Crispy Air Fryer Panko Crusted Salmon

Name: Air Fryer Panko Crusted Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon filets; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 6 fresh basil (minced); 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs; olive oil cooking spray

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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.

Panko crusted salmon on a plate with asparagus.

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

Why You’ll Love These

a girl wearing a black leather jacket holding a drink

Crispy Meets Tender – The air fryer gives you that golden, crunchy panko crust while keeping the salmon perfectly moist and flaky inside.

Healthier Comfort Food – You get all the satisfaction of “fried” salmon without the excess oil or heaviness, making it a lighter but still indulgent option.

Quick Weeknight Dinner – From prep to plate in under 20 minutes, it’s ideal for busy nights when you want something healthy but fast.

Side Options Are Endless – 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!

Jordan

Ingredients You’ll Need

Labeled ingredients for panko crusted salmon.

Salmon filets – Fresh or previously frozen fillets both work well here. Choose skin-on for extra flavor and moisture, or skinless if you prefer. Aim for similar thickness so they cook evenly.

Mayonnaise – This is the secret to ultra-moist salmon. It locks in moisture and helps the panko stick without the need for egg or flour. Any mayo will work, but full-fat yields the best flavor.

Fresh basil – Adds bright, herbaceous flavor to the herbed mayo. If you don’t have fresh basil, substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried, but reduce slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Lemon juice – Fresh is best for a bright, citrusy kick, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch. Don’t skip it—it balances the richness of the mayo and salmon.

Paprika, kosher salt & black pepper – This simple combo seasons the mayo mixture and adds a gentle warmth. You can use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor if you’d like.

Panko breadcrumbs – Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a light, extra-crispy coating in the air fryer. Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but they won’t get quite as crunchy.

Sauce mixed in a bowl with a white spoon in it.

Make the herbed mayo: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, basil, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. This mixture adds flavor and also helps the panko stick to the salmon.

Four pieces of salmon with panko breadcrumbs and olive oil on top in a black air fryer basket.

Prepare the salmon: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket with olive oil. I like to place the plain salmon fillets in the basket first before dressing them—less mess that way! Spoon the mayo mixture over the top of each fillet, then press the panko breadcrumbs onto each one.

Air fry the salmon: Spritz the tops of the fillets with olive oil. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temp of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.

Serve: Carefully transfer the salmon to a plate using a spatula. Finish with more fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice if you like.

How to serve this panko salmon

For a pretty presentation, serve the salmon on a bed of arugula—it looks great on a serving platter and adds a fresh bite.

Cooking for a crowd? Bake the salmon at 375°F for 12–15 minutes on a foil- or parchment-lined sheet pan. You’ll still get that crispy topping and flaky center, but can fit more at once.

Pair it with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, lemon string beans, Ginger Rice, or a fresh salad like Chopped Vegetable Salad or this Feta and Asparagus Salad.

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Salmon

Let the salmon cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, or you can freeze it for up to a month.

To reheat, pop the salmon back in the air fryer at 350°F. Spritz the basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking, and heat until warmed through—usually about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet.

Overhead view of 4 pieces of golden brown panko crusted salmon.

Recipe FAQs

How do I store air fryer salmon?

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.

How do I reheat air fryer salmon?

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.

Can I use skin-on salmon?

Yes! You can use either skin-on or skinless fillets. If you keep the skin on, place it skin-side down in the air fryer—it helps lock in moisture and the skin gets nice and crispy.

Do I need to flip the salmon?

No flipping needed! Just leave it panko-side up the whole time to keep the crust intact.

What’s the best salmon to use for panko crusted salmon?

For the best texture and flavor, go with firmer varieties like Coho, Sockeye, or King Salmon. These hold up well in the air fryer and pair perfectly with the crunchy panko coating. Fresh salmon is great if it’s in season, but high-quality frozen works just as well—just make sure it’s fully thawed and pat dry before cooking.

How do I know when salmon is done in the air fryer?

Salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part. The color should turn from translucent to opaque and the texture should feel tender but not raw. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer for accuracy—air fryers can cook quickly!

More salmon recipes to try

If you tried this Air Fryer Panko Crusted Salmon 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!