You know those nights when you’re starving but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly how I discovered my obsession with Air Fryer Basil Pesto Salmon. One frantic Tuesday, I stared at a salmon fillet and a jar of pesto, desperate for a quick dinner. Ten minutes later? Magic happened. The air fryer gave that salmon the crispiest edges while keeping the inside melt-in-your-mouth tender. Now it’s my go-to when I need something healthy but don’t feel like fussing. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll be hooked just like I was!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Basil Pesto Salmon
Let me count the ways this salmon will become your new weeknight hero! First off, it’s stupidly quick—ready before you can even pick a Netflix show. But don’t let the speed fool you; that crispy pesto crust? Pure flavor bomb. Plus, it’s one of those rare recipes where “healthy” actually tastes indulgent. The air fryer works its magic with barely any oil, and cleanup? Just rinse the basket. No pans, no splatters, no regrets. My favorite part? That satisfying crunch giving way to buttery-soft salmon underneath. Dinner win!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Basil Pesto Salmon
Here’s all you need for this flavor-packed dish (measurements matter!):
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (see my rant below about fresh vs. jarred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff!)
- 1/2 tsp salt (I use flaky sea salt)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, please)
- 1 lemon (sliced for that gorgeous garnish)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Pesto talk: Nothing beats homemade basil pesto—I whiz mine up with pine nuts and parmesan—but hey, we’ve all got those “I forgot to grocery shop” days. A quality store-bought version works in a pinch! Swap in sun-dried tomato pesto if you’re feeling fancy.
Salmon PSA: Skin-on fillets give you that dreamy crispy texture, but skinless works too—just reduce cook time by a minute. And if your fillets are thicker than 1 inch? We’ll adjust timing later—don’t panic!
Equipment You’ll Need
Okay, let’s keep this simple—you basically need three things: your trusty air fryer (obviously!), a basting brush for slathering on that pesto goodness, and paper towels to pat the salmon dry. That’s it—no fancy gadgets required!
How to Make Air Fryer Basil Pesto Salmon
Alright, let’s get cooking! This salmon comes together so fast, you’ll want to prep your sides first. Here’s how I nail it every single time:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First, crank that air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for 3 minutes—like preheating an oven, but way faster. While it’s heating, grab your salmon fillets and pat them bone-dry with paper towels. Trust me, this step is non-negotiable for that perfect crispy crust!
Step 2: Season and Coat
Drizzle the fillets with olive oil (just enough to make them glisten), then sprinkle with salt and pepper like you’re seasoning the last meal on earth. Now, the star of the show: slather on that pesto! I use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly—don’t skimp, but don’t drown it either. You want a generous but not gloopy layer.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Carefully place the salmon in the basket, pesto-side up, leaving space between them (crowding = steamed salmon, and nobody wants that). Cook for 8–10 minutes—thinner fillets might be done at 8, while thicker ones could need the full 10. Check for doneness by gently pressing the top; it should flake easily but still feel moist. And here’s my pro trick: If your pesto starts browning too fast, loosely tent the top with foil for the last 2 minutes. Boom—perfect salmon, every time!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Basil Pesto Salmon
Want restaurant-quality salmon at home? Here are my hard-won secrets: Check your fillet thickness—if it’s over 1 inch, add 2 extra minutes (but peek at 8 minutes to avoid dryness). Fresh pesto makes all the difference—those bright herbal notes get muted in jarred versions. And whatever you do, don’t overcook it! The salmon should still glisten in the center when you pull it out—it’ll keep cooking as it rests. Oh, and always give the basket a quick spritz with oil to prevent sticking. You’re welcome!
Serving Suggestions
This salmon shines brightest with simple sides that let it be the star. My go-to? A pile of garlicky roasted broccolini—it soaks up that pesto drizzle beautifully. For heartier meals, try lemony quinoa or crispy smashed potatoes. And always, always serve with extra lemon wedges—that bright zing cuts through the richness perfectly!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? (Rare with this salmon, but it happens!) Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days—any longer and the pesto loses its zing. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. No soggy salmon here—it’ll come out almost as crispy as the first time!
Air Fryer Basil Pesto Salmon FAQs
Q1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw it completely in the fridge overnight first. Pat it extra dry—frozen salmon tends to hold more moisture. You might need to add 1-2 extra minutes to the cook time. Pro tip: If you’re in a rush, seal the frozen fillet in a ziplock bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
Q2. How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the basket?
Two foolproof tricks: First, give the basket a quick spritz with oil before adding the salmon. Second—and this is crucial—don’t move the fillets for the first 3-4 minutes of cooking. Let that crispy crust form naturally, and it’ll release like a dream!
Q3. Can I make this with a different fish?
You bet! Thick cod or halibut fillets work beautifully—just reduce the cook time by 1-2 minutes since they’re leaner. For something bolder, try it with trout (skin-side down). The pesto plays well with almost any fish, though salmon’s richness balances the flavors best. Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for heart health.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating—but remember, these numbers are estimates! Your exact counts will dance a bit depending on your pesto brand and salmon’s fat content. Each gorgeous fillet packs about 320 calories with a powerhouse 28g protein to keep you full. Mostly healthy fats from that olive oil and salmon too—because delicious shouldn’t mean deprivation! Understanding the official nutritional guidelines can help you track macros effectively.
If you enjoy quick, crispy meals like this, you might also want to check out how to make homemade air fryer fish sticks.
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10-Minute Air Fryer Basil Pesto Salmon Recipe – So Crispy
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and healthy salmon dish made with fresh basil pesto and cooked in an air fryer for a crispy finish.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon (sliced for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread basil pesto evenly over the top of each fillet.
- Place the salmon in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean