Pesto Crusted Salmon

This delicious, healthy Pesto Crusted Salmon is simple enough for a busy weeknight, but flavorful and impressive enough for a date night. Salmon with a pesto crust is a super flexible recipe, with instructions provided to make it in the air fryer or the oven, and with fresh or frozen fish.

Why Pesto Crusted Salmon is SO Good:

• With just four ingredients, it’s super simple, but delicious.
• Salmon cooks quickly (especially in an air fryer!) making this a fantastic weeknight dinner for those busy nights.
• You can use fresh or frozen salmon – both are nutritious options.
• It can be made in an air fryer or the oven.
• It’s high in protein.
• Salmon is a great source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Salmon: fresh or frozen (see notes below)
• Pesto: I use a lighter, nut-free pesto, but you can use whatever homemade or store-bought pesto you prefer.
• Parmesan: freshly grated parmesan is tossed with the bread crumbs to create a deliciously crisp crust.
• Bread Crumbs: you can use any kind you prefer – traditional, whole wheat, or gluten-free bread crumbs, etc.

Step-by-Step Directions

There are two ways you can make this salmon with a pesto crust: in the air fryer or in the oven. You can also use fresh salmon or frozen, so be sure to follow the instructions for whichever salmon with a pesto crust that you’re making.

Air Fryer Pesto Salmon:

With Fresh Salmon:

1. For easier cleanup, line the air fryer basket with a piece of foil trimmed to size (make sure air can still circulate in the air fryer basket).
2. Place the salmon skin-side down on the foil. Top salmon with pesto, then freshly grated parmesan and breadcrumbs.
3. Air fry at 400ºF for 7-9 minutes. Salmon is done when it reaches 145ºF.

With Frozen Salmon:

1. Remove salmon fillets from any packaging and rinse with cold water to remove any ice crystals/ icy coating. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. For easier cleanup, line the air fryer basket with a piece of foil trimmed to size (make sure air can still circulate in the air fryer basket).
3. Place the frozen salmon skin-side down on the foil. Air fry from frozen for 7-9 minutes, or until defrosted.
4. After the first 7-9 minutes, remove the air fryer basket. Top salmon with pesto, then freshly grated parmesan and breadcrumbs.
5. Place salmon back in the air fryer and air fry at 400ºF for an additional 7-9 minutes. Salmon is done when it reaches 145ºF.

Baked Pesto Salmon:

With Fresh Salmon:

1. Line a baking dish with foil and place salmon, skin-side down, on the foil.
2. Top salmon with pesto, then parmesan and bread crumbs.
3. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Salmon is done with it flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through (to 145ºF).

With Frozen Salmon:

1. Remove salmon fillets from any packaging and rinse with cold water to remove any ice crystals/ icy coating. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Line a baking dish with foil and place salmon, skin-side down, on the foil.
3. Bake the frozen salmon fillets for 10 minutes at 400ºF, or until defrosted.
4. Once salmon is defrosted, remove from oven and then layer on pesto, then parmesan, then bread crumbs.
5. Return salmon back to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes. Salmon is done with it flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through (to 145ºF).

Expert Tips & Variations

• Don’t overcook salmon! The number one tip with any salmon dish will be to always make sure you don’t overcook it. Salmon should be incredibly moist, flaky, and tender.
• Always start on the low side of the cooking time range, especially if your salmon fillets are thinner or smaller in size.
• If you’re unsure if the pesto crusted salmon is done, use a meat thermometer to make sure the salmon reaches 145ºF.
• Low carb or keto? Omit the bread crumbs or substitute with almond flour or finely crushed nuts for some texture.
• Gluten free? Use your favorite gluten-free bread crumbs.
• Dairy free? Use a vegan pesto and either skip the parmesan or use your favorite dairy-free, plant-based parmesan cheese alternative.

FAQs:

What if my salmon fillets are really thin?

 Start on the low end of the cooking time range. If your fillets are particularly small or you’re really concerned, you can deduct a couple minutes, too. Remember – you can always add more time, but you can’t undo overcooking.

What if my salmon fillets are super thick? 

If they’re over one inch thick, they’ll require more cooking time. I would caution against doing really thick salmon fillets in the air fryer, because the crust is closer to the heating elements and can risk getting burned with the required longer cooking time.

Why is my salmon sticking to the air fryer rack?

I find salmon skin sticks terribly to the racks, and even quickly erodes the rack’s coating. I personally have found using foil to be beneficial. Trim the foil (you want it to fit in the air fryer while still allowing space for air circulation), place the salmon on top (don’t spray it!), and when it’s done, the salmon skin will stick to the foil, peel away from the finished fillet, and not leave a mess in the air fryer.

How do you store leftovers?

In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Can you reheat leftover salmon?

Yes. Reheat in the microwave on high for 60 seconds, on a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes.

Supplies You’ll Need

As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small amount from qualifying affiliate purchases at no cost to you.

• Air Fryer
• Aluminum Foil
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Baking Dish
• Fish Spatula
• Meat thermometer

HUNGRY FOR MORE? If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and/ or a review in the comments. I always appreciate feedback (and everyone loves to read reviews and see what variations worked if you tried any)! You can also follow me on Pinterest or Instagram, check out my other sites, and sign up for my email list, too!

Salmon with a pesto crust content syndicated from NutritiontoFit.com