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Lemon-Garlic Air Fryer Salmon

This buttery lemon-garlic salmon is easy to throw together with a few simple ingredients. For best results, use center-cut fillets that are about 1-inch thick. Eight minutes cook time will produce salmon that is medium-well. Add 1 to 2 more minutes for well done, but take care not to overcook. Cook time may vary with different model air fryers.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine nordic
Servings 2 people
Calories 1591.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Pastry/Basting Brush
  • 1 Measuring Spoons
  • 1 Tongs (optional, for handling)

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 6 ounce fillets center-cut salmon fillets with skin
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried parsley
  • cooking spray
  • 3 thin slices lemon cut in half

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Combine melted butter and minced garlic in a small bowl.
  • Rinse salmon fillets and dry with a paper towel. Brush with butter mixture and sprinkle with lemon-pepper seasoning and parsley.
  • Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. Place salmon fillets in the basket, skin-side down, and top each with 3 lemon halves.
  • Cook in the preheated air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Achieving perfectly cooked salmon in an air fryer hinges on precise timing and temperature. Always pat your salmon fillets thoroughly dry; this helps seasonings adhere better and promotes a more even cook. While the recipe suggests skin-side down, a final brief sear in a hot pan (if desired) can yield wonderfully crisp skin, though be mindful of oil splatter. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. For optimal doneness, use an instant-read thermometer, targeting 145°F (63°C) internal temperature. Resting the salmon for 2 minutes post-cooking is crucial for retaining its moisture and tenderness. Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like chopped dill or parsley sprinkled just before serving. A touch of smoked paprika can add depth.