Air Fryer Salmon is a quick, healthy dinner seasoned with garlic, basil, dill, and lemon. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 15 minutes to cook in the air fryer, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and delicious on the table fast.
Healthy AND Delicious!
Air fryer salmon is a simple way to enjoy this flavorful, nutrient-dense fish with minimal fuss. The air fryer delivers tender, flaky fillets with a lightly caramelized surface while keeping the inside moist. With a bright lemon-garlic butter and a fresh herb seasoning of dill and basil, this recipe is both quick and crowd-pleasing.
Prep takes only a few minutes, and the straightforward cooking method means you won’t need pans or a lot of cleanup—perfect for weeknights or anytime you want a fast, satisfying meal.
Rebecca’s Recipe Review
Taste: Bright lemon with a garlic-herb finish.
Texture: Tender, flaky, and juicy when cooked to doneness.
Ease: Simple – great for cooks of any level.
Pros: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and protein, making this an excellent choice when you want a healthy dinner.
Cons: None for most home cooks.
Would I Make This Again? Yes!
Ingredients For Lemon Garlic Salmon
This recipe uses melted salted butter and fresh lemon juice to coat the fillets, then a simple herb and spice blend (garlic powder, seasoning salt, coarse black pepper, fresh dill, and fresh basil) to add flavor. The butter and lemon keep the salmon moist while the herbs add brightness.
A quick air-fried asparagus makes an excellent side: toss asparagus with olive oil and coarse salt and air fry at 400°F for about 7 minutes. Pairing them makes a complete, healthy meal cooked almost entirely in the air fryer.
How To Make Salmon In An Air Fryer
- Melt the butter in a small bowl and stir in the lemon juice until combined.
- Brush the butter-lemon mixture over all surfaces of the fillets using a pastry brush.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil.
- In a bowl, mix garlic powder, seasoning salt, cracked black pepper, fresh dill, and fresh basil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the flesh side of the fillets.
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer with the skin side down, being careful not to crowd them so air can circulate.
- Cook at 350°F for about 8 minutes, then check doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily but remain moist. If needed, continue cooking in 1–2 minute increments until done.
Rebecca’s Tips
- If you prefer a different fish, options like pollock, cod, halibut, Arctic char, or trout can work well with this same seasoning.
- Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder — roughly one small clove minced will do. Use fresh herbs when possible for more vibrant flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice is recommended. Warm a lemon for 10 seconds in the microwave and roll it on the counter to loosen juice before squeezing.
- Frozen fillets are fine if fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning to ensure even cooking and good texture.
More easy and delicious Air Fryer Recipes to try
- Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp – A crunchy, spicy breading with a zesty dipping sauce.
- Tender Air Fryer Steak (Filet Mignon) – Juicy steak that cooks quickly in the air fryer.
- Moist Air Fryer Chocolate Cake – A dense, chocolaty cake that pairs well with chocolate ganache.
- Easy Air Fryer Pizzas – Made with refrigerated biscuits and your favorite toppings for a quick treat.
- Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken – A spicy, crispy fried-style chicken made healthier in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
- 4 (6 oz.) salmon fillets, skin-on
Instructions
- Prepare the air fryer basket by spraying it lightly with non-stick spray or brushing with oil.
- Melt the butter in a small bowl or measuring cup, then stir in the lemon juice until smooth.
- Brush the butter-lemon mixture over all surfaces of the salmon fillets.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, seasoning salt, cracked black pepper, dill, and basil. Sprinkle this mixture over the flesh side of each fillet.
- Place fillets in the air fryer skin side down, making sure there is space between pieces for proper air circulation.
- Cook at 350°F for about 8 minutes. Check with a fork in the thickest part—the fish should flake easily and remain slightly moist. If it needs more time, cook in 1–2 minute increments until done. Air fryer models vary, so adjust as needed.
Notes
- Skin-on fillets help protect the flesh from direct heat and retain moisture; the skin also contains beneficial omega-3 fats.
- If using frozen fillets, thaw fully, remove excess moisture, and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
- For a quick side, toss asparagus with olive oil and coarse salt and air fry at 400°F for about 7 minutes while the salmon rests.
- Storage: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze tightly for up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Substitutes for salmon: Try pollock, cod, halibut, Arctic char, ocean trout, or mackerel with this same method.
- Fresh garlic substitution: Use one small clove of minced garlic in place of the garlic powder if you prefer fresh flavor.
- How much lemon juice: One average lemon yields about 3 tablespoons of juice. Warming and rolling the lemon before juicing helps extract more juice.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 1 g |
Protein: 1 g |
Fat: 11 g |
Saturated Fat: 7 g |
Cholesterol: 31 mg |
Sodium: 682 mg
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