Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Salmon
This air fryer salmon recipe pairs rich pesto with crisp parmesan for a bold, satisfying meal. The air fryer makes it easy, while the fresh pesto keeps it vibrant. It’s quick enough for weeknights and fancy enough for guests.
Servings: 4
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
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.
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
Calories: 513kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 1266mg | Potassium: 342mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 763IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 438mg | Iron: 2mg
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