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This air fryer salmon with lemon garlic dill butter is a simple way to enjoy a delicious, nutritious dinner ready in about 15 minutes. The recipe transforms salmon into a tender, flavorful meal without the fuss of traditional cooking methods. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both healthy and impressive on the table.
I first tried this recipe when I was short on time but craving something fresh and tasty. Now it’s one of my goto weeknight dinners that never disappoints.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh or thawed frozen salmon for best texture and flavor
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the natural taste of the fish
- Large lemon: Sliced to add brightness and infused aroma during cooking
- Salted butter: Room temperature butter carries flavor and helps the garlic and dill meld beautifully
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic gives a punch of savory depth
- Fresh or dried dill: Dill brings a subtle herbal note that complements salmon perfectly
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh acidic balance to the butter mixture
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Make the lemon garlic dill butter by combining softened salted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir well until fully incorporated and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat dry each salmon fillet with a paper towel so the seasoning sticks well. Season both sides with salt and pepper to your taste for balanced flavor.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket:
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Place lemon slices in the basket as a bed for the salmon. Set the salmon fillets on top of the lemon slices, spacing them apart. Add a generous dollop of the prepared lemon garlic dill butter on each fillet to start infusing flavor right away.
- Air Fry the Salmon:
- Set your air fryer temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the salmon for about 10 minutes depending on the thickness. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a gentle poke in the center, ideally medium rare rather than overcooked.
- Serve:
- Carefully transfer the salmon to plates and add another small dollop of the lemon garlic dill butter if desired. This pairs wonderfully with asparagus or a fresh mixed green salad for a light and satisfying meal.
My personal favorite ingredient in this recipe is the lemon garlic dill butter. The fresh brightness of lemon combined with aromatic garlic and dill brings the salmon alive in a way that makes it feel special without extra effort. I remember the first time I served this to family after a hectic day and how everyone was surprised at how restaurantworthy it tasted at home.
Storage Tips
Leftover salmon keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out using a low air fryer setting or briefly in the microwave with a cover.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have fresh dill, freezedried dill or even parsley can work as a substitute. For garlic, garlic powder can be used but fresh minced is best for vibrant flavor. Unsalted butter can replace salted butter, just adjust adding more salt to the butter mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve salmon with roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. Quinoa, rice, or a simple mixed green salad all complement the flavors well.
This recipe proves you do not need complicated techniques to make a delicious salmon dinner. Give it a try and see how easy cooking salmon can be!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I leave the skin on the salmon?
Yes, leaving the skin on is traditional and helps retain moisture, but it can be removed if preferred.
- → How do I know when the salmon is done?
Check by gently poking the center; the salmon should flake slightly and feel tender without being overcooked.
- → What's the difference between wild caught and farm-raised salmon?
Wild salmon tends to have a richer flavor and darker color, while farm-raised is milder and more affordable.
- → Can this method be used with frozen salmon?
Frozen salmon can be used but may require slight adjustments in cooking time to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
- → What side dishes pair well with this salmon?
Asparagus, mixed green salad, or steamed vegetables complement the salmon's flavors nicely.