Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe with Easy Lemon Dill Butter Sauce
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy salmon skin with a bright, buttery lemon dill butter sauce, ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), wild-caught if possible
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 60 g), softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or substitute fresh parsley for dill
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside at room temperature.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 8 minutes, then check for doneness. If needed, cook an additional 1-2 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Remove salmon from the air fryer and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Dollop the lemon dill butter on top while the fillets are hot so it melts. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pat salmon dry before cooking for crispy skin. Use softened butter for the lemon dill sauce. If salmon is thicker than 1 inch, add a couple of extra minutes cooking time. If the butter sauce is too tangy, whisk in a teaspoon of honey. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 o
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, lemon dill butter, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon, quick dinner, weeknight meal