Crispy Lemon Herb Salmon — Keto Air Fryer Salmon for Quick Weeknight Dinners

A Quick & Healthy Keto Salmon Recipe for Busy Nights

If you’re craving something light, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, this Crispy Lemon Herb Salmon is the answer.
Made in the air fryer, it’s perfectly golden on the outside and tender inside — with no mess, no oil splatter, and minimal prep.

This recipe is ideal for keto dieters, low-carb lifestyles, or anyone looking for a fast and healthy dinner that feels restaurant-quality. The zesty lemon and aromatic herbs pair beautifully with rich salmon for a meal that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).

Step 2: Prep the Salmon

Pat the fillets dry and brush with olive oil. This helps create that perfect crispy finish.

Step 3: Make the Herb Butter

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, paprika, and lemon zest.

Step 4: Season & Cook

Brush the mixture over the salmon and season with salt and pepper.
Air fry skin-side down for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness.

Step 5: Serve

Top with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve alongside steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Extra crispy tip: After air frying, broil for 1 minute for added golden texture.
• Flavor swaps: Try dill and lemon pepper instead of thyme and parsley.
• No air fryer? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes.
• Meal prep tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days — great for salads or wraps.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 2g
• Net Carbs: 2g

This dish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and packed with lean protein — a perfect combination for a healthy keto meal.

Crispy Lemon Herb Salmon — Keto Air Fryer Salmon for Quick Weeknight Dinners

This Crispy Lemon Herb Salmon is a quick and healthy keto-friendly meal made in the air fryer. With a buttery herb crust and zesty lemon flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast, easy, and absolutely delicious.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2 fillets

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 fillets salmon skin-on, about 6 oz each
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp paprika for color and flavor
• 1 tsp lemon zest plus lemon wedges for serving
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Small bowl
• Brush or spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with olive oil.
3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, paprika, and lemon zest.
4. Brush the mixture over the salmon fillets and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place salmon in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until golden and crisp on top.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges and a side of steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice.

Notes

For extra crispiness, finish with 1 minute of high-heat sear or broil in the oven. You can also substitute the herbs with Italian seasoning or fresh dill for variety.

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2

Crispy Bacon Omelette Wrap

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Danilo Souza

Hey there 👋 I’m Danilo — a food enthusiast passionate about low carb cooking and healthy living.
I believe that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs flavor, love, and real ingredients. 🍳
Here, I share easy, low carb recipes made for real life — simple, satisfying, and full of taste. Let’s make healthy food something you actually crave!