Air Fryer Parmesan Herb Crusted Salmon is a beautiful mix of crispy, cheesy topping and tender, flaky fish. The air fryer gives the crust a golden finish while keeping the salmon moist inside, and the herbs add a fresh, savory flavor that makes every bite feel bright and comforting at the same time.
As a mom and wife, I love meals like this that look impressive on the plate but take very little effort to pull together. Salmon cooks quickly, the topping is made with simple ingredients, and cleanup is easy — which is always a win in my kitchen.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, but also nice enough to serve when you want something a little more special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salmon is crispy on top, tender inside, and full of flavor.
You’ll love it because:
- The Parmesan crust turns golden and slightly crispy
- Fresh herbs add brightness and depth
- The air fryer keeps the salmon juicy
- It’s quick enough for busy evenings
- It pairs well with so many simple sides
It’s a reliable, feel-good meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 5–6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Parmesan Herb Crust
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Zest of ½ a lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
For Serving (Optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Extra chopped parsley
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Herb Crusted Salmon
1. Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the topping stick better and prevents excess moisture.
Brush the tops lightly with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Make the Parmesan Herb Mixture
In a small bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, oregano, lemon zest, and olive oil or melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
This mixture should be slightly moist so it sticks to the salmon.
3. Add the Crust
Press the Parmesan herb mixture onto the top of each salmon fillet, gently pressing so it adheres.
There’s no need to coat the bottom — keeping the crust on top helps it stay crisp in the air fryer.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Salmon
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
Place the salmon fillets inside, crust side up, in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden.
Avoid flipping to keep the topping intact.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the salmon rest for a minute or two after cooking. Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- Don’t overcook — salmon cooks quickly
- Use even-sized fillets for consistent cooking
- Press the crust gently so it sticks well
- Check early if your fillets are thin
You’re looking for flaky fish with a lightly crisp top.
For more seafood cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Seafood Recipes Guide.
Easy Variations
You can switch up the flavors easily:
- Add a little Dijon mustard under the crust for extra depth
- Swap parsley for dill
- Use crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
It’s a simple base that works with lots of flavor combinations.
What to Serve With Parmesan Herb Salmon
This salmon pairs well with light, fresh sides.
Family-friendly options include:
- Lemon rice or herbed quinoa
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- A simple garden salad
- Air fryer baby potatoes
- Steamed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon
The crispy topping and tender fish go with almost anything.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes to warm through without drying it out. The crust may soften slightly but will still be flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Parmesan Herb Crusted Salmon is the kind of meal that feels both wholesome and comforting. The crispy, cheesy herb topping and flaky salmon make a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
It’s quick, simple, and elegant enough to serve anytime you want a dinner that looks great and tastes even better — without spending all evening in the kitchen.
