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–+ servings
A delicious plate of Pesto Salmon garnished with fresh herbs
Leo Martinez

Pesto Salmon

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This flavorful Pesto Salmon is tender, juicy, and loaded with bright basil-garlic flavor. It's quick to prepare using your air fryer or slow cooker — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets fresh or thawed, skin-on or skinless
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional cherry tomatoes for added flavor and color

Equipment

  • air fryer or use a slow cooker
  • Baking dish or foil for air fryer insert if needed
  • Tongs or spatula to remove cooked salmon
  • citrus juicer optional, for squeezing lemon

Method
 

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to help the pesto stick better.
  2. Sprinkle each fillet with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Spread pesto generously over each fillet. Add cherry tomatoes around the salmon, if using.
  4. Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
    Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 2–3 hours or on high for 1–1.5 hours until fully cooked.
  5. Right before serving, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the salmon for extra brightness.
  6. Plate your salmon with sides of choice — rice, veggies, or salad. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 34gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 610mgVitamin A: 380IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

You can make this recipe in either the air fryer or a slow cooker. Add cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor, and serve with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

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