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
Units
Scale
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
