Air Fryer Panko Crusted Salmon

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This easy Panko Crusted Salmon has a secret ingredient to keep the fish super tender inside. It’s a simple but delicious way to elevate an easy dinner to a crispy and flavorful masterpiece with a crunchy Panko crust!

It comes together in minutes and won’t leave you with a big mess to clean up.

This air fryer panko salmon recipe is the best!

Some nights I just don’t want to spend that much time in the kitchen, but I still want a satisfying and delicious dinner. Is takeout the only option? Definitely not!

This air fryer salmon comes together in minutes and features a flavorful and tangy sauce with a perfectly crispy Panko topping.

I usually prepare a veggie side like these garlic and lemon green beans or this air fryer asparagus while the fish cooks, but you can also throw a veggie in the air fryer with the salmon to make it easy! This Taco Slaw makes a surprisingly delicious side dish as well!

Just like my Air Fryer Tilapia and Air Fryer Sea Bass, this is an easy meal and the best way to incorporate more fish into your diet.

Ingredients you will need

Salmon filets: This healthy and versatile fish is the perfect base for a quick but satisfying dinner.

Mayonnaise: This is my secret ingredient for the most tender and delicious salmon!

Fresh basil: You can also use dried basil, but I prefer the flavor of fresh basil.

Lemon juice: Just like the basil, fresh lemon juice will give you the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used for easier prep.

Spices: A combination of paprika, salt and black pepper help to add lots of warm and savory flavor to your salmon.

Panko bread crumbs: It crisps up perfectly in the air fryer for a golden brown and delicious topping with the best crunchy texture.

*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.

How to make salmon with panko crust

1. Make The Herbed Mayo: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise with basil, dill, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Coat The Salmon: Place the salmon filets in the bottom of the air fryer basket, then spread a spoonful evenly over each filet.
3. Add The Panko: Top each filet with a generous helping of Panko breadcrumbs.
4. Spray with Oil: Use an olive oil cooking spray to give the Panko a light spritz.
5. Air Fry Salmon: Cook for 10 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees, or until salmon is fully cooked.
6. Serve: Remove the air fried salmon and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if you like and serve with a side of lemon wedges.

How to buy salmon

When shopping for the best salmon, look for fish that has a nice vibrant color and little to no scent. It shouldn’t smell super fishy, and you’ll want to look for salmon that has a shiny and moist appearance. Avoid brown spots or discoloration as well.

Fresh salmon is often the best in terms of quality, but some frozen salmon can also be delicious and convenient as well! This is important to keep in mind particularly during the off season for salmon, which is anytime outside of the window of May through October.

Which salmon is best?

Salmon comes from two major sources: fresh caught and farmed. Most people will tell you that fresh caught is always better, but when it comes from a good source, farmed salmon can be much more affordable and perfectly fine to buy.

As for salmon varieties, Pink Salmon and Coho Salmon are the most affordable and still boast good quality, and Sockeye Salmon and King Salmon will run you a higher bill but the payoff is a better quality fish with incredible flavor and texture.

Recipe tips and variations

• Use a different fish: This recipe works with a wide variety of fish like cod, pollock, tilapia, halibut, or mahi mahi.
• Seasonings: Aside from the paprika, salt, and pepper, you can also mix in additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, or ginger. Use smoked paprika instead of regular for a slightly smoky flavor. Another option is to add some Dijon mustard or lemon zest for a nice punch.
• More herbs: Top the salmon with more basil and dill, chives, oregano, or parsley.
• Leave room in the air fryer: For the most even cooking, be sure to leave a bit of space between each salmon filet in the air fryer tray.
• Check for doneness: If you’re not quite sure when your salmon is finished cooking, use a fork to gently poke at a filet. If it flakes easily, it’s likely ready to be served. Another option is to use a digital thermometer to check for an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F.

How to serve this panko salmon

If serving this air fried salmon for guests or for a special meal, I like to put it on a nice serving platter on a bed of fresh arugula. The color of the salmon will pop perfectly against the greens and the serving dish.

Another option when hosting is to make a larger portion in the oven by baking at 375 degrees F on an aluminum foil or parchment paper lined baking sheet for 12 to 15 minutes. This will still result in flaky salmon and a crunchy topping, but can accommodate more salmon at one time.

Serve your air fryer panko-crusted salmon on its own with a side of Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon or green beans, over a bowl of Ginger Rice, or with a tasty side salad! I like to pair mine with this Chopped Vegetable Salad or an Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.

Storing and reheating

Allow the salmon to cool to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, or freeze for a month or longer.

You can easily reheat your salmon in the air fryer at 350 degrees. Give the air fryer basket a light spritz with oil to prevent the fish from sticking.

More salmon recipes to try

• Salmon Rice Bowl
• Baked Salmon Patties
• Salmon Poke Bowl Recipe

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