Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets Recipe

This Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon is a game-changer for weeknight dinners! Tender, flaky salmon fillets get a flavor upgrade with homemade aromatic pesto and a crispy Parmesan crust—all ready in just 25 minutes. The air fryer creates the perfect texture while sealing in all those incredible flavors, making this dish both impressive and effortlessly simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Effortless: From start to finish in just 25 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: The combination of homemade pesto and crispy Parmesan crust creates a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, while the fresh ingredients in the pesto add layers of flavor and additional nutrients.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different herbs or seasonings, and pairs wonderfully with various sides from simple veggies to hearty grains.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Salmon fillets: The star of the show, providing a rich, buttery texture and loads of protein. Try to select fillets of similar thickness for even cooking.
• Sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the salmon and balances the richness of the pesto.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the salmon without overpowering it.
• Parmesan cheese: Creates that irresistible golden, crispy crust. Freshly shredded works best for maximum flavor and meltability.
• Fresh basil: The foundation of any great pesto, providing bright, herbaceous notes that complement the salmon perfectly.
• Pine nuts: Adds a subtle nuttiness and creamy texture to the pesto.
• Garlic cloves: Roasting them first mellows their sharpness and brings out sweet, complex flavors.
• Olive oil: Binds the pesto together and adds fruity notes.
• Truffle oil: The secret ingredient that elevates this dish with its earthy, luxurious flavor.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the salmon and pesto.

Variations

Want to customize this dish? Here are some delicious options:

• Herb Swap: Replace basil with cilantro, parsley, or arugula for a completely different flavor profile.
• Nut Options: Substitute walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for the pine nuts.
• Cheese Alternatives: Try Romano or Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a bit of heat.
• Mediterranean Twist: Include sun-dried tomatoes and olives in your pesto for a Mediterranean flair.

How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add canola oil and whole garlic cloves, then cook for 5 minutes, gently shaking the skillet occasionally to ensure even roasting. The garlic should turn golden and aromatic.

Step 2: Make the Homemade Pesto

Combine basil, pine nuts, roasted garlic, grated Parmesan, sea salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse for about 15 seconds until roughly chopped. Add the olive oil, truffle oil, and lemon juice, then pulse for another 15 seconds until well combined but still slightly textured.

Step 3: Prepare and Cook the Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray. Season the salmon fillets evenly with sea salt and garlic powder, then place them in the air fryer. Cook for approximately 12 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Pesto and Parmesan

Once the salmon reaches nearly 145°F internal temperature, spread a tablespoon of your freshly made pesto over each fillet. Sprinkle generously with shredded Parmesan cheese, creating a flavorful crust. Return to the air fryer for 3 more minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute. Serve hot with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Even Thickness: Try to select salmon fillets of similar thickness for even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between the salmon fillets in the air fryer to ensure proper air circulation.
• Temperature Check: Salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F, but you can remove it at 140°F and let it rest to reach the final temperature—this prevents overcooking.
• Pesto Batch: Make extra pesto and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s fantastic on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
• Fresh is Best: Use the freshest ingredients possible, especially for the pesto, to maximize flavor.

How to Serve

This Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon pairs beautifully with so many sides:

Light and Fresh

Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or steamed asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil.

Hearty Options

Pair with fluffy jasmine rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.

Wine Pairing

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir complements the richness of the salmon and herbaceous notes of the pesto.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pesto can be refrigerated separately in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.

Freezing

The homemade pesto freezes beautifully! Pour into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer to freezer bags for easy portioning. Frozen pesto keeps for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat salmon gently in a 275°F oven until just warmed through (about 10-15 minutes). Microwaving is quicker but may dry out the salmon—if using this method, cover with a damp paper towel and heat on 50% power.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?
Absolutely! While homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor, a good-quality store-bought pesto works well in a pinch. Look for refrigerated options rather than shelf-stable varieties for better taste. You can always enhance store-bought pesto with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of good olive oil.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can bake this salmon in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, then add the pesto and cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning the cheese.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, but thaw them completely first for best results. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure they cook properly and develop a nice exterior. You might need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

Is there a substitute for truffle oil?
The truffle oil adds a wonderful earthy flavor, but if unavailable, you can simply use all olive oil. For depth, consider adding a teaspoon of miso paste or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the pesto instead.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special without any fuss. The combination of flaky salmon, vibrant homemade pesto, and crispy Parmesan creates a restaurant-worthy meal that’s actually simple to prepare. Give it a try—I’m confident it will become a regular in your dinner rotation!

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