Parmesan-Basil Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy perfectly cooked salmon with a crispy Parmesan-basil crust in under 15 minutes using your air fryer. This recipe combines fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan for a flavorful, healthy weeknight dinner that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

• 4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped (Can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried basil)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (Feel free to adjust the level of garlic to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving, as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix well.
3. Step 3: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over each fillet and rub it in evenly.
4. Step 4: Press the Parmesan and basil mixture onto the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring an even coating.
5. Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets in the basket, skin-side down, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
6. Step 6: Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the topping is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
7. Step 7: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using a fish spatula. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Use dried basil if fresh is unavailable, but reduce quantity to 1 tablespoon to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Adjust garlic amount to suit your taste preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
• For extra crispiness, sprinkle a little additional Parmesan on top just before cooking.
• This recipe works well with other firm fish like cod or halibut if salmon isn’t on hand.

Storage

Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or air fryer to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and to help the topping stick properly.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, until cooked through and the topping is golden brown.

Parmesan-Basil Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Delicious Parmesan-basil Air Fryer Salmon that cooks to crispy, tender perfection in under 15 minutes. This recipe combines the fresh flavors of garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese for a simple yet impressive seafood dinner that even picky eaters will enjoy. Perfectly seasoned and cooked in the air fryer, it’s a quick, healthy meal with a savory, herbaceous crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon and Topping

• 4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon wedges (for serving, as needed)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment for a crispy crust.
2. Mix Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Stir well to blend all the flavors evenly.
3. Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle the olive oil over each fillet and rub evenly to coat the surface, which helps the topping stick and promotes browning.
4. Apply Topping: Press the prepared Parmesan and basil mixture firmly onto the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring an even, thick coating that will crisp up nicely.
5. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the salmon from sticking. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the basket, being careful not to overcrowd them to allow even air circulation.
6. Cook Salmon: Air fry the salmon fillets at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the topping has turned golden brown. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure safety and optimal texture.
7. Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using a fish spatula to maintain the crust. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side to brighten the flavors.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh basil but dried basil works in a pinch—adjust quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Adjust garlic quantity to your taste preference; more garlic can intensify flavor.
• Make sure salmon fillets are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
• If your air fryer basket sticks, applying a light coating of cooking spray beforehand can help.
• You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil if preferred.
• Check salmon doneness with a thermometer or by flaking with a fork to avoid overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Parmesan basil salmon, air fryer salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner, air fryer fish, easy seafood recipe, basil garlic salmon