Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. The salmon fillets are perfectly cooked in the air fryer, then topped with a vibrant homemade pesto and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delicious crispy crust.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 ounces salmon fillets
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the 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 grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup extra virgin 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. Add canola oil and garlic cloves. Cook for 5 minutes, shaking the skillet frequently to ensure even roasting. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Pesto: Combine basil, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and roasted garlic cloves in a food processor. Pulse for 15 seconds. Add olive oil, truffle oil, and lemon juice; pulse for another 15 seconds. Refrigerate the pesto in a mason jar.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Salmon: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Season the salmon fillets with sea salt and garlic powder. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Add Pesto and Parmesan: Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on top of each salmon fillet and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Finish Cooking: Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as fresh vegetables and rice.
Notes
- You can include the basil stems in the pesto for added flavor.
- Adjust the cooking time for the salmon based on its thickness.
- The homemade pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
