Discover the ultimate Air Fryer Salmon recipe, featuring a delectable lemon
garlic dill butter that cooks in a mere 10 minutes or less. This isn’t just
dinner; it’s a culinary triumph, perfect for any night of the week!

Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Garlic Dill Butter: A Weeknight Delight

Forget the notion that salmon is reserved solely for special occasions or
requires complex culinary techniques. Many food enthusiasts might suggest
intricate methods like cedar plank smoking or precise pan-frying. They might
even insist on specific cuts of salmon, making the process feel
overwhelming for the home cook. However, preparing perfectly cooked salmon
doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. In fact, with the
innovative power of your air fryer, you can achieve restaurant-quality
results with minimal fuss, making this luxurious dish a staple even on the
busiest weeknights. This recipe will guide you to flaky, flavorful salmon,
effortlessly elevated by a vibrant lemon garlic dill butter, all ready in
under 10 minutes.

Mastering Salmon in the Air Fryer: Expert Tips for Success

The air fryer transforms salmon cooking into a simple and quick process,
yielding perfectly cooked fish every time. Here are some essential tips to
ensure your air fryer salmon is nothing short of spectacular:

• Skin On or Off? Your Choice!

  For many traditional pan-frying methods, leaving the skin on salmon is
  recommended to protect the delicate flesh and often results in a crispy,
  delicious skin. However, when using an air fryer, this is entirely up to
  your preference. The air fryer cooks so evenly that the skin isn’t
  strictly necessary for moisture retention. If you enjoy crispy salmon
  skin, leave it on—it will turn wonderfully golden and crunchy. If you
  prefer to avoid the skin, simply remove it before seasoning. Either way,
  your salmon will be moist and flavorful.

• Achieving Perfect Doneness: No More Overcooked Salmon!

  One of the biggest pitfalls when cooking fish is overcooking, which can
  lead to dry, tough results. Salmon is perfectly done when its internal
  temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), or when it gently flakes apart with a
  fork or when lightly poked in the thickest part of the fillet with your
  finger. The flesh should transform from translucent to opaque, with a
  slight pinkish hue remaining in the center for a moist, medium-rare
  finish. It’s always better to err on the side of slightly undercooked
  (you can always cook it for another minute or two) than overcooked. This
  delicate balance ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Wild-Caught vs. Farm-Raised: What’s the Difference?

  The choice between wild-caught and farm-raised salmon often comes down
  to flavor, texture, and budget. Wild salmon, such as Sockeye or King,
  tends to have a deeper, richer color and a more intense, robust flavor
  due to its natural diet and active lifestyle. It often has a leaner
  texture. Farm-raised salmon, like Atlantic salmon, typically has a
  lighter color, a milder flavor, and a higher fat content, which can
  make it incredibly tender and moist. It’s also generally more
  affordable and widely available. Both types are excellent sources of
  omega-3 fatty acids and protein. For those not living near salmon-rich
  coastal regions, buying frozen salmon is a highly practical and
  cost-effective option. Modern flash-freezing techniques lock in freshness
  and nutrients, ensuring you get quality fish year-round.

• Expand Your Air Fryer Horizons with More Delicious Recipes:

  Once you’ve mastered this incredible air fryer salmon, you’ll be eager
  to explore other quick and healthy meals for your air fryer. Be sure to
  check out my recipe for
  Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
  for another succulent, speedy meal idea that fits perfectly into your
  busy schedule.

Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Garlic Dill Salmon

This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create
a symphony of flavors. (Find the full detailed recipe and measurements at
the bottom of this post.)

• Salmon Fillets: The star of our dish. Choose fresh or
  frozen (thawed) fillets, about 1-inch thick, for optimal cooking.
• Salt & Pepper: The fundamental seasonings to enhance
  the natural taste of the salmon.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon slices are placed under the salmon to
  infuse it with bright, citrusy notes as it cooks, and fresh lemon juice
  is crucial for the butter.
• Salted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for our
  flavorful compound butter. Room temperature butter is key for easy mixing.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds a pungent,
  aromatic depth that complements the salmon beautifully.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the
  butter, cutting through the richness and enhancing the dill.
• Dried Dill: This herb is a classic pairing with salmon,
  offering a delicate, slightly grassy, and sweet flavor profile. Fresh dill
  can also be used for an even more vibrant taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Dill Salmon

Preparing this delicious salmon dish is incredibly simple, requiring minimal
effort for maximum flavor. Follow these straightforward steps to create a
meal that will impress without the stress.

1. Prepare Your Air Fryer: Begin by lightly spraying the air
   fryer basket with a nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the salmon from
   sticking and ensures easy cleanup. Avoid aerosol sprays that can damage
   the nonstick coating; opt for an oil mister or pump spray bottle filled
   with your preferred cooking oil.
2. Craft the Lemon Garlic Dill Butter: In a small bowl,
   combine your softened, room-temperature salted butter with finely minced
   garlic cloves, a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and either fresh
   or freeze-dried dill. Season with a pinch of salt to taste. Mix
   everything together thoroughly until well combined. The butter should be
   smooth and spreadable. Set this aromatic compound butter aside, allowing
   the flavors to meld beautifully.

3. Season the Salmon: Gently pat your salmon fillets dry
   with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear
   and preventing steaming. Generously season both sides of each fillet with
   salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place thin slices of fresh
   lemon at the bottom of your air fryer basket. These lemon slices not only
   prevent the salmon from sticking but also infuse a wonderful citrus aroma
   and subtle flavor into the fish as it cooks. Carefully place the seasoned
   salmon fillets on top of the lemon slices, ensuring there’s enough space
   between them for proper air circulation. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook
   in batches if necessary.
5. Butter Application: Dollop a generous amount of your
   prepared lemon garlic dill butter onto the top of each salmon fillet. As
   the salmon cooks, this butter will melt, basting the fish and creating a
   deliciously rich and aromatic crust.

6. Air Fry to Perfection: Close the air fryer and set the
   temperature to 390°F (199°C). Air fry the salmon for 8-10 minutes,
   depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of
   doneness. Thinner fillets will cook faster, while thicker ones may require
   an extra minute or two. Begin checking for doneness around the 8-minute
   mark.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon
   from the air fryer. For an extra touch of indulgence and flavor, you can
   serve each fillet with another small dollop of the lemon garlic dill
   butter. This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted
   asparagus, a fresh mixed green salad, rice pilaf, or quinoa for a complete
   and nutritious meal.

Why Air Fryer Salmon Is Your New Favorite Way to Cook

The popularity of air fryers has soared, and for good reason—especially when
it comes to cooking fish. Air frying offers several advantages that make it
an ideal method for salmon:

• Speed: As demonstrated by this recipe, salmon cooks
  incredibly fast in an air fryer, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Even Cooking: The circulating hot air ensures that the
  salmon cooks evenly on all sides, resulting in a perfectly tender interior
  and a lightly crispy exterior without the need for flipping.
• Less Oil: Air frying typically requires less oil than
  traditional frying methods, making it a healthier alternative while still
  delivering satisfying texture and flavor.
• Easy Cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are nonstick and
  dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
• Consistent Results: Once you find the optimal temperature
  and time for your air fryer and desired salmon thickness, you can
  consistently achieve perfect results every time.

Customization and Variations

While the lemon garlic dill butter is a classic and irresistible combination,
feel free to experiment with other flavor profiles:

• Herb Swaps: Replace dill with fresh parsley, chives,
  thyme, or a blend of Mediterranean herbs.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the
  butter for a subtle heat.
• Asian Inspired: Drizzle salmon with soy sauce, ginger,
  and a touch of sesame oil before air frying.
• Maple Glaze: A sweet and savory maple-Dijon glaze can be
  brushed on during the last few minutes of cooking.

Storage and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover air fryer salmon, storing and reheating it
properly will help maintain its deliciousness:

• Storage: Allow the salmon to cool completely, then place
  it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon back in the air
  fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until just warmed through.
  Avoid high temperatures or prolonged reheating, as this can dry out the
  fish. A few drops of water or a light spray of oil can help keep it moist.
  Alternatively, gently reheat in a microwave on low power.

Craving More Air Fryer Recipes? Explore Our Collection!

The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance, capable of creating a wide
array of quick and delicious meals beyond just salmon. If you’re looking to
expand your air fryer repertoire, consider these other fantastic recipes:

• Air Fryer Cranberry Chicken Thighs
• Air Fryer Salmon Patties
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Homemade Fish Sticks
• Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
• Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Salmon

This Air Fryer Salmon is made with a delicious lemon garlic dill
butter and cooks in 10 minutes or less in the air fryer. A
delicious dinner recipe!

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Prep Time: 5 minutes
minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes
minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes
minutes

Servings: 2

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

For the salmon:

• nonstick cooking spray
• 2
  salmon fillets
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1
  large
  lemon, sliced

For the lemon garlic dill butter:

• 4
  Tablespoons
  salted butter, room temperature
• 2-3
  garlic cloves, minced
• 1
  teaspoon
  fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 2
  teaspoons
  dried dill

Instructions

1. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
2. Make the lemon garlic dill butter – combine room temperature
   salted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh or freeze
   dried dill and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Pat the salmon fillets with a paper towel. Season the fillets
   with salt and pepper.
4. Add the salmon fillets to your air fryer basket, placing the
   fillets on top of the lemon slices.
5. Add a dollop of lemon garlic dill butter to each fillet.
6. Air fry at 390F degrees for 10 minutes, depending on the
   thickness.
7. Optional: serve with another dollop of lemon garlic dill
   butter.

Notes

• The skin can stay on or off with this recipe. Traditionally if you
  are frying salmon in a pan, you would want to leave the skin on.
  However, with this recipe, it is not necessary if you do not enjoy
  the skin.
• Salmon is done when you gently poke it with your finger in the
  center of the filet and seeing it starts to gently flake into
  pieces. You would rather have your salmon medium rare than
  overcooked.
• The difference between wild caught salmon and farm-raised salmon
  is in flavor. Wild salmon has a darker color and a more intense
  flavor than farm-raised. Farm-raised is going to be more
  affordable. The most affordable option (if you don’t live near
  those salmon-producing states) is to buy it frozen

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 465kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 34g | Sodium: 278mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any
nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and
other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running
the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you
prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit
depending on which brands were used.

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