Why We Love This Easy Salmon Recipe
Here is a winning summer dish! Flaky, moist, and tender salmon is baked with vibrant basil pesto and a crisp Panko topping. It’s quick to prepare in under 20 minutes, offers tons of flavor and contrasting textures, and goes fabulously with all sorts of side dishes. Plus, you can make this Pesto Salmon recipe in the oven or in the air fryer!
6 Ingredients You Need
Salmon fillets – wild caught, with skin on Basil pesto – store-bought (or homemade pesto made with fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese!) Panko breadcrumbs – regular or gluten-free Olive oil – or other preferred high heat neutral-flavored cooking oil, like avocado oil Salt and black pepper – to taste
How to Make Pesto Salmon
Place a large salmon fillet, or smaller individually cut salmon fillets, on a rimmed sheet pan. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Brush the tops of the salmon fillets with pesto. Then sprinkle the tops with Panko breadcrumbs. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the Panko.
Get the Complete (Printable) Air Fried or Baked Pesto Salmon Recipe Below. Enjoy!
How to Bake Salmon at 400
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the baking sheet with salmon in the oven, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the top is golden.
How to Air Fry Pesto Salmon
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 Panko top is crispy.
Recipe Variations
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.
What to Serve with Pesto Salmon
Enjoy this flavorful salmon as the main protein with yummy summer side dishes, like stuffed zucchini boats, roasted cherry tomatoes and pasta, couscous salad, or miso roasted root vegetables! We love to pair crispy Panko and pesto salmon with grilled veggies and/or fresh green salad. Or bring some carb-a-liciousness to the table and serve over linguini or fettuccini, or alongside Italian Mac & Cheese.
Looking for More Easy Seafood Recipes?
Oven Baked Salmon with Parmesan Crust Baked White Fish with Everything Bagel Crust Potato Ship Crusted Baked Sea Bass Roasted Fish Bruschetta Baked Halibut with Basil Butter
Share This Recipe With Friends!
