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- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste To make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Make sure you have all these handy before you start cooking. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano. For panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work too, but panko gives a better crunch. You can swap olive oil with melted butter if you want a richer flavor. Fresh parsley can be replaced with dried herbs like Italian seasoning. When buying salmon, look for bright, clear eyes and shiny skin. The flesh should feel firm and spring back when pressed. Avoid fish that smells too strong; fresh salmon has a mild scent. If possible, buy wild-caught salmon for better flavor and health benefits. Always check the sell-by date to ensure freshness. By following these tips, you can ensure your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon is both tasty and healthy! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. Preheating makes sure the salmon cooks evenly. It also helps the crust get nice and crispy. In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these until they are well combined. The blend should feel crumbly yet stick together. This mixture gives the salmon a tasty crust. First, pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor. Place the fillets skin-side down on a plate. Take the crust mixture and spread it evenly over each fillet. Press down gently so it sticks well. Now, place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure to lay them in a single layer and don’t overcrowd them. Cook for 8-10 minutes. The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the fillets. You want the top to turn golden and the salmon to flake easily with a fork. Once cooked, remove the salmon and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices settle. Enjoy your meal! To make the best Parmesan crust, use fresh ingredients. Grate the cheese yourself for better flavor. Mix the Parmesan with panko breadcrumbs for a nice crunch. Add olive oil to bind the mix. Press the crust on the salmon to help it stick. This step makes a big difference. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat cooks the salmon quickly. It also gives the crust a golden color. Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes. Check for doneness by using a fork. The salmon should flake easily when done. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to dry the salmon well before seasoning. If it's wet, the crust may not stick. Also, remember to season both sides of the salmon. This adds great flavor throughout. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Salmon: Look for bright, moist fillets with a clean smell. Fresh salmon will yield the best flavor and texture. Customize the Crust: Feel free to add herbs like dill or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Monitor Cooking Time: Salmon fillets can vary in thickness; check for doneness a minute or two early to prevent overcooking. Let it Rest: Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier fillets, as this helps retain moisture. {{image_2}} You can boost flavor by adding herbs and spices. Try mixing in dried oregano or basil. Fresh dill also pairs well with salmon. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. You can even try a dash of smoked paprika for depth. Feel free to experiment with your favorites. Adjust the amount to match your taste. While Parmesan cheese shines in this recipe, you can switch it up. Try using Romano cheese for a sharper bite. Feta cheese offers a tangy twist. Mozzarella provides a creamy texture. You can mix different cheeses for a unique crust. Just remember to keep the quantities the same. Serve your salmon with fresh sides for a balanced meal. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition. A simple salad with greens and vinaigrette complements the dish well. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a hearty option. For a refreshing touch, add lemon wedges on the side. These pairings elevate the meal and make it more satisfying. Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container. This keeps the fish fresh for up to three days. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. Always place it in the fridge right after eating. This helps prevent bacteria growth. When ready to eat, check for any off smells. If it smells bad, toss it out. You can freeze cooked salmon if you want to save it for later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped salmon in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps keep the salmon from getting freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat salmon, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon in the basket, skin-side down. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. Check that it is warm all the way through. You can also use the microwave. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-second intervals until warm. Avoid overheating, as this can make the fish dry. Enjoy your meal! Cook salmon fillets in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes. The time depends on how thick your fillets are. The salmon should be golden on top and flake easily when done. If you have thicker pieces, you might need a minute or two more. Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it first. You can place it in the fridge overnight or use cold water for a quicker thaw. Once thawed, pat it dry and follow the recipe steps as usual. Parmesan crusted salmon pairs well with many sides. Here are my favorites: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - A fresh garden salad with lemon dressing - Garlic mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty touch - Quinoa or couscous for a lighter option These sides balance the rich flavors of the salmon and add color to your plate. Enjoy experimenting with your favorites! This post covered key details about making delicious Parmesan-crusted salmon in an air fryer. We explored the right ingredients, clever substitutions, and tips for choosing fresh salmon. You learned how to preheat the air fryer and prepare the crust mixture. I shared settings for perfect cooking and mistakes to avoid. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating. With these tips, you can enjoy a tasty meal every time. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon

A delicious and easy recipe for salmon fillets coated with a crispy Parmesan and panko crust, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon (about 6 oz each)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined; the mixture should be crumbly but cohesive.
  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a clean plate or cutting board. Evenly divide the breadcrumb and cheese mixture over the top of each fillet, pressing down gently to ensure it adheres well.
  • Carefully place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being cautious not to overcrowd. Cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the top is golden and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  • Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the salmon on a plate garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side for a burst of color and flavor.
Keyword air fryer, healthy, parmesan, salmon, seafood