If you’re after a fast, flavour-packed keto meal, these Air Fryer Salmon Fillets with Lemon Herb Butter are a must-try. Air frying delivers perfectly cooked salmon every time—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside—without the fuss or mess of pan-frying. This method locks in moisture and intensifies the natural richness of salmon, making it ideal for a low-carb, high-protein diet.
Salmon is a keto superstar, loaded with healthy fats and omega-3s, so it keeps you full and energised. The lemon herb butter adds a fresh, zesty lift and melts beautifully over the hot fillets, infusing every bite with aromatic flavour. You’ll need just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
Simply season the salmon, air fry for 8–10 minutes, and finish with a generous dollop of homemade lemon herb butter. Serve with your favourite keto sides for a restaurant-quality meal at home—perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend treat.
At a glance
- Time: 18 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 2
- Cost: Expensive
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Energy: 320 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 x 150g Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 30g Butter (softened)
- 1/2 tsp Lemon zest (finely grated)
- 1 tsp Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 small clove Garlic (crushed)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
- Tongs
- Zester or grater
- Knife
Steps
- Pat salmon fillets dry with kitchen paper. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
- Season fillets evenly with sea salt and black pepper.
- Preheat air fryer to 200°C for 2 minutes.
- Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on. Ensure they are not touching.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Meanwhile, mix softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and crushed garlic in a small bowl until well combined.
- Once cooked, transfer salmon to plates and immediately top each fillet with a generous spoonful of lemon herb butter.
- Let the butter melt over the hot salmon for 1 minute before serving.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: fish, dairy
Potential swaps:
- Butter → Dairy-free spread — Use a coconut oil-based spread for dairy-free.
- Salmon fillets → Trout fillets — Trout works well if salmon is unavailable.
- Parsley → Dill — Dill gives a classic pairing with salmon.
Serving Ideas
- Sautéed green beans – adds crunch and colour.
- Cauliflower mash – creamy and low-carb, perfect for soaking up butter.
- Crisp mixed salad – keeps the meal light and refreshing.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Bring salmon to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for even results.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
- For extra flavour, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning.
Variations
- Swap parsley for dill or chives for a different herb profile.
- Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the butter for a spicy kick.
- Top with toasted almond flakes for extra crunch.
Troubleshooting
- If salmon is dry, reduce air fryer time by 1–2 minutes next batch.
- If skin sticks, use a piece of baking paper or lightly oil the basket.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge. Add fresh butter when reheating.
- Fridge: up to 2 days
- Freezer: up to 1 months
- Reheat: Reheat gently in the air fryer at 160°C for 3–4 minutes or microwave on low until just warmed through.
Ingredient Spotlight
Salmon fillets: Rich in omega-3s and protein, salmon is ideal for keto and cooks quickly in the air fryer.
Lemon: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the fish and butter.
Butter: Provides healthy fats and carries the fresh herb and citrus flavours.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, but thaw them fully and pat dry before air frying for best texture.
How do I know when salmon is cooked?
The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temp should reach 63°C.
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 200°C for 12–15 minutes or pan-fry over medium-high heat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, cooked salmon keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add butter just before serving.
What sides go well with air fryer salmon?
Try sautéed green beans, cauliflower mash, or a crisp salad for a balanced keto meal.
Air Fryer Salmon Fillets with Lemon Herb Butter – Quick & Juicy
Ingredients
- 2 x 150g Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 30g Butter (softened)
- 1/2 tsp Lemon zest (finely grated)
- 1 tsp Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 small clove Garlic (crushed)
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with kitchen paper. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
- Season fillets evenly with sea salt and black pepper.
- Preheat air fryer to 200°C for 2 minutes.
- Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on. Ensure they are not touching.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Meanwhile, mix softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and crushed garlic in a small bowl until well combined.
- Once cooked, transfer salmon to plates and immediately top each fillet with a generous spoonful of lemon herb butter.
- Let the butter melt over the hot salmon for 1 minute before serving.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: fish, dairy
- Butter → Dairy-free spread — Use a coconut oil-based spread for dairy-free.
- Salmon fillets → Trout fillets — Trout works well if salmon is unavailable.
- Parsley → Dill — Dill gives a classic pairing with salmon.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Energy: 320 kcal
