Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Featuring rich, flaky salmon fillets coated in aromatic pesto and golden Parmesan crust, this dish brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your table. Paired with fresh vegetables or rice, it’s a simple yet sophisticated meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Salmon
- 4 ounces salmon fillets
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup Parmesan, shredded
Homemade Pesto
- 6 cloves garlic, whole
- 2 tablespoons canola oil (for roasting garlic)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1/3 cup Parmesan, grated
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons black truffle oil (or black truffle-flavored olive oil)
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat the Skillet for Roasting Garlic
Set a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat up while you prepare the garlic. - Roast the Garlic
Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil to the skillet. Place the garlic cloves into the skillet and roast for 5 minutes, shaking the skillet occasionally to ensure even roasting. Once done, remove from heat and set aside. - Prepare the Pesto
Combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, sea salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse for about 15 seconds to mix. Next, add the olive oil, truffle oil, and lemon juice, pulsing again for 15 seconds. Transfer the pesto into a mason jar, and refrigerate until ready to use. This recipe will yield about 8 ounces of pesto. - Note: You can use the stems of the basil as they are flavorful, and the roasted garlic cloves will break down easily in the food processor without needing to be chopped.
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. - Season the Salmon
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Season the salmon fillets with the sea salt and garlic powder. Place the fillets in the air fryer and cook for 12 minutes, adjusting the cook time based on the thickness of the fish. The salmon is done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F. - Add Pesto and Parmesan
Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto over each salmon fillet. Sprinkle generously with shredded Parmesan cheese. Place the fillets back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. - Serve
Remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh vegetables and rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For perfect doneness, use a food thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches 145°F internally.
- You can substitute store-bought pesto if you’re short on time, but homemade pesto adds a more vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a simple side salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
