Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon is a quick and healthy meal that’s bursting with flavor. The salmon is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, then topped with homemade pesto and Parmesan cheese for a crispy and delicious crust.
Ingredients
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 (including stems)
- 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 the canola oil and garlic cloves. Cook for 5 minutes, shaking the pan frequently to ensure even roasting. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil (including stems), pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and roasted garlic cloves. Pulse for 15 seconds. Add the olive oil, truffle oil, and lemon juice. Pulse for another 15 seconds until well combined. Transfer the pesto to a mason jar and refrigerate.
- 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.
- Top with Pesto and Parmesan: Remove the salmon from the air fryer. Spread 1 tablespoon of the prepared pesto on top of each salmon fillet and sprinkle generously 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 choice of sides, such as fresh vegetables and rice.
Notes
- Using basil stems in the pesto adds extra flavor.
- Adjust the cooking time for the salmon based on its thickness.
- The homemade pesto can be stored in an airtight container 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
