Cheesy Air Fryer Pesto Salmon

This pesto salmon is fast, flavorful, and only takes a few ingredients to make a restaurant-style salmon dish right at home. When I need a weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss, this is it.

Why I Love This Recipe

The salmon turns out perfectly flaky with golden, crisp edges. The pesto gives it a fresh herby flavor, and the parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that pairs beautifully. Whether you’re serving it with roasted veggies or over a bed of pasta, this is one of those recipes that always impresses.

This air fryer pesto salmon is a go-to recipe for busy nights. It’s made with pantry staples like olive oil, pesto, and grated parmesan cheese, and comes together in under 15 minutes. The air fryer locks in moisture and creates a golden crust on top of the salmon without overcooking the fish.

Recipe Ingredients

• Salmon fillets – Skin-on or skinless, use center-cut fillets that are similar in size for even cooking.
• Pesto – Store-bought or homemade pesto works! Basil pesto is the classic go-to, but sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto are great twists.
• Olive oil – Helps the pesto spread evenly and keeps the salmon moist.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is best, and adds a salty, cheesy crust to the top of the fish.
• Mozzarella cheese – Grated fresh, adds even more melty cheese to the fish.
• Salt and pepper – Just a light sprinkle to season the salmon before cooking.

Variations

• Swap salmon for steelhead trout or cod if you prefer a different fish.
• Use different types of pesto – arugula, kale, or even spinach-based pesto add variety.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
• Top with cherry tomatoes or lemon slices before air frying for extra flavor and color.

How to Cook Pesto Salmon in the Air Fryer

STEP 1 – Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on a plate or directly on the air fryer tray. Combine the mozzarella and parmesan cheese in a small bowl.

STEP 2 – Brush the tops of the salmon fillets with olive oil.

STEP 3 – Season lightly with salt and pepper.

STEP 4 – Spread 1 to 1½ tablespoons of pesto over the top of each fillet.

STEP 5 – Sprinkle each piece with the parmesan and mozzarella cheese mixture, about 1 tablespoon per fillet. Add more or less depending on your preference.

STEP 6 – Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temp of 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium.

STEP 7 – Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips

• Use even-sized fillets – This helps ensure the salmon cooks evenly.
• Preheat the air fryer – Starting with a hot air fryer helps the fish cook faster and more evenly.
• Don’t overload the basket – Leave space between each fillet for the hot air to circulate.
• Use parchment liners – If you’re worried about cleanup or sticking, parchment liners work great for fish.
• Check doneness early – Depending on your air fryer model, salmon may cook faster. Check it at 7 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Pesto Salmon Serving Suggestions

• Serve over rice, quinoa, or pasta with a side of roasted vegetables.
• Pair with a fresh Caprese salad or steamed green beans and lemon.
• Flake leftovers and stuff into a wrap or pita with greens for a quick lunch.

FAQs

Not only is this recipe incredibly simple, but it’s also packed with flavor and high in protein and healthy fats.

Pesto brings fresh basil, garlic, and parmesan together in one spoonful, which makes it a fast way to add depth to your dish without needing extra ingredients. Using the air fryer keeps the fish moist on the inside with a crisp top—no need to turn on the oven or clean a bunch of pans.

If you’ve been hesitant to cook salmon at home, this air fryer method will change that. Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to get juicy, flavorful salmon on the table in under 15 minutes.

More Salmon Recipes:

• air fryer salmon
• blackened salmon bites
• honey mustard salmon
• salmon cakes