving each fillet a little space ensures they’ll cook up beautifully crisp and caramelized around the edges.
Step 2: Air Fry to Juicy Perfection
Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F), and cook for 15 minutes. Check towards the end—the salmon should flake easily with a fork and look tender and opaque. Thicker pieces may need a minute or two extra, but don’t overcook—juicy is the name of the game here!
Step 3: Craft the Dreamy Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
While your salmon is sizzling, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook until wonderfully fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the lemon juice and vegetable stock, then let the sauce simmer and reduce by half—it will become slightly thickened and intensely flavorful.
Step 4: Plate and Pour
Gently lift your salmon onto plates. Pour the shimmering garlic lemon butter sauce right over the top, letting it pool around the fillets for an ultra-luscious finish. Get ready for that jaw-dropping first bite!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- Size Matters: Cut all salmon fillets to roughly the same thickness for even cooking—air fryer baskets love consistency!
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Leave space between fillets so hot air can surround each one and give you that perfect caramelized edge.
- Saucy Secrets: Let the butter sauce reduce until glossy and aromatic for maximum flavor—don’t rush this step!
- No Preheat Needed: Toss the salmon in the air fryer straight away; this recipe is designed for convenience and perfect results without preheating.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Garnishes
Add a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and brightness. Thinly sliced lemons or a few capers scattered over the top also make your Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce feel extra special (and totally restaurant-worthy).
Side Dishes
This salmon begs to be paired with something that’ll soak up that luscious sauce—think fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a soft baguette. For greens, crisp roasted asparagus or a mixed leafy salad balance out the rich flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party look, serve each salmon fillet atop a bed of lemony risotto or charred broccolini, and drizzle plenty of extra garlic lemon butter sauce all around. Or for a weeknight shortcut, tuck slices into warm pita with greens and sauce for a craveable salmon sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate, if possible, to help the salmon stay moist and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon fillets tightly wrapped in plastic or foil, then placed in a zip-top freezer bag, for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze the sauce separately in a small container. Thaw both overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat salmon gently in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature just until warmed through to keep it tender. Warm the sauce in a small pan on the stovetop, stirring to re-emulsify before pouring over the fish.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen salmon fillets in this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before seasoning and air frying, as this ensures the fish cooks evenly and gets that beautiful, caramelized surface.
-
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce contains no gluten-containing ingredients, making it naturally gluten-free (just double-check your vegetable stock for hidden gluten if you need to be certain).
-
Can I use another fish besides salmon?
Definitely! This same method and sauce work beautifully with trout, cod, or halibut—just keep in mind that thinner or thicker fish fillets may need a slight adjustment to cook time.
-
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can absolutely bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes instead. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same—your Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce will shine no matter how you cook your fish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to air frying or just need a delicious way to make salmon irresistible, you’ll love how Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce becomes a weeknight hero. Give it a try the next time you want something easy, elegant, and absolutely satisfying—you’ll be amazed at how big the flavors are for such little effort!
Print
Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and simple Air Fryer Salmon recipe with a flavorful garlic lemon butter sauce. Perfectly cooked salmon fillets that are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 3 x 4oz (3 x 115g) salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Season Salmon: Place the salmon in the air fryer basket and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook Salmon: Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 15 minutes. Check for doneness with a fork or knife. Cook longer if needed.
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, add garlic, cook until fragrant. Add lemon juice, vegetable stock, simmer until reduced. Pour over salmon.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd your Air Fryer. Make sure the pieces of salmon are not touching each other.
- You don’t need to preheat the Air Fryer. Just pop the salmon in the Air Fryer basket, set the timer and temperature, and start.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
