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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that features tender, juicy salmon topped with a crispy, golden parmesan crust. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. It combines crunchy texture, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon zest for a satisfying and nutritious dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 2 salmon fillets (fresh or thawed, skin-on)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Parmesan Crust

  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional

  • Olive oil spray
  • Fresh herbs (optional: dill or parsley for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Parmesan Coating: In a small bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to achieve an even seasoning throughout the crust.
  2. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help the crust adhere better. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper, then gently press the parmesan mixture on top of each fillet to form an even crust.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure even and quick cooking, contributing to a crispy crust and juicy interior.
  4. Air Fry the Salmon: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets crust-side up in the basket, making sure they don’t crowd each other. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the salmon moist and tender.

Notes

  • Pat It Dry: Always dry your salmon before applying the crust to ensure it crisps perfectly.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between fillets for even air circulation and consistent cooking.
  • Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan melts and crisps better than pre-shredded varieties.
  • Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryers vary; check the salmon early to avoid overcooking.
  • Lemon Enhancement: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, parmesan crusted salmon, healthy salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner, gluten free salmon