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Air Fryer Salmon in Foil Packets

Salmon sealed in foil with lemon, garlic, and butter so it steams tender in the air fryer, with no basket to clean.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 2 packets
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 330
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets salmon 6 oz each, about 3/4 inch thick
  • 2 tbsp butter softened
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 lemon half sliced, half juiced
  • 2 tsp chopped dill or parsley
  • kosher salt and black pepper

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Aluminium foil

Method
 

  1. Set each fillet on a square of foil. Top with butter, garlic, dill, salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, and two lemon slices.
  2. Fold the foil into a snug sealed packet with a little headroom.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Cook the packets 10 to 12 minutes.
  4. Open carefully — steam is hot — and confirm the salmon flakes. Reseal for 1 to 2 minutes if needed.

Notes

Seal snugly: the trapped steam is what cooks the fish evenly.
No crisp edges here — this method is for moist, delicate salmon. Open the foil for the last 2 minutes if you want colour.
Thin fillets only: 3/4 inch cooks through cleanly.