Air fryer panko salmon is crispy and crunchy when made in the air fryer. The salmon comes out flaky and delicious. This panko crusted salmon only takes 15 minutes to make, so it's perfect for an easy lunch or dinner.
Salmon is one of my favorite foods to make in the air fryer, and I love trying out so many different versions!
Recently I made an air fryer panko cod that I loved, so I decided to do a salmon version too!
I have to say that the panko paired perfectly with the salmon and allowed for a nice crispy coating that was so nice with the flaky salmon.
The dijon topping added so much flavor! I also added a hint of cayenne pepper with the smoked paprika, but it's completely optional!
Ingredients
- Salmon fillet
- Dijon mustard
- smoked paprika
- Ground cayenne
- Panko
- Dried parsley (or other herbs)
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
Recipe tips
- All air fryers cook differently. Watch salmon carefully to prevent over (or under) cooking.
- I used air fryer parchment paper. However, you can also brush or spray your air fryer basket to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- This recipe serves one, but is easy to double, triple, or quadruple.
How to make air fryer panko salmon
Add your panko ingredients to a bowl.
Stir together then drizzle your olive oil over the panko and stir to combine again.
In a small bowl, add the dijon glaze ingredients.
Stir to combine.
Pat the salmon fillet dry, then season with salt and pepper.
Spread the dijon mixture over the top of the salmon.
Press as much of the panko mixture as you can onto the top of the salmon.
Carefully add salmon to air fryer basket. (I typically use air fryer parchment paper, but if you're not, then I recommend brushing air fryer basket with oil to keep salmon from sticking).
Air fry at 380 degrees F for 8-10minutes, then remove and enjoy! Top with a lemon slice if you like.
What is panko and where you find it?
Panko are breadcrumbs with a light, flaky texture. They differ from regular breadcrumbs in that they are made from a crustless bread that are a bit flakier. This helps the panko absorb less oil and get really crispy and light when being cooked.
Panko can be found at most US grocery stores (and I've heard you can find it at Tesco in the UK).
Customizations and substitutions
This air fryer panko salmon is perfect as is, in my opinion. But hey, everyone's tastes are different, and here are a few ways to customize it.
Swap out the dijon for mayo - not a fan of mustard or dijon? Swap out the dijon for some mayo or even Greek yogurt.
Add parmesan - Add some grated parmesan to your panko mixture.
Use different dried herbs - Instead of using parsley in the panko mixture, use another dried herb like dried thyme leaves, Italian seasoning, or herbs de provence.
Swap out the spice - Not a fan of smoked paprika or don't have any? Swap out the smoked paprika with another spice like chili powder, regular paprika, or you can even leave it out altogether. You can also leave out the ground cayenne if you're sensitive to spice!
What to serve with the air fried panko salmon
The air fryer panko salmon is delicious served with so much delicious food. Here are some ideas:
- Salad - Tuscan Kale Salad or Arugula Salad
- Appetizers - Spicy Feta Dip or Whipped Lemon Ricotta
- Vegetables - Harissa carrots or Roasted Red Cabbage
- Air fryer vegetables - Air Fryer Mediterranean Vegetables, Air Fryer Feta Stuffed Mini Peppers, Air Fryer Lemon Zucchini, or Air Fryer Mini Potatoes
Air fryer salmon recipes
- Air fryer pesto salmon
- Air fryer crispy skin salmon
- Air fryer honey dijon salmon
- Air fryer honey garlic salmon
- Air fryer Mediterranean salmon
- Air fryer salmon teriyaki
- Air fryer salmon
All our air fryer salmon recipes
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Air Fryer Panko Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 oz salmon fillet
- ¼ cup panko
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Take salmon fillet and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, combine the panko, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Drizzle olive oil over the panko and stir to combine.
- To a small bowl, add dijon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground cayenne and mix together.
- Spread the dijon mixture over the top of the salmon. Add the panko mixture to the top and press in to stick to the dijon mixture.
- Either use air fryer parchment paper or brush/spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Air fry at 380 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. Remove and enjoy!
Notes
- All air fryers cook differently. Watch salmon carefully to prevent over (or under) cooking.
- I used air fryer parchment paper. However, you can also brush or spray your air fryer basket to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- This recipe serves one, but is easy to double, triple, or quadruple.
Nutrition
If nutrition info is shown, values are based on an online calculator and are estimates. Please verify using your own data.
Scottee Meade
We have salmon (Verlasso) at least once a week. I tried this recipe last night and it was simple and delicious. I didn't have dried parsley so I used fresh. I will definitely be making this recipe again!
Aimee
So glad you enjoyed!
RS
Excellent. Have made several times. No dried parsley so I use a lemon and herbs blend in its place
R
Absolutely amazing! I didn’t have dried parsley so I left it out. I doubled the panko crust topping.
Aimee
So glad you enjoyed!