Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon

$For this dish, you'll need 4 salmon fillets. Each should weigh about 6 ounces. Fresh salmon works best, but you can use frozen if needed. Use 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a rich flavor to the crust. You also need 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives the crust a light and crispy texture. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped finely. This herb brings a fresh taste. Use 2 cloves of minced garlic for a savory kick. You will also need 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness. Add 1 teaspoon of paprika for a hint of warmth. Season the mix with salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, include 2 tablespoons of olive oil to help the crust stick and crisp up. {{ingredient_image_1}} Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step warms the air fryer. It helps cook the salmon evenly. Preheating takes just a few minutes. You want the salmon to be crispy and golden. In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these well. This mixture gives flavor and crunch to the salmon. Make sure all the dry ingredients blend together. The garlic and parsley add a fresh taste. Take 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each. Brush each fillet lightly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This helps the crust stick and adds flavor. Next, press the Parmesan mixture onto the top of each fillet. Make sure to cover them evenly. Place the coated salmon in the air fryer basket. Keep them in a single layer. Do not let them touch. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Check that the salmon is cooked through. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C). When done, remove the salmon and let it rest for a minute. Enjoy your tasty dish! To get a crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs. They add great texture. Make sure to mix them well with the Parmesan cheese. Brush the salmon with olive oil before adding the crust. This helps the crust stick and brown nicely. Press the mixture on firmly for even coverage. One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. Always leave space between the salmon fillets. This allows hot air to circulate. If it's too crowded, the crust won’t crisp up. Another mistake is not preheating the air fryer. Preheating is key for that perfect golden-brown finish. For salmon fillets, cook them for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The exact time depends on the thickness of the fillets. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety. Check the salmon at the 10-minute mark. If it’s not done, add a minute or two. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh parsley and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and enhance its taste. Adjust Cooking Time: Since air fryer models can vary, check the salmon a couple of minutes before the suggested time to avoid overcooking. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or substituting the paprika with smoked paprika can add an exciting twist. Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the salmon to rest for a minute before serving. This helps retain moisture and ensures a tender bite. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your salmon easily. Try using old bay seasoning for a seafood twist. You could also add some Italian herbs like oregano or basil. For a spicy kick, consider cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Mixing in lemon pepper gives a fresh zing. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite blend. If you want a low-carb option, skip the breadcrumbs. Use crushed pork rinds instead for a crunchy topping. For a gluten-free version, make sure your panko breadcrumbs are certified gluten-free. You can also use almond flour mixed with Parmesan for a unique crust. These swaps keep the dish tasty while fitting your diet. Salmon is great, but other fish work too. Try using cod, tilapia, or halibut. These fish cook well and take on flavors nicely. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fillets. For thinner fish, reduce the air frying time to avoid overcooking. Each type of fish brings its own taste to this dish. To store your leftovers, let the salmon cool down to room temperature. Then, wrap each fillet in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. This helps keep the salmon fresh and tasty. Make sure to store it in the fridge. To reheat, use the air fryer for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the fish moist. You can also use the microwave, but it may not be as crispy. Air fryer salmon lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. It’s best to eat it fresh, but leftovers can still be good. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. The safe internal temperature for cooked salmon is 145°F (63°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet. When it reaches this temperature, the salmon is done and safe to eat. It will be tender and flaky. Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. However, it is best to thaw them first. Thawing ensures even cooking and a good crust. You can thaw salmon in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Just make sure to pat them dry before coating. This step helps the crust stick better. Parmesan crusted salmon pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus - A fresh garden salad with a light dressing - Quinoa or rice for a hearty addition - Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for comfort Serve with a slice of lemon to add a bright flavor. In this article, I covered how to make delicious Parmesan-crusted salmon in an air fryer. I shared key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting your dish. You can try flavor variations and learn proper storage methods for leftovers. Remember, a crispy crust is easy to achieve with the right techniques. Enjoy cooking and impressing your family with this tasty meal!$

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon

A delicious and crispy salmon dish with a Parmesan and panko crust, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Brush the salmon fillets lightly with olive oil on both sides. This will help the crust adhere and create a golden-brown finish.
Generously press the Parmesan mixture onto the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring an even coating.
Place the coated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, or until the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish. Pair with steamed vegetables or a salad.

Keyword air fryer, healthy, parmesan, salmon, seafood