Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish that combines perfectly roasted garlic, fresh basil pesto, and tender salmon fillets cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a healthy and elegant meal, ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 ounces salmon filets
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- nonstick cooking spray
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
For the Roasted Garlic
- 6 cloves garlic (whole)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
For the Pesto
- 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 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 on the stovetop. Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil, then add whole garlic cloves. Cook for 5 minutes, shaking the skillet often to evenly roast the cloves. Remove from heat once garlic is softened and lightly browned.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil (including stems), pine nuts, grated parmesan, roasted garlic cloves, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Pulse for 15 seconds until coarsely blended.
- Finish the Pesto: Add olive oil, black truffle oil, and lemon juice to the food processor. Pulse for an additional 15 seconds until ingredients are well combined and form a smooth pesto. Transfer the pesto to a mason jar and refrigerate. This yields approximately 8 ounces of pesto.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 390°F and preheat for 5 minutes.
- Prepare and Cook the Salmon: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly season the salmon filets with sea salt and garlic powder. Place the salmon inside the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes without flipping.
- Top with Pesto and Cheese: Spread 1 tablespoon of prepared pesto over each salmon filet, then sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of fresh vegetables, rice, or preferred side dishes.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
- The pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Use fresh basil stems in the pesto for enhanced flavor.
- Do not flip the salmon during air frying to keep it intact and crispy on top.
- Adjust air fryer cook times based on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
