Discover the magic of seafood made delightfully easy with our Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets Recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish wraps you in the cozy embrace of homemade pesto and crispy Parmesan, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors. Ready to indulge yet?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
- Bursting with Flavor: Homemade pesto offers a fresh, vibrant taste you simply can’t get from a jar.
- Crispy and Creamy: The combination of Parmesan and salmon creates a delightful texture contrast.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with omega-3 and healthy fats, it’s both delicious and nourishing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about those fresh, lovely ingredients that each play a crucial role in jazzing up the salmon fillets. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before getting started.
- Salmon fillets: Look for wild-caught if possible; they’re usually a bit richer in flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts best and brings incredible umami to your dish.
- Fresh basil: Essential for that authentic, fragrant pesto aroma.
- Pine nuts: Adds a buttery flavor that complements the pesto perfectly.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! The Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets Recipe is wonderfully adaptable to suit your taste buds or the ingredients you have on hand.
- Cheese Swap: Try using Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different savory kick.
- Nut Alternatives: Swap pine nuts with walnuts or almonds for a unique pesto twist.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Skillet for Roasting Garlic
Set a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and prep your garlic. This will infuse the oil with savory goodness that elevates your pesto to the next level.
Step 2: Roast the Garlic
Add canola oil and whole garlic cloves to the skillet. Roast them for about five minutes, shaking occasionally, until they’re golden and aromatic. Trust me, the aroma alone will make you swoon!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets Recipe
- Ingredient Selection: Choose fresh, bright green basil for the most vibrant pesto.
- Perfect Parmesan: Shred your own Parmesan to avoid pre-packaged fillers and maximize flavor.
- Optimal Air Fryer Use: Ensure your fillets are spaced out in the air fryer basket to promote even cooking.
- Check Temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F for perfect doneness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets Recipe
Garnishes
Top each fillet with a light sprinkle of freshly diced basil and a lemon wedge on the side for an added burst of freshness and color that invites the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair your salmon with roasted asparagus or a vibrant arugula salad tossed with cherry tomatoes and a simple vinaigrette. These sides enhance the dish without overshadowing it.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider presenting your salmon fillets on individual wooden boards for that rustic charm, garnishing each plate with a drizzle of extra pesto around the edge for a restaurant-quality presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick next-day lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked salmon fillets. Just ensure they’re fully cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They last up to 3 months frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, let the salmon thaw in the fridge if frozen, then warm in an oven set to 300°F for about 10–12 minutes, maintaining the flavor without drying out the fillet.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! While homemade pesto provides unmatched freshness, a quality store-bought one works well in a pinch.
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What’s the best way to prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before placing the salmon fillets inside. This simple step works wonders!
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How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The best way is using a food thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 145°F, your salmon is perfectly done.
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Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator first for optimal texture and even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Give this Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets Recipe a try—it just might become your new favorite way to enjoy salmon. It’s easy, flavorful, and bound to impress! I’m excited to hear about your delicious success, so don’t forget to share your experience. Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets recipe combines the richness of salmon with a vibrant homemade pesto and crispy Parmesan crust, cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 ounces salmon fillets
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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.
- 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 sea salt and garlic powder. Place the fillets in the air fryer and cook for 12 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Add Pesto and Parmesan: Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto over each salmon fillet. Sprinkle generously with shredded Parmesan cheese. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with vegetables and rice.
Notes
- For perfect doneness, use a food thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches 145°F internally.
- You can substitute store-bought pesto for convenience, but homemade adds richer flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.
- Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
