Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter: Juicy, Crisp & Ready in 10 Minutes

Nothing beats a dinner that’s quick, healthy, and totally delicious—and that’s exactly what this Ninja Foodi air fryer salmon with garlic butter delivers. Whether it’s a Tuesday night or you’re impressing guests with minimal effort, this recipe hits the mark. The air fryer crisps up the edges while keeping the salmon buttery and tender. It’s become one of my go-to meals when I want something fresh and flavorful without standing over the stove.

💡 Morgan Tip: I always keep frozen salmon fillets on hand. Just thaw, season, and air fry—you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this Ninja Foodi air fryer salmon with garlic butter:

• Quick & easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with almost no prep
• Healthy & satisfying – Rich in protein and omega-3s
• Garlicky and buttery – But not greasy or heavy
• Minimal cleanup – The air fryer does all the work
• Perfect texture – Crisp on the outside, juicy inside

💡 Morgan Tip: Want to skip the fishy smell in your kitchen? Air frying keeps it contained—and the lemon garlic butter helps mellow the scent naturally.

air fryer salmon with garlic butter Ingredient

You’ll only need a handful of ingredients for this savory Ninja Foodi air fryer salmon with garlic butter:

• 2 salmon fillets (4–6 oz each, skin-on or off)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice and zest of ½ lemon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Fresh chopped parsley or dill for garnish

💡 Morgan Tip: Always pat your salmon dry before seasoning—it helps it crisp up in the air fryer and lets the garlic butter really soak in.

Step-by-Step Instruction

Step 1 – Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 3 minutes.

Step 2 – Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in garlic, lemon zest, juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 3 – Prep the Salmon
Pat salmon dry and brush both sides with half the garlic butter mixture.

Step 4 – Cook in Air Fryer
Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily.

Step 5 – Finish & Serve
Remove and drizzle remaining garlic butter over top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

💡 Morgan Tip: Use a meat thermometer for perfect results—aim for 125–130°F in the thickest part for moist, tender salmon.

My Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter Tips

• Use skin-on fillets – They hold together better in the air fryer
• Check early – Every air fryer cooks a little differently
• Don’t overcrowd – Give salmon space for airflow and even cooking
• Add zest to your butter – Lemon zest intensifies the flavor more than juice alone

💡 Morgan Tip: Double the garlic butter and save the rest—it’s magic over veggies, rice, or even air fryer chicken breasts.

Serving Ideas

Ninja Foodi Air fryer salmon with garlic butter is incredibly versatile. Serve it:

• Over garlic mashed potatoes with steamed broccoli
• With quinoa and roasted Brussels sprouts
• Flaked onto a salad with baby spinach, cucumber, and feta
• Tucked into a grain bowl with avocado and roasted sweet potato
• Alongside asparagus and lemon rice for a light but satisfying dinner

Morgan Tip: If you’re meal prepping, this salmon keeps beautifully. Just store in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.

Want more? Check out our air fryer recipes for one person collection—another fast, flavorful option.

Recipe Help & FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw it first for even cooking and best flavor. Pat it dry before seasoning.

Do I need to flip the salmon in the air fryer?
Nope! Leave it skin-side down for even heat distribution and easy cleanup.

How do I know when it’s done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and look opaque. A thermometer should read 125–130°F in the thickest part.

Can I use this garlic butter on other fish?
Absolutely! It works great on cod, tilapia, or shrimp too.

💡 Morgan Tip: For a slightly crisped garlic topping, spoon a little of the garlic butter over the fish halfway through cooking—it caramelizes slightly and tastes amazing.

Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter

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Description:

This air fryer salmon with garlic butter is crispy on the outside and flaky inside. It’s a quick and healthy dinner made in 15 minutes.

• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients:

2 salmon fillets (4–6 oz each)

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ lemon, juiced and zested

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Instructions

Instructions:

Step 1 – Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 2 – Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt butter and mix in garlic, lemon zest, juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 3 – Prep the Salmon: Pat salmon dry and brush with half the garlic butter.

Step 4 – Cook in Air Fryer: Place fillets skin-side down in air fryer basket. Cook for 7–9 minutes.

Step 5 – Finish & Serve: Remove and drizzle with remaining butter. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

Notes:

Thaw frozen salmon before cooking.

Use a thermometer to ensure perfect doneness (125–130°F).

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Author: Riley Morgan
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Main
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: air fryer salmon with garlic butter, easy salmon dinner, garlic butter fish

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