Air Fryer Pesto Salmon

Air fryer pesto salmon is ready in less than 15 minutes! This quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe is flavorful and only uses 5 ingredients for a healthy and delicious lunch or dinner.

I make air fryer salmon at least twice a week in my house. It's just so easy, quick, and delicious.

This air fryer pesto salmon is one of my favorites. So much flavor comes from the pesto, that this recipe only needs a few ingredients! I typically use store bought pesto to make it easy, but you can use homemade pesto if you like!

I find that the flakiness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the pesto. The fresh basil flavors in the pesto almost make me feel like I could be on vacation in Italy. A girl can dream.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillet
• Olive oil - You'll use olive oil both for the salmon and for brushing (or spraying) onto your air fryer basket to prevent sticking
• Pesto - while you can you your own homemade pesto, I typically just use a jar of store bought pesto
• Salt
• Pepper

How to make air fryer pesto salmon

Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over the surface, and then rub into the salmon. Season with salt and pepper.

Spread the pesto over the top of the salmon fillet.

Brush or spray oil onto the air fryer basket so the salmon doesn't stick.

Add salmon to the air fryer basket (skin side down, if the skin is on the salmon).

Cook at 400 degrees F for 8-12 minutes. Salmon cook times will depend on your preferred level of doneness and thickness of your salmon. (This piece of salmon was perfectly cooked at the 8 minute mark).

Remove from the air fryer and plate. Enjoy!

What is pesto?

Pesto is an Italian condiment made from basil. While the traditional version uses basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, there are many variations out there.

Some variations will swap out the pine nuts for a different nut while other versions may use greens other than or in additional to basil.

Pesto is commonly enjoyed with pasta, though there are so many uses for it! It can be used on vegetables, pizza, meats, and fish. It's also sometimes used as a spread on sandwiches.

I love using pesto on this salmon and also to make air fryer pesto potatoes.

How to customize

One of the easiest ways to customize this salmon is by using a different type of pesto. I say, use your favorite!

You can also season your salmon with additional seasonings before adding the pesto. Want a little heat? Add some red pepper flakes. Want a little smokiness? Add smoked paprika.

However, I find that the pesto adds that perfect bright flavor that I never add anything else (other than the oil, salt, and pepper).

Don't want to use pesto but still want Mediterranean vibes? Try this Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon or Air Fryer Tuscan Salmon.

What to serve with the salmon

The air fryer pesto salmon can be served on salads, pasta, or just on its own as a main dish.

If serving as a main dish, I love pairing with Air Fryer Mediterranean Vegetables, Air Fryer Garlic Zucchini, Air Fryer Parmesan Tomatoes, Air Fryer Baby Potatoes, or Air Fryer Parmesan Green Beans.

The air fryer pesto salmon is also delicious with a simple arugula salad or Tuscan kale salad.

For a bread side dish, I love making air fryer cheesy garlic bread.

Recipe notes

• All air fryers cook differently. Cook times may need to be adjusted based on your air fryer and also the thickness of your salmon.
• You can use frozen salmon for this recipe, just thaw it completely before cooking.
• The salmon can be cooked with skin on or skin off. I typically cook with the skin on, and then remove after cooking. I find that is easier.

More air fryer salmon recipes

• Air Fryer Harissa Salmon
• Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki
• Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
• Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon
• Air Fryer Miso Salmon
• Air Fryer Crispy Skin Salmon
• Air Fryer Brown Sugar Salmon