5.0 from 12 votes
Pesto Salmon Recipe (Baked or in the Air Fryer)
Salmon with fresh pesto and crispy breadcrumbs is a flavorful dish that's ready to enjoy in only 20 minutes, baked or air fried!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 232 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds wild caught salmon fillets with skin
- ¼ cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs could be GF
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place a large salmon fillet, or smaller individually cut salmon fillets, on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
- Brush the tops of the salmon fillets with pesto. Then sprinkle the tops with Panko breadcrumbs. Drizzle olive oil over the panko.
- In the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Once hot, placed the salmon in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the top is golden.
- In the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Once hot, carefully lower the salmon into the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes until the top is crispy.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Recipe Variations:
- The flavor and texture of salmon with a crispy Panko topping is always best to enjoy freshly cooked. However, leftovers will keep well for a day or two in the fridge stored in an airtight container.
- Enjoy chilled leftover salmon as-is or on a bed of greens for a refreshing summer lunch!
- You can also reheat the salmon for 5-10 minutes in a preheated 400-degree oven. But note the salmon will not be as moist and will likely be "overdone."
- We use basil pesto to make this recipe. But you can use any type of pesto you prefer! Red pepper or tomato pesto are a couple of delicious options.
- For a gluten-free recipe simply swap Panko breadcrumbs with your fave GF-friendly "bread" crumbs.
- You can use frozen salmon! Prepare as directed, and bake or air fry frozen salmon at 400 for just a few minutes more... So approximately 20-25 minutes baked in the oven, or 15 minutes in the air fryer.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1pc
Calories
232kcal
(12%)
Carbohydrates
3g
(1%)
Protein
23g
(46%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
Cholesterol
63mg
(21%)
Sodium
165mg
(7%)
Potassium
561mg
(16%)
Fiber
0.3g
(1%)
Sugar
0.5g
(1%)
Vitamin A
254IU
(5%)
Calcium
35mg
(4%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 232
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1pc | |
| Calories | 232kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 63mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 165mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 561mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 0.5g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 254IU | 5% |
| Calcium | 35mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.