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Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon

crispy air fryer parmesan crusted salmon - featured image
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A quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe featuring a golden, crispy parmesan crust that delivers tender, juicy fish with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless, fresh or thawed frozen
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (100 g), preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (50 g), plain or seasoned
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) or fresh chopped herbs
  • Salt to taste (kosher or sea salt recommended)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  4. Brush the tops of each salmon fillet with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  5. Press the Parmesan mixture firmly onto the oiled side of each fillet to form an even, thick crust.
  6. Lightly spray or brush a bit more olive oil over the crust to encourage browning.
  7. Place the salmon fillets crust side up in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
  8. Cook for 8-10 minutes depending on thickness (about 1-inch thick fillets), until the crust is golden and crispy and the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Rotate halfway through cooking if your air fryer has hot spots.
  9. Carefully remove the salmon using a spatula or tongs to keep the crust intact.
  10. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and optional parsley garnish.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before applying crust to ensure crispiness. Use fresh Parmesan for best melting and crisping. Press crust firmly to prevent falling off. Do not overcrowd air fryer basket. Rotate salmon halfway if needed. Preheat air fryer for best results. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free crackers. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, air fryer, parmesan crust, crispy salmon, easy dinner, quick recipe, healthy fish, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/crispy-air-fryer-parmesan-crusted-salmon-recipe-easy-perfect-dinner-ideas/