Air Fryer Pistachio Crusted Salmon
Pistachio Crusted Salmon comes together in the air fryer in under 10 minutes, with a golden, crunchy crust and tender, flaky fish inside. The pistachios add bold flavor and just the right amount of crunch. It’s fast, impressive, and easily one of my go-to air fryer salmon dinners.
I have made this many times in the past 2 years, with salmon as well as arctic char and haddock. It is SO good, and it’s my go-to recipe for a delicious meal that is easy to prepare. Everyone that I have served it to has raved about it.
Pistachio crusted salmon is one of those recipes that feels restaurant-worthy without too much time or effort. The nutty coating locks onto the salmon as it cooks, creating layers of texture and flavor that make every bite amazing. It’s a great way to switch up your usual salmon routine when you’re craving something with a little more crunch and personality.
This is also the kind of recipe that shows off just how great the air fryer can be. It crisps the pistachio coating while keeping the fish tender and flaky. I use my air fryer on repeat for dinners like this, along with favorites like Miso Air Fryer Salmon Bites and Blackened Salmon, because the results are fast, consistent, and full of flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy without frying: The air fryer gives you that golden, crunchy pistachio crust without extra oil.
- Fast but impressive: It looks and tastes like a restaurant entrée, yet it’s on the table in just about 10 minutes.
- Big flavor, simple ingredients: Only 6 ingredients stand between you and a seriously delicious salmon dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon filets: Use center-cut filets, about 5 ounces each, for even cooking and perfectly flaky results.
- All-purpose seasoning: You can use any favorite seasoning. I like this one.
- Fresh mint: Adds a light, fresh flavor that brightens the salmon without overpowering it.
- Fresh dill: Classic with salmon, dill brings a mild, herby taste that pairs perfectly with lemon.
- Pistachios: Finely chopped for the best texture; they create a crunchy, nutty crust that sticks well to the fish.
- Light mayonnaise: If you’ve never tried this before, you may think it sounds weird but a thin layer keeps the salmon moist while it cooks.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed adds brightness and balances the richness of the salmon and mayo.
*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.
Substitutions/Additions
- Nuts: Instead of pistachios, try using chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts if that’s what you have on hand.
- Herbs: For the fresh dill and/or mint, you can substitute parsley, chives, or basil, or use just one herb instead of both.
- Seasoning: Simple salt and pepper are perfectly fine if you want to keep it basic.
- Dijon mustard: Stir a teaspoon into the mayo for a subtle tang.
- Parmesan cheese: Mix a tablespoon or two into the pistachios for a salty, savory boost.
How to make salmon in the air fryer
- Season the salmon: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF and spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Season the salmon filets with your favorite all purpose seasoning or salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix: Combine the mayonnaise with mint, dill, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Add the topping: Spoon the mayonnaise mixture over the tops of the salmon. Top each filet with a heaping amount of chopped pistachios.
- Air fry salmon: Lightly spray the salmon with olive oil and air fry for 6-8 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. If you’re using a larger piece of salmon, continue cooking the salmon in 1 minute increments until cooked to your liking.
- Serve: Using a small spatula, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and plate. Garnish with fresh dill if desired.
Recipe FAQs
No, you don’t have to remove the skin. Keeping the skin on helps protect the salmon while it cooks, adds flavor, and makes it easier to handle in the air fryer. Just place the salmon skin-side down so it gets crisp on the bottom while the pistachio crust stays golden on top. If you prefer skinless salmon, you can remove it before cooking—the recipe will still work. You can also slide a spatula between the skin and the salmon to remove it after cooking.
Yes, you can bake it! Place the salmon filets on a foil-lined baking sheet and cook for 12-15 minutes at 400F, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking.
Salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The pistachio crust should be lightly golden and crisp.
serving Suggestions
This pistachio crusted salmon pairs well with a variety of quick, flavorful sides. Some of my favorites to serve alongside it are this herb and mushroom couscous, spring couscous salad, cherry tomato salad, or these roasted mini potatoes.
If you’re aiming to keep the entire meal on the table in under 15 minutes, oven baked broccolini is the way to go. It cooks quickly and finishes right alongside the salmon, making dinner timing effortless.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Air fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Crispy Air Fryer French Fries
If you tried this salmon and pistachio recipe or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you, and this helps my business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes!
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Air Fryer Pistachio Crusted Salmon
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Equipment
Ingredients
- olive oil cooking spray
- 5 salmon filets, about 5 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 4 fresh mint leaves, minced
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, about half a lemon
- 3/4 cup pistachios, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400ºF and spray the basket with olive oil.olive oil cooking spray
- Season the salmon with all purpose seasoning.5 salmon filets,, 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
- Combine mayonnaise with mint, dill, and lemon juice in a small bowl, then spoon a generous amount over each salmon filet. Top each filet with a heaping portion of chopped pistachios. I like to put the salmon in the air fryer before dressing it with the mayo mixture to save on cleanup and so I don't have to worry about messing it up when trying to put it in the basket.1/4 cup light mayonnaise, 4 fresh mint leaves,, 1.5 tablespoons fresh dill,, 3/4 cup pistachios,, 2 tablespoons lemon juice,
- Lightly spray the salmon with olive oil and air fry the filets for 6-8 minutes. If you're using a larger piece of salmon, air fry it for additional time in 1 minute increments. Remember, air fryers cook things quickly!
- Using a small spatula, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and plate. Garnish with fresh dill if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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I have made this many times in the past 2 years, with salmon as well as arctic char and haddock. It is SO good, and it’s my go-to recipe for a delicious meal that is easy to prepare. Everyone that I have served it to has raved about it.
Ahhh I love to hear this so much! Thanks Nancy!
Awesome, loved how easy this was! Taste good too 🙂
Can this be used with other fish, like Cat fish Sole, Flounder or Wall eye?
I haven’t tried it with those, but I don’t see why not! You’ll just want to adjust the cook time based on the fish.
DO NOT USE SPRAY OLIVE OIL OR ANY OTHER SPRAY OILS as mentioned above. It will damage the non stick coating of the basket. Otherwise cook away!!!
Thanks for that note, Chris. Using a refillable oil sprayer is ok for air fryers.
All olive oil eats the Teflon. Spray or not. If it’s non stick, trust it to not stick.
Need an easy and quick way to print. All I did was scroll down and find pictures and more printed comments. Won’t use this sit again.
We love salmon Don’t want to manually copy recipes.
Yes of course – you should be able to purchase a cookbook online or at your local bookstore. That way you don’t have to spend your precious time supporting food bloggers who work tirelessly to provide their readers with free recipes, you can spend your money instead!
Never mind! I found the recipe! Lol
Lol! Let me know how you like it 🙂
The PISTACHIO CRUSTED AIR FRYER SALMON sounds great, but where is the actual recipe? It says to mix the mayo and other stuff together but doesn’t say how much of each ingredient.
Delicious!!! And so easy. Will definitely be making it again.
Thank you Lucy!
Less than 15 minutes to this delicious dish? Yes please!! On my way to get an Air Fryer asap!
Yummy! Love that you used pistachios and that this salmon comes together so effortlessly!
I love the combination of salmon and pistachio, it looks absolutely delicious! Plus, the pistachio must bring such a yummy crunch to the recipe… a must try!
It’s my favorite breading/panko substitute!
This salmon is delicious and it was so easy to make! I loved the robust flavors, so yummy! I’ll make this one again thank you!
Love it! Glad you enjoyed ☺ï¸
Such a delicious idea – I have an air fryer, but haven’t used it much at all. This salmon is a dish I will definitely be making in it very soon!
I was the same way when I first got mine