Parmesan-Basil Air Fryer Salmon
This Parmesan-Basil Air Fryer Salmon is a deliciously simple way to enjoy tender, flaky fish with a crispy, cheesy crust. The salmon fillets get coated with a mix of Parmesan…
Tip: save now, cook later.This Parmesan-Basil Air Fryer Salmon is a deliciously simple way to enjoy tender, flaky fish with a crispy, cheesy crust. The salmon fillets get coated with a mix of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, which adds a nice punch of flavor and a little crunch from the air fryer. It’s a quick dish that doesn’t feel like you spent hours in the kitchen.
I love making this salmon when I want something that tastes impressive but isn’t a hassle to prepare. The air fryer helps get the crust just right—crispy on the outside but moist and juicy on the inside. I found that sprinkling some extra basil on top after cooking gives it a fresh kick that everyone enjoys.
My favorite way to serve this is alongside roasted veggies or a simple salad. It’s great for a weeknight dinner but also works well if you’re having friends over and want something tasty without a long recipe. Salmon like this always feels like a little treat, and it’s so satisfying knowing it’s healthy too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Parmesan-Basil Air Fryer Salmon
Salmon fillets: Choose fresh or thawed salmon for best results. Wild-caught has a richer flavor, but farmed works well too. You can swap for other firm fish like cod or trout if preferred.
Parmesan cheese: This adds a nice crispy, cheesy topping. Grate it fresh if you can. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
Mayonnaise: Helps bind the topping and keeps it creamy. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo if you want it lighter or dairy-free.
Fresh basil: Fresh herbs really brighten the flavor. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil works in a pinch, but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is best here for a punchy taste. Garlic powder can be used, but add less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Get the Parmesan-Basil Topping Crispy and Delicious?
The key is air frying at the right temperature and time to crisp the cheese without drying the salmon. Here’s how:
- Preheat the air fryer well to 400°F (200°C) so the salmon starts cooking immediately.
- Pat the salmon dry to remove moisture; this helps the topping stick and crisp better.
- Spread the Parmesan-basil mix evenly on top—don’t overload it, or it won’t crisp properly.
- Place fillets spaced out in the basket; crowding causes steaming, not crisping.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes. Check at 8 to avoid overcooking. The topping should be golden and crispy, and the salmon should flake easily.
Let the salmon rest a couple of minutes before serving so juices redistribute. This keeps it moist underneath the crunchy topping.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – it cooks the salmon quickly and crisps the Parmesan topping perfectly without extra oil.
- Small mixing bowl – great for combining the Parmesan, mayo, garlic, basil, and lemon juice evenly.
- Measuring spoons – to get the right amounts of mayo, lemon juice, and spices for balanced flavor.
- Kitchen tongs or spatula – helps you place and remove the salmon gently without breaking the fillets.
- Paper towels – handy for patting the salmon dry; removing moisture helps the topping stick better.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap basil for fresh dill or parsley to change the herb flavor; dill gives a tangy, fresh note I love with fish.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the topping for a mild spicy kick that pairs well with salmon.
- Mix in some finely grated lemon zest for extra bright citrus flavor that complements the Parmesan.
- Try adding finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the Parmesan mix for a sweet and tangy twist.
How to Make Parmesan-Basil Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and about 8 to 10 minutes to cook the salmon in the air fryer. Plus, you’ll want 1 to 2 minutes for the salmon to rest before serving. Overall, it’s a quick and easy meal you can make in under 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures your salmon cooks evenly and comes out perfectly crispy on top.
2. Make the Parmesan-Basil Spread:
In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped basil, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is well combined into a tasty herb cheesy spread.
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Grease the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little olive oil to keep the salmon from sticking during cooking.
5. Add the Topping and Air Fry:
Spread an even layer of the Parmesan-basil mixture over the top of each salmon fillet. Place the fillets carefully in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, until the topping is golden and crispy and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Rest and Serve:
Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps keep the fish juicy. Serve warm with a side salad or your favorite veggies for a simple and delicious meal.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon Fillets for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat it dry well to ensure the topping sticks and crisps nicely.
Can I Substitute Mayonnaise in the Topping?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo work great as alternatives and will keep the topping creamy while staying flavorful.
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to keep the topping crispy.
Can I Adjust the Cooking Time?
Yes, depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets, you might need a bit more or less time. Check for doneness at the 8-minute mark—salmon should flake easily with a fork and the topping should be golden.
