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If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed seafood recipe, air fryer parmesan pesto salmon is a perfect choice. This dish brings together tender salmon fillets with bold homemade pesto and a crisp, cheesy topping. Using the air fryer keeps things simple and fast, and the result is beautifully cooked salmon with a golden parmesan crust. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this easy yet elevated recipe delivers great taste with minimal effort.
Air fryer parmesan pesto salmon is a fast and flavorful dish with crisp edges and a vibrant basil pesto and cheese topping. It’s quick, easy and full of fresh flavor.
You might also enjoy chicken caprese, Mediterranean cod, Instant Pot leftover turkey casserole and baked salmon with Greek salsa.
Why You’ll Love It
Fast cooking: Ready in minutes with the help of your air fryer.
Bold flavor: Homemade pesto and parmesan add a rich, herby punch.
Crispy texture: Parmesan crisps up beautifully for a golden finish.
Healthy option: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients.
Versatile pairing: Great with rice, salad or roasted veggies.
Pesto and Parmesan Salmon Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Salmon filets: Tender and flaky, ideal for quick air frying.
Spices: Sea salt and garlic powder lightly season the fish.
Parmesan: Shredded for a crisp, savory topping and also grated into the pesto for extra cheesy flavor.
Garlic: Roasted for mellow depth in the pesto.
Canola oil: Used to roast the garlic. You can use another kind of oil if you prefer.
Fresh basil: Forms the base of the pesto for fresh, herbal flavor.
Pine nuts: Add nutty richness to the pesto.
Oils: Olive oil and black truffle oil enrich the pesto.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to finish the pesto.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Salmon
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Roast the garlic: Sauté garlic cloves in canola oil until golden and soft.
Make the pesto: Blend all pesto ingredients until smooth and refrigerate.
Season the salmon: Sprinkle the fish with sea salt and garlic powder.
Air fry the salmon: Cook seasoned filets in the air fryer until done.
Top and finish: Add pesto and parmesan to each salmon filet and air fry again briefly.
Serve: Plate with rice, veggies or salad and enjoy warm.
Substitutions and Variations
Nut-free pesto: Use sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely.
Different herbs: Try parsley or cilantro instead of basil. Arugula would also be good (this arugula pesto pasta recipe is really tasty!)
Cheese swap: Switch to asiago or pecorino for a sharper topping.
Serving Suggestions
Side dishes: Team your salmon filets with a fresh tomato salad, polenta fries, smoked asparagus, smashed potato salad, or creamy corn.
Wine pairing: Something dry or off-dry and white would be a good fit, perhaps Pinot Grigio or a Sancerre.
How to Store Air Fryer Salmon Filets with Parmesan and Pesto
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: You can warm it back up in a pan on the stove, adding a little butter or oil first.
Top Tips
Watch the thickness: Adjust cook time based on salmon filet size.
Use quality parmesan: Real parmesan gives the best texture and flavor.
Don’t skip the preheat: A hot air fryer gives crisp, even results.
Pulse the pesto: Avoid over-blending for better texture.
Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Filet FAQs
Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, and takes its name from pestare, meaning to pound or crush. The original sauce was made with garlic, pine nuts, cheese, and salt, crushed by hand. While the term “pesto” can apply to various pounded sauces in Italy, green pesto (pesto Genovese) is the most famous. A similar Roman sauce existed earlier, but basil wasn’t a key ingredient until the 1800s.
Absolutely, and it keeps well in the fridge for a few days.
No, but it adds extra richness and a gourmet twist.
Yes! Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a baking sheet with the salmon in the oven, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden brown. The internal temperature of each filet needs to be 145°F. Cook times always vary based on the thickness of the salmon.
Easy Salmon Pesto Air Fryer Recipe
Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Ounces salmon filets
- 1/2 Teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- nonstick cooking spray
For the Pesto
- 6 Cloves garlic, whole
- 2 Tablespoons canola oil
- 1 1/2 Cup basil, fresh
- 3 Tablespoons pine nuts
- 1/3 Cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 Teaspoon sea salt
- 1 Teaspoon black pepper, ground
- 1/3 Cup olive oil
- 2 Teaspoons black truffle oil, or black truffle flavored olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
Roast the Garlic
- Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat on the stove.
- Roast the garlic. Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil to the skillet then add garlic cloves and cook for 5 minutes, shaking the skillet often to toss the cloves so they evenly roast. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Pesto
- Combine all pesto ingredients except the olive oil, truffle oil and lemon in a food processor. Pulse for 15 seconds. For this step, it's fine to include the stems of the basil as they provide a lot of flavor. I also put whole roasted garlic cloves into the food processor without cutting them because they will be softened and easily broken up.
- Add the olive oil, truffle oil, and lemon juice and pulse for 15 seconds. Add contents into a mason jar and refrigerate. This recipe will make 8 ounces of pesto.
Air Fry the Salmon Filets
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes
- Lightly spray the air fryer with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly season the salmon fillets with sea salt and garlic powder. Add salmon filets to the air fryer. Cook for 12 minutes. You don't need to flip the fish at any point during cooking.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto over each of the salmon filets and sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese. Place back into the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes. As cook times always vary due to thickness of the salmon, it's done when the internal temperature is 145°F.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from heat and serve with fresh veggies and rice or your preferred side dishes.
Notes
Use quality parmesan: Real parmesan gives the best texture and flavor.
Don’t skip the preheat: A hot air fryer gives crisp, even results.
Pulse the pesto: Avoid over-blending for better texture.
Nutrition
Air fryer parmesan pesto salmon is a fast, flavorful meal that looks and tastes impressive. From the herby pesto to the golden parmesan topping, every bite offers contrast and bold flavor. Whether you’re serving this with veggies, salad or grains, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. With fresh ingredients, easy prep and tasty results, this Italian salmon recipe is a dish you’ll return to often.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
I tried the parmesan pesto salmon in the air fryer and it turned out perfect. Crispy edges, juicy inside, and that pesto is everything.
We’re big salmon fans at home. I have to try this one!! It looks so good.