Enjoy perfectly tender and flaky salmon with this Air Fryer Keto Garlic Butter Salmon recipe. Bursting with rich garlic butter flavor, it’s a quick, low-carb, and healthy dinner that’s ready in minutes.

Plate of Air Fryer Keto Garlic Butter Salmon.
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Indulge in a restaurant-quality dinner at home with this Air Fryer Keto Garlic Butter Salmon recipe. Succulent salmon fillets are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, giving you a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky.

Quick, healthy, and low-carb, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you crave a flavorful seafood dish without the hassle. With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, it’s a keto-friendly favorite the whole family will love.

This is the air fryer that I used in this recipe; it is one of my favorites.

Air fryer garlic butter salmon fillets, golden and flaky, served on a plate.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Keto-friendly – Low-carb and packed with healthy fats from butter and salmon.
  • Restaurant-quality at home – Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside.
  • Rich garlic flavor – Garlic butter sauce infuses every bite with savory goodness.
  • Versatile and satisfying – Pairs well with salads, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Air Fryer Keto Garlic Butter Salmon Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Keto Garlic Butter Salmon on kitchen table.
  • Salmon fillet – Perfect for air frying.
  • Butter – Adds rich flavor and helps keep salmon moist.
  • Parmesan cheese – Sharp, savory cheese for a cheesy golden topping.
  • Garlic– Pungent, aromatic garlic to enhance savory butter sauce.
  • Parsley – Fresh herbs to add color and bright flavor.
  • Salt – Essential seasoning to enhance and balance overall flavors.
  • Black pepper, or to taste – Mild spice to complement salmon and garlic butter.

How To Make Air Fryer Keto Garlic Butter Salmon

Skinless salmon fillet seasoned with salt and black pepper, ready for cooking.

Step One: Remove the skin from the salmon fillet and pat it dry. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Small bowl with melted butter, Parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped parsley mixed together.

Step Two: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Stir until well blended. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon, making sure it’s fully coated.

Step Three: Place the salmon in the air fryer basket or on the tray. Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F and set cook time for 5 minutes. Open the air fryer and check the salmon. It should be flaky and cooked through. If needed, cook for an additional 2 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Plated garlic butter salmon ready to enjoy, topped with extra sauce.

Air Fryer Keto Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon cooks quickly in the air fryer; check at 5 minutes and add extra time in small increments if needed.
  • Pat salmon dry: Removing excess moisture helps achieve a better sear and prevents the garlic butter from sliding off.
  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley make a big difference in flavor compared to dried or pre-minced options.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the garlic butter mixture before coating to ensure perfect seasoning.
  • Optional toppings: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon over the cooked salmon for added flavor.
  • Air fryer variations: If using thicker fillets, reduce temperature slightly or extend cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Storing And Reheating Instructions

  • Storing: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and flavor.
  • Freezing: Place cooked salmon in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and flaky. Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals to prevent drying out the salmon.
Make Air Fryer Keto Garlic Butter Salmon at home! Tender, flaky salmon fillets coated in rich garlic butter make a quick, low-carb, and healthy dinner.

Air Fryer Keto Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe? Yes, but thaw the salmon completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture in the air fryer.

Can I use skin-on salmon fillets? Yes, you can leave the skin on if you prefer; it will help keep the salmon moist and add extra flavor.

Can I bake this salmon in the oven instead of the air fryer? Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, but make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to maintain even cooking and crispiness.

What can I serve with garlic butter salmon? This salmon pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, cauliflower rice, or keto-friendly sides for a complete low-carb meal.

How do I prevent the garlic butter from burning? Use unsalted butter and check the salmon halfway through cooking. If necessary, cover loosely with foil for the last minute to prevent over-browning.

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Air Fryer Keto Garlic Butter Salmon

Air Fryer Keto Garlic Butter Salmon

4 from 4 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Make Air Fryer Keto Garlic Butter Salmon at home! Tender, flaky salmon fillets coated in rich garlic butter make a quick, low-carb, and healthy dinner.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound salmon fillet
  • 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted, melted
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

  • Start by removing the skin from the 1 pound salmon fillet
  • Then season the salmon with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  • In a small mixing bowl, mix the melted 4 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, minced 2 tablespoons garlic and 2 tablespoons parsley. Mix well.
  • Pour the melted butter/cheese/garlic and parsley over the salmon, coating it well.
  • Place the salmon in your air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray.
  • Set the tray or basket in the air fryer, and set the temperature to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, check on the salmon. It’s really easy to overcook salmon, so as soon as it is flaky, remove it. I added another 2 minutes.
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Parchment Paper, optional
  • Cooking Spray

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 294kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 823mgPotassium: 599mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 616IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 1mg

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