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Air Fryer Pesto Salmon

This dish features salmon fillets cooked in an air fryer to achieve a crisp, crackly skin and tender, flaky interior. Coated with vibrant pesto and cooked quickly, it offers a satisfying crunch and herby flavor without the need for extra oil or complicated cleanup. The final result is a beautifully browned, flavorful piece of fish with a bright citrus finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Modern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets salmon fillets preferably skin-on
  • 3-4 tablespoons pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil for brushing
  • 1 lemon lemon for squeezing over cooked fish
  • to taste salt & pepper generous seasoning before cooking
  • optional fresh herbs parsley, dill, or chives for garnish

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Baking brush
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
  2. Lightly brush the skin of each fillet with olive oil to promote crispness and help the pesto adhere evenly.
  3. Spread a generous layer of pesto over the flesh side of each fillet, ensuring an even coat without drips, to infuse herby flavor and keep the fish moist.
  4. Season the salmon generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides to enhance flavor.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment.
  6. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow proper air circulation.
  7. Cook the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Using tongs, carefully lift the fillets from the air fryer, revealing the golden, crispy skin and fragrant pesto coating.
  9. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot fillets for a bright, citrusy finish, and sprinkle with optional herbs for added freshness.
  10. Serve immediately, allowing the crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh to shine in their herby, citrusy glory.

Notes

For extra crispiness, pat the skin dry and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Fresh pesto enhances the flavor but store-bought works perfectly for convenience.