Basil-Parmesan Crusted Salmon (Air Fryer or Oven)
I’m obsessed with this Basil-Parmesan Crusted Salmon recipe! I make this in the air fryer, it’s quick and easy, and the fish comes out so juicy inside.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon
Air fryer salmon is my favorite thing to make! So simple combining a little mayonnaise, basil and Parmesan which creates a delicious crust even the kids can’t resist! Of course, if you don’t have an air fryer you can make this in the oven.
The Skinnytaste by Vremi Air Fryer pictured above is finally available for pre-order on Amazon (US only). This is the air fryer I used to create all my air fryer recipes!
Is Salmon Good In The Air Fryer?
Salmon is one of my favorite things to make in the air fryer, it comes out so juicy and cooks so quick! Although you may have to cook this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer, in the time it takes to pre-heat a regular oven, both batches will be done. I make this at least once a week and switch it up with different herbs, but what makes this fish extra special is the Parmesan crust, I promise you will love it!
How Long Do I Cook Salmon In The Air Fryer?
How long to cook salmon in the air fryer will depend on the thickness of the fish. I like to cook salmon at 400F and cook it anywhere from 6 minutes to 10 minutes.
Air Fryer Tip:
Spraying the food rather than the basket is usually advised, but for some foods that may stick, spraying the basket is fine. Avoid cooking sprays, instead you can purchase an oil mister and use your favorite oil, or buy a propellant-free olive oil spray with no additives, such as Bertolli 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray.
Air Fryer Basil-Parmesan Salmon
Ingredients
- olive oil spray
- 4 salmon fillets, skin removed, about 5 ounce each
- 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, I like Sir Kensington
- 6 fresh basil leaves, minced, plus more for garnish
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Instructions
Air Fryer directions:
- Preheat air fryer to 400F. Spritz the basket with olive oil.
- Season the salmon with lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Mix the mayonnaise with basil and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
- Spread completely over the top of salmon. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- In batches, air fry 7 minutes, or longer depending on thickness of the salmon.
Oven directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425F. Spritz a sheet pan with olive oil.
- Season the salmon with lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Mix the mayonnaise with basil and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
- Spread completely over the top of salmon. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness of the salmon.
Hello what would be a good alternative to the mayonnaise?
Quick and easy salmon with tons of flavor! I’ve made this in the oven and air fryer – both came out great. I’ve even subbed parsley for the basil when our crop was looking iffy, and that came out great as well! As someone who grew up not liking fish, your salmon recipes have been a blessing. Thanks Gina!
Could you substitute plain Greek yogurt for the mayo?
I don’t have any fresh basil on hand. Would dried work just as well? Or maybe dried dill?
This was yummy!! Even my boyfriend commented multiple times how good it was .. he never does that. I have to ask him for his feedback all the time! I plan to make this recipe again many times for sure. Try it!
This recipe is AMAZING. I love salmon and this is the perfect recipe to make it even better.
I so want to make this. Could you taste the mayonaise?
Amazing for dinner last night! My husband wants to be sure added to my recipe website. Did it in the air fryer. For those asking about white fish, this would be wonderful on that as well. I plan on making it with cod next.
My new favorite way to make salmon. This is so delicious.
Can you make this with other fish?
Should the salmon be frozen or thawed before cooking?
Would it be ok to try with a white fish in the air fryer? I love salmon, but my husband doesn’t so was going to do a separate one for him.
I made this tonight but didn’t have fresh basil. I used dried instead. I added a clove of minced garlic. Delicious!
The absolute best taste, easiest prep salmon dish I have made in my 55 yrs of cooking! Thank you so much.
I made this last night for dinner and paired it with the Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic & Oil.
This salmon dish is outstanding. My husband called it “restaurant quality”. HE has requested it get added to the list of skinnytaste favorites.
Thank you again, Gina!
This is definitely being put into my regular meal planning rotation. Both my husband & I loved it. And it tasted just as good as leftovers a couple days later. A win in our house!
we loved it. so delicious.
I live this recipe. Make it at least once a week. Tried with chicken breast also. Delicious.
So we recently purchased an air fryer and hadn’t used it other than french fries. Your salmon looked so good I had to try it. We are sold. It looked just like yours and tasted amazing. So fast, EASY! Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes! And now we know the power behind the air fryer!
Could you use haddock instead of salmon?
This dish was INCREDIBLE. So juicy, tender, and perfectly flavorful!
Very good, the kids really enjoyed it. So simple yet so flavourful.
What’s the sugar content on this to get the points for WW?
The only way to get correct points is using WW recipe builder.
I have been making this for years but using basil pesto with parmesan on top instead of mayonnaise and basil
This is going on the menu list again this week. Last time I made it my husband said “this may be the best thing you have ever made!” That is saying something because he loves just about everything I’ve ever made from your site or the cookbooks. Plus, I’m not a fish lover but I could eat this every week. Keep up the great recipes.
I’m running out of positive adjectives to describe all of your Skinnytaste recipes! Lol
This was DELICIOUS! The Basil added a nice, delicate flavor to the fish, and the mayo gave it a richness that you just don’t expect from a “Skinny” meal. I couldn’t believe how moist the Salmon was, I used the Air Fryer for this recipe. Quality salmon is key though, I get mine from a small market in my town that gets it fresh from Alaska.
We enjoyed this meal with the Meal Plan recommended sides of Roasted Cauliflower Rice with Lemon and Garlic, and Wilted Spinach with Garlic and Oil. It was a high end restaurant quality meal in the comfort of our own home.
Thank you for all of your hard work and willingness to share your talents, Gina! We sure appreciate it! I am consistently eating more delicious food than I have ever eaten in my life, and still steadily losing weight! That’s the dream!
Delicious, fast and easy. My young kids loved it also. I used Duke’s light mayo to cut some fat and cals and it turned out great! Will keep this in regular rotation. My first batch at 10 mins was overcooked, so I reduced the time to 7 mins and it was perfect.
This was amazing! I made it for friends who joined me for dinner. I replaced the basil with fresh thyme since that is still alive in my garden in January. I did oven roast it as I was doing roasted cauliflower to pair it with.
This recipe is fabulous and tastes like you took hours creating rather than just a few minutes.
This is my favorite of your recipes so far. I make it once a week and everyone I served it to loves it! So simple, easy and healthy!
Thanks Vanessa!
Hi Gina. Are there green points available for this recipe? I love it and want to make sure I’m tracking appropriately when I make it next. Thank you!
I wondered the same, weird that they skipped the green points on this one. My calculations came out to 7pts per serving.
She has it listed as 6pts for green
Just out of curiosity, where do you see that because there was another recipe that didn’t list it either.
This is excellent. I’ve made it many times! Thanks.
This looks delicious! I had just finished my salmon I cooked in the air fryer that was really lacking something! Now I know! I’ll save this and try soon, thank you!
Delicious and soooo easy!! Love salmon and this was a lovely way to make it. Will definately make again. A keeper!!
I put my own spin on this because I didn’t have mayonnaise or basil. I used the La Terra Fina Spinach, Artichoke, Parmesan dip that you buy at Costco (https://laterrafina.com/product/spinach-artichoke-parmesan/). Two tbsp. is only 3 Freestyle Points. Topped it with extra parmesan. Same concept and was absolutely delicious.
this is soo delicious and a quick meal with low points!!
This is restaurant-quality good and I’ll definitely serve it the next time we have company over. So easy, so fresh, so delicious. Thanks Gina!
I was making this and was a little skeptical thinking it wouldn’t have enough flavor. Once it came out of the oven, I took a bite and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. So flavorful. It literally melted in my mouth. This is now my favorite salmon recipe.
This was my first time making fish in my new air fryer. I can’t believe how moist the Salmon was. I never knew how much my oven was drying it out. The parmesan made a perfect added crunch to the fish.
Made this for dinner served on dressed arugula salad and it was delicious! I forgot to buy fresh basil so I used some basil pesto I had on hand mixed with the mayo and it was so very good. Next time I will remember to buy basil! Thank you for this recipe as it will be a regular in my rotation.
Has anyone used dried basil in place of fresh?
I legit just got back from shopping and fresh basil slipped my mind.
Can you create a recipe for the air fryer with Cod fish?
My husband been catching Salmon all summer. I’m always looking for different recipes to cook/bake this. This was sooo good! I don’t have a air fryer yet. 🙏 So I baked this in the oven for 8 minutes. then 2 minutes on broil. Perfect and moist. Will be doing this again.
Thank you Gina!
Wow! I’ve always steered clear of cooking salmon in fear that I would mess it up but this looked so Good I decided to try it. My family isn’t big on salmon but I love it so I usually order it when we eat out. Well….not only was this recipe SO easy, it was delicious and a huge hit with the family. I have a family of 5 so I doubled the recipe expecting to have leftovers…..and my son went back for 3rds! I don’t have an air fryer yet so I followed the baking instructions…I can’t wait to get an air fryer and try it again because I can only imagine it will be amazing! This will be on repeat at my house for sure!
YAY!
I never liked salmon that much but eat it often because my husband loves it. This recipe has turned me into a salmon lover! I will be making this again and again. Another bonus is that is so easy.
Hi Gina! Love this recipe!
I am making this for a group and have two questions:
1. How do you keep the pieces warm when having to make in batches?
2. What would be a good side dish for this besides salad?
Thank you!!!!
You can warm your oven and keep it there until it’s done. Any vegetable such as green beans, broccoli, etc would be great.
New favorite way to eat salmon! Gina, you’re the best!!
Made this for my lunch this week. I love salmon. It came out amazing!!! It almost didn’t make it for my lunch it looked so good. I will be making this a lot.
What is the salad that is paired with this fish… It looks simple and heavenly! Arugula maybe?
Yes real basic with olive oil salt and pepper
Used the baking recipe. Turned out PERFECT. Added a bit more toppings than called for, but I may have had bigger pieces. Will be making again!
I’ve never been very fond of fish, partly due to being forced to eat it as a child and partly from all those years of fish and liver on the early Weight Watchers plan.
Someone posted a link to this recipe on a message board, a couple of people tried it, and they all raved about it. So I decided to put it on the menu for a luncheon I gave today.
I have to say that this recipe is simple, quick, and very tasty and enjoyable. I will make it for myself again in the future.
Thanks, Gina!
So easy and so good.
Really tasty and tender. Super easy to make! I will make it again! 🙂
What is your favorite type of salmon to cook with?
As long as it’s wild you cant go wrong, but I personally like Alaskan Sockeye
So fast and easy! This will be a new staple in my rotation for sure!
What is the side salad pictured? Looks yummy. This is on next week’s menu and cannot wait!
I used arugula, grape tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper 🙂 You can also add balsamic.
My family loved this recipe even my husband who doesn’t like cheese. It was very flavorful. I baked it in the oven and broiled it for the last five minutes to allow the cheese to get a light brown crust on it. I will definitely cook this again!
So is the mayo-mix just enough for one salmon filet, or will it work for two?
The Mayo mix is for all 4 salmon fillets
This is crave worthy! I used a bit of sriracha mayo to give it a kick. Oh my yum.
Is there anything to substitute for the mayo?
Plain Greek yogurt might be a good substitute.
This salmon was absolutely delicious and so easy to prepare. I used light mayo to keep points lower. Loved this!!!!!
Just made this today, the fish turned out perfectly, tender and flaky with a nice Parmesan crunchy crust. it is so fast and easy and incredibly delicious. I will be adding this to my list of top favorites!
One of my favorite skinny taste recipes yet! The salmon was perfectly cooked. I used 4oz filets and cooked for 8 min in air fryer since they were a little thicker! So flavorful, tender, and flakey!
Holy hell Gina, this is amazing. This is probably my new favorite salmon recipe!
I made this tonight and it is AMAZING! For those that are leary of the mayo it does not have a mayo taste. Just parm and basil. so good!
Delicious and easy to make! I don’t have an air fryer so I used the good ol’ oven. My fillets were closer to 4 oz each, so I watched the baking time and it came out beautifully cooked. This will be one of my “go-to” recipes!
Easy and delicious! Thank you!
Followed this recipe to a T and am so glad I did. It turned out to be probably the best salmon I’ve ever had. I used two salmon fillets that were right under 5 oz. each and cooked them in the air fryer for the 7 minutes. They were cooked perfectly. My husband wont touch mayo so I made sure he wasn’t in the kitchen when I used it 😉 he couldn’t even tell mayo was used. I’ll never cook salmon another way! Thanks for such an awesome recipe!
Awesome!!!
This looks great! It’s on the menu for next week. What is the salad you served it with?
I am also wondering about the salad… Looks like Arugula, tomatoes and red onion but and maybe some cheese.? What dressing?
Oh, Gina. This is now one of my favorite recipes of yours. This was so tasty and EASY! I’ve been a fan of yours since 2008 and use so many of your recipes. Thank you!
This was easy and delicious!
This is a keeper–easily one of the best recipes of yours yet! (And I don’t even care for salmon that much!) My husband went nuts for this as well, so I know it will be on our rotation for sure. Been “frying” my way through your new cookbook–the veggie leek frittata was made this morning for breakfast and is also to die for. (Tomorrow morning? I am making the breakfast pockets!) Love your recipes Gina!
Thanks Heather!
Another great hit with our family! Thank you Gina! This one is going into our regular rotation. Simple ingredients, simple instructions and fantastic results!!!
I am new to air frying, and tried ghis recipe. It was delicious! Thanks gina….love your recipes.
WOWOWOW!! This was my first time trying a Skinnytaste recipe and I’ll be back for more! This turned out so delicious and yet still light (I served it with mushroom wild rice). I am thoroughly impressed with the flavor combination – basil was an excellent choice – and am excited to try other recipes!
Our new fav! Excellent and easy!
I couldn’t believe how easy and tasty this was!
I made this last night and it was so delicious! My two-year-old grandson ate a full piece and asked for more. I will definitely be making this again! Thanks, Gina! Love, love your recipes!
Thanks Debbie!
Thank you… This was delicious, simple and so quick! Just what I needed on a day like today. I used mahi mahi since we’re not fans of Salmon. It was still super juicy and flavorful. I seasoned fish with pepper and garlic salt. Can’t wait to make it again
Gina
My son said this taste better than restaurant fish! Probably the best recipe thus far, crispy and so tasty! Thank you for making healthy eating so delicious
Erika
The pictures have shredded parm. Is it shredded or grated (like what comes in a shaker)?
I never use a shaker, you can grate it fresh or shred it, from fresh.
I made this for my family in my Skinnytaste air fryer tonight. The prep was easy and the air fryer cooked the salmon perfectly and so fast! I had 3 7-ounce filets and cooked them for 9 min. Even my 4 and 6 year olds loved it…although they’ve had a long standing love of salmon because of Gina’s teriyaki salmon recipe 😊 Will definitely be adding this to the dinner rotation!
Awesome!
Wow, what a great recipe. I’m just starting to like salmon – great flavor, moist, and easy to make.
Thanks for a great receipt, can’t wait to try another one of your recipes. It was so simple and easy, I’m making it for my friends when they come over for Game Night. They’ll think I slaved in the kitchen all afternoon.
They don’t need to know you didn’t! 🙂
Made this on the grill. Delicious! Thanks!
For one, I mixed 1 tbsp light mayo, 1 tbsp grated parm, 2 basil leaves. Easy, quick, and tasty!
What can I use in place of mayonnaise? No one in my family likes mayonnaise or sour cream or mustard.
Same was just going to ask.
Same wanted to ask too
I really think the mayo makes it, but you could try olive oil or pesto.
So yummy and fast!! I love the new Vremi fryer too.
Great I am so glad!
Absolutely delicious! Made it 2 nights in a row it was so good. Definitely will share this recipe with family and friends.
Delicious and not dry!
I do not eat mayo (at all), do you think I can sub greek yogurt for the mayo in this recipe?
This was so easy and delicious! I generally don’t like salmon but this was perfect.
What is the recipe for the salad? This looks delicious!
Gina, Gina, Gina!!! I will definitely be making this again! This was magically delicious!!!! I haven’t had a bad recipe from you yet. THANK YOU!
Thanks Aisha!
Love that crust! thanks for the great idea
Delicious!!!!!
So delicious and rich! The salmon came out perfectly in the air fryer. Thanks for an awesome recipe!
This was SOOOO Good!! Thank you!
This was delicious! I made it with light mayo because that is all I had. We made it in the air fryer. So simple and amazingly delicious. I sprinkled a little bit of whole wheat panko on top just for some crunch. This will be on our rotation!
This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it tonight! Wilmington, DE
Hi Gina, love your Skinnytaste Recipe book. Now trying your Airfryer recipes, making this salmon tonight! What’s the “Points + 8′” mean? I am familiar with WW Freestyle point. Thanks!
That is an older WW program. 🙂
Would it work with Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Made this salmon earlier this week. It is delicious! I followed the directions for baking in the oven and the top browned nicely and the salmon was moist and juicy inside. I eat salmon at least once a week and am always looking for easy very low carb recipes. Love your website!
I’ve made this twice now, and it is so delicious!! It will become a staple in our house. It is so incredibly easy to make and full of flavor-perfect for a week night dinner!
I’ve been following & making your recipes for YEARS but just now saw this one and I was craving Salmon! If I HAD to choose 1 meal to eat for the rest of my life this would be it!!! It was literally THAT good!! And so easy!!! I did it in the oven since I don’t have an air fryer yet but now I’m curious and thinking I will go order yours!!!
Thanks Abby!
What type of salmon is shown in this recipe? We live in the Pacific Northwest, and have many options, but am curious what your favorite is.
Gina,
My vremi air fryer was delivered today. So excited.. can’t wait to try some of your recipes from the skinnytaste air fryer cookbook. You rock Gina.. thanks for teaching me how to cook. Keep up the good work.
Thanks! I hope you love it!
Can you use maybe cod instead of salmon? I have cod in my freezer
Should be good.
This sounds awesome! Do you think it will work with chicken breast too? My husband does not like seafood. Thank you!
There is a very similar recipe using chicken breasts from Hellman’s/Best Food Mayonnaise. It uses bread crumbs and no basil but I am on a very low carb diet so I make it with Parmesan, mayo and almond flour on chicken breast then bake. Sure you can find the recipe. The chicken comes out so moist and yummy.
Could this be cooked on the grill?
Just made this for lunch and served it over arugula that I tossed with lemon juice, parmesan, and basil. It was really, really delicious, super easy, and quick. Thanks for always having such great recipes.
I made this last night in the oven because I don’t have an air fryer. I added chopped sun dried tomato to the mayo mixture. This recipe was really delicious. Thank you so much!
Gina, is that full fat mayo or light?
Thanks!
I LOOOOVE salmon. Cannot wait to try this!
Full fat
Sooooo good!! Made it in the oven, this is our new favorite way to make salmon!
I did light Mayo and stillness AMAZING
How long can I store the recipe in the fridge? Just thinking about meal prep!
I wouldn’t do more than 2 days.
Does a convection oven produce a similar result as an air fryer? Many of us have limited space for large appliances. But if I would really have superlative results, I might try hard to find space! I guess I just wonder how MUCH better is an airfryer than a regular oven, or convection oven?
I’m not one to jump on the bandwagon of appliances like air fryer, insta pot, sous de vie, etc. On the other hand I LOVE to cook, and always looking for ways to produce amazing results in my kitchen….
Is there a convincing reason to get an air fryer?? Can you tempt me with good reasons, or do you honestly think a convection oven would produce similar results?
Gina, I’m considering purchasing an air fryer. What makes yours superior to others on the market? Mostly, I’m cooking for one now. I rarely cook fish in the house because of the odors. Would air fryer eliviate this problem? Love to hear your thoughts.
I used an air fryer and had ZERO smell. I never knew you could cook fish in an air fryer but it was perfect and super quick. No setting off the alarm with smoke either lol.
I despise mayonnaise! Is there a substitute you can suggest? Greek yogurt or sour cream maybe?
I really think the mayo makes it, but you could try olive oil or pesto.
Thanks! Maybe I’ll be bold and go for the mayo!
It’s definitely not going to taste at all like mayo. I make a similar salmon recipe all the time and the purpose of the mayo is essentially to use its main ingredients (oil, eggs) to keep the fish nice and moist under the breading/topping. The mayo itself just kind of cooks into an oil base, it doesn’t stay creamy at all. People get so freaked out over this ingredient!
Mine tasted exactly like mayo….maybe I used too much
Did you measure? It may also be the brand you are using.
I cannot use mayo. Is there a substitut
This comes out to be 7 ww points per servings, according to the values given in the nutrition information. Am I missing something?
Hi Kate. Are you using the recipe builder? The only accurate way to determine any recipe’s SmartPoints® value is to plug the ingredients into the recipe builder on the Weight Watchers website (Click on “My Foods,” select “Recipe,” and click “Create a recipe.”) which does not count fruits and vegetables in recipes in the calculations as they are now 0 points.
The SmartPoints® calculator isn’t meant for recipes and will often give you the wrong points (usually higher) because it’s counting the fruits and vegetables. So if you see a recipe with a SmartPoints® value that’s different from what the calculator tells you, now you know why.
Hi Gina,
I cooked this tonight and it was the best salmon I’ve had! I’ve just got a question about the Mayo with the WW points. Even when I put the recipe in the WW recipe builder in the ap it puts the 3 tablespoons of mayo at 19 points so makes it more than 3SP per serve. Am I missing son too?
Emily, according to the app when I checked the 3 T of mayo has 10 so maybe there was an error somewhere?
Is it possible to brown chicken breasts in the air fryer before finishing in the oven?
I cook boneless, skinless chicken all the time in the air fryer. Just rub with olive oil and season the way you want. I airfry at 375 for about 15 – 20 min according to the size of the chicken. Comes out moist. No need to put in oven. Mayonnaise and mustard on breast is good too.
I have done a similiar recipe using chicken and tarragon
How long do you think the recipe would keep in the fridge? Just thinking meal prep as this looks amazing, but I’m always wary of how long I can keep fish! Thanks!
2 days.
Could defrosted frozen salmon be used?
I used defrosted salmon that I patted dry with a paper towel. Came out delicious in the air fryer.
Hubby doesn’t want me to take the skin off the salmon. Will it turn out as good?
Do you think any other herbs would be good? I have a bunch of cilantro in my refrigerator. I can’t wait to try this! I love my air fryer!
Parsley would be great, or even rosemary.
I have your new air fryer cookbook and love that you included toaster oven type air fryer modifications. For this recipe, would time and temp modifications be needed for the Cuisinart toaster oven/air fryer?
How long would you cook the salmon if you don’t preheat the air fryer??
I would add 2 to 3 min.
I have been waiting for this one since I saw it on your stories a few time. Looking forward to trying it!
enjoy!
Any other fish you might recommend for this same recipe.
Looks so delish! Where are the plates from?
Bet you this can be under Keto friendly.
My husband isn’t a salmon fan, what other fish can I use for him? Can’t wait to try this for my daughter and myself who love salmon lol
Hi! If mayo makes me sad, can I use plain Greek yogurt?
I am the same – mayo just isn’t my thing at all! I’m hoping there is an alternative l!
It will not be the same if you take out the mayo. Perhaps use pesto instead.
Hi! Is there a reason this recipe wouldn’t be considered Keto?
Yes I just forgot to label it.
Is there something you can use in place of the mayo? Sour cream? Greek yogurt?
It won’t be the same.
We have an egg allergy, you said that it will not be the same if you remove the mayo… But we don’t have a choice, Do you think sour cream would be better them yogurt?
Have you tried vegan mayo? (Veganaisse.)
Hellman’s makes a really good vegan mayo! Doesn’t taste sorry mayo like either.
Oops I meant doesn’t takes super mayo like***
Hello, Gina!
If i don’t have an air fryer but would still like to make this recipe but use my oven instead, what temperature/cooking time would you recommend?
Thanks!
425, oven directions are listed under the air fryer ones. 🙂