Here is my favorite air fryer parmesan crusted salmon recipe, with a simple mayo and parmesan topping, herb and garlic seasoning, and salmon fillets that cook up perfectly in the air fryer.

This salmon is my go-to weeknight dinner when I need something quick but still want it to feel special. The parmesan crust gets crispy on top while the salmon stays moist inside, and cleanup is a breeze. My family requests this one at least once a week!

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Salmon

Ready in under 20 minutes – This air fryer salmon is perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor.
Only 4 ingredients – You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, making this an easy go-to recipe without a special grocery run.
Healthy and protein-packed – Salmon is loaded with omega-3s and protein, so you’re getting a nutritious meal that actually tastes indulgent thanks to the crispy parmesan crust.
No oven required – The air fryer cooks the salmon perfectly without heating up your whole kitchen, and cleanup is a breeze.

What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

You can choose farm-raised or wild-caught salmon for this recipe, and both will work great. If all you have access to is frozen salmon, don’t worry – it’ll still turn out delicious. Most fresh salmon at the grocery store has actually been previously frozen right off the boat anyway. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry with paper towels before adding your parmesan crust. For the best results in the air fryer, try to pick fillets that are similar in thickness so they cook evenly.

Options for Substitutions

This simple salmon recipe works well with a few easy swaps if you need them:

Salmon fillets: While salmon works great here, you can use other firm fish like cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi. Just keep an eye on cooking time since thinner fillets may cook faster.
Mayo: Greek yogurt or sour cream make good substitutes if you’re out of mayo. They’ll give you a similar creamy coating, though the flavor will be slightly tangier.
Parmesan cheese: Try using pecorino romano for a sharper taste, or asiago for something milder. You could even use a mix of mozzarella and parmesan if that’s what you have on hand.
Herb and garlic seasoning: Don’t have this specific blend? Mix together 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning. You can also just use garlic powder and salt if you want to keep it simple.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making air fryer salmon is overcooking it, which happens fast since air fryers cook more efficiently than ovens – check your salmon at the 6-minute mark if your fillets are on the thinner side, and look for flesh that flakes easily with a fork.

Don’t skip patting your salmon dry with paper towels before adding the mayo mixture, as excess moisture will prevent that crispy parmesan crust from forming properly.

Another common error is overcrowding the air fryer basket, so make sure to leave at least an inch of space between fillets to allow hot air to circulate and create an even crust on all sides.

For the best texture, let your salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking, which allows the juices to redistribute and keeps your fish moist instead of dry.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Salmon?

This parmesan crusted salmon pairs really well with roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts that you can toss in the air fryer while the salmon cooks. A simple side of rice pilaf or garlic mashed potatoes makes it feel like a complete dinner without too much extra work. I also love serving it with a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, since the peppery greens balance out the richness of the mayo and cheese. For something heartier, try it alongside pasta tossed with butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Storage Instructions

Store: Leftover salmon keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The parmesan crust might soften a bit, but it still tastes great. I like to flake it over a salad the next day or enjoy it cold with some roasted veggies.

Freeze: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container or wrapped tightly in foil. Just know that the texture changes slightly after freezing, so it works better flaked into pasta dishes or salmon cakes than served as a whole fillet.

Warm Up: To enjoy your salmon warm again, heat it gently in the air fryer at 300°F for about 3-4 minutes, just until warmed through. You can also microwave it on low power for 30-second intervals, but the crust won’t be as crispy that way.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	5-10 minutes
Total Time	10-20 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy
Servings	4 servings

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

Calories: 800-900
Protein: 80-90 g
Fat: 55-65 g
Carbohydrates: 2-4 g

Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise (I use Hellmann’s)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated for better coverage)
4 salmon fillets (4 oz each, skin-on preferred)
1 tsp herb and garlic seasoning

Step 1: Prepare the Parmesan Crust Mixture

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp herb and garlic seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and herb and garlic seasoning.

Mix until you have a uniform paste.

Freshly grated parmesan works better than pre-shredded here because it distributes more evenly and creates a more cohesive crust when it melts.

Step 2: Coat the Salmon Fillets

4 salmon fillets
parmesan crust mixture from Step 1

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this helps the mayo-parmesan mixture adhere better.

Place the fillets skin-side down on a cutting board or directly in your air fryer basket.

Generously spread the parmesan mixture from Step 1 evenly over the top of each fillet, using about 2 tablespoons per fillet.

Make sure to coat all the way to the edges for even browning.

Step 3: Air Fry Until Golden and Cooked Through

coated salmon fillets from Step 2

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 2 minutes.

Arrange the coated salmon fillets in the basket in a single layer, skin-side down, making sure they don’t overlap.

Cook for 8 minutes—the salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, and the parmesan crust should be golden brown.

I find that skin-on fillets help keep the fish moist while the crust gets crispy.

Serve immediately while the crust is still at its crispiest.