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Parmesan-Basil Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

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Find it online: https://bitesbyolivia.com/parmesan-basil-air-fryer-salmon-recipe/