Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon recipe delivers a crispy, golden parmesan and herb crust paired with tender, juicy salmon. It’s a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering minimal cleanup and customizable flavors. Cooking in the air fryer ensures less oil and a deliciously crunchy texture every time.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs used)
Salmon
- 4 fresh skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Parmesan Crust
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt & black pepper to season salmon fillets
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper. Drying the fish helps the crust adhere better and ensures a crispier texture.
- Make the Parmesan Crust: In a shallow dish, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the top side of each salmon fillet with olive oil. This helps the crust stick and promotes even browning during air frying.
- Coat the Salmon: Press each olive oil-coated salmon fillet, crust side down, firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Gently pat the crust so it adheres evenly and generously to the surface.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated fillets in a single layer, crust side up, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry is essential for a crispy crust.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and crunch.
- Preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of fillets to prevent overcooking.
- Leave space between fillets for proper air circulation.
- Can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free or crushed nuts for gluten-free crust.
- Mix in smoked paprika or cayenne for a spicy variation.
- Fresh dill or basil can be used instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with lemon wedges, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of garlic butter for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: salmon, air fryer, parmesan crust, healthy, quick dinner, gluten free option, crispy salmon