Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Total: 15 mins | Serves: 2–4
Best For: Healthy dinners, quick meals, meal prep, weeknights

Introduction

This easy air fryer garlic butter salmon delivers restaurant-quality flavour with almost no effort. The salmon cooks in minutes, turning perfectly tender and flaky while the garlic butter melts into every bite. It’s a wholesome, budget-friendly meal that pairs beautifully with rice, salad, or vegetables — perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious fast.

With simple pantry ingredients and minimal cleanup, this salmon recipe will quickly become a family favourite.

Gathering the Ingredients

You will need:

• 2–4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh for garnish)
  

Optional additions:

• Add honey for a sweet glaze

• Add chilli flakes for heat

• Swap butter for olive oil for a lighter finish

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer
   Set air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.

2. Prepare the garlic butter
   In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Season the salmon
   Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
   Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture on all sides.

4. Air fry the salmon
   Place salmon in the basket (skin-side down if using skin-on).
   Air fry for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness.
   Salmon should flake easily with a fork.

5. Serve
   Drizzle with remaining garlic butter and garnish with parsley.
   Serve with rice, salad, or vegetables.

Helpful Tips

• Pat salmon dry for better browning.

• Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness.

• Leave the skin on for extra moisture and easier handling.

• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.

• Leftovers are great for rice bowls, wraps, or salads.

Why This Recipe Works

• Ready in under 15 minutes

• Simple ingredients, big flavour

• Healthy and family-friendly

• Air fryer keeps salmon moist and tender

• Minimal cleanup

Explore More Quick & Easy Recipes

If you loved this recipe, try:

• Easy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

• Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Easy Family-Friendly Pasta Salad