Pesto Crusted Salmon

Introduction

Salmon is a beloved fish on dinner tables across the UK, celebrated for its delicious flavour and impressive health benefits. One delightful way to prepare salmon is by crusting it with pesto, offering an aromatic blend of fresh herbs and nuts that enhances the richness of the fish. Using an air fryer not only modernises this classic dish but also promotes a healthier lifestyle by reducing the amount of oil required. This easy-to-make pesto crusted salmon is both convenient and delectable, making it perfect for any home cook.

Pesto Crusted Salmon

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in UK kitchens due to their ability to fry foods with minimal oil, reducing unhealthy fats in traditionally oily recipes. For this pesto-crusted salmon, the air fryer ensures the salmon remains moist on the inside while achieving a perfect crust on the outside, all in a fraction of the time taken by conventional ovens.

Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (approximately 150g each)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing your pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  2. With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil through the feed tube. Continue to process until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Spread a generous amount of pesto over the top of each salmon fillet. Ensure the fillets are thoroughly coated to form the pesto crust.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F).
  5. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  6. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the pesto crust is golden. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach at least 60°C (140°F).
  7. Remove from the air fryer and let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Finished Pesto Crusted Salmon

Serving Suggestions

Pair your pesto-crusted salmon with a light side salad or some steamed vegetables for a nutritious and balanced meal. New potatoes or a quinoa salad can also complement the flavours beautifully.

Conclusion

This pesto-crusted salmon recipe exemplifies the principles of modern cooking—efficient, healthy, and flavourful. Using an air fryer not only enhances the texture of the dish but also aligns with a healthier lifestyle. Whether for a family dinner or a meal for entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its taste and simplicity.