Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly cooked salmon fillet with a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center, all achieved in just 25 minutes with minimal effort. This Air Fryer Salmon with Dill Butter Sauce is not just a meal, it's a culinary experience that transforms a simple fish dish into a restaurant-quality masterpiece right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy home cook or a seafood enthusiast, this recipe promises to revolutionize your dinner routine with its incredible flavor and foolproof cooking method.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 salmon fillets, 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of fresh dill (chopped), 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the salmon.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy texture when cooking.
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor of the fish.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping for even cooking.
- Cook the salmon fillets in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork.
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the dill butter sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Once the butter is melted, stir in the chopped fresh dill and lemon juice. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer for a minute to combine the flavors.
- After the salmon is done cooking, carefully remove it from the air fryer using a spatula.
- Plate the salmon fillets and drizzle the dill butter sauce generously over the top.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional dill or lemon slices if desired. Enjoy your delicious air fryer salmon with dill butter sauce!
Tips
- Always pat your salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - give each fillet enough space for even air circulation.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect doneness.
- Fresh dill makes a huge difference in the butter sauce, so try to use fresh herbs if possible.
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the salmon before cooking.
- Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.
- If your fillets are different thicknesses, adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
