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Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Salmon Recipe

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4 from 78 reviews

This Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Salmon recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender salmon filets topped with a homemade basil pesto and crispy parmesan cheese. The fresh roasted garlic pesto, combined with the light air frying method, creates a deliciously healthy and elegant meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 4 ounces salmon filets
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Roasted Garlic

  • 6 cloves garlic (whole)
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

Pesto

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh basil (with stems)
  • 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)

Topping

  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stove. Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil and the whole garlic cloves. Cook for 5 minutes, shaking the skillet often to toss the cloves for even roasting. Remove from heat once the garlic is softened and fragrant.
  2. Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil (including stems), pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and the roasted garlic cloves. Pulse for 15 seconds to blend the ingredients.
  3. Finish the Pesto: Add the olive oil, black truffle oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the food processor. Pulse again for 15 seconds until a smooth, well-mixed pesto forms. Transfer the pesto to a mason jar and refrigerate. The recipe yields approximately 8 ounces of pesto.
  4. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Season the Salmon: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly season the salmon filets with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder on all sides.
  6. Air Fry the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon filets in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes at 390°F. There is no need to flip the salmon during cooking.
  7. Top with Pesto and Cheese: After the initial cooking, spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared pesto over each salmon filet. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Finish Cooking: Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes to melt the cheese and finish cooking. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  9. Serve: Remove the salmon from the air fryer. Serve immediately with fresh vegetables, rice, or your preferred side dishes.

Notes

  • Use a food thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safety and optimal texture.
  • Roasting the garlic softens its flavor and blends beautifully into the pesto.
  • Including basil stems in the pesto adds flavor and reduces waste.
  • The black truffle oil is optional but adds an elegant earthy aroma.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon filets.
  • Store leftover pesto in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/air-fryer-parmesan-pesto-salmon-recipe/