Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. This ensures your salmon goes into a hot environment and cooks evenly with that nice, crispy finish on top.

Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the pesto and cheese stick better and prevents sogginess. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Spread a generous tablespoon of pesto over the top of each salmon fillet. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pesto. If using panko breadcrumbs, add them now as well. Press gently to help everything stick.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket, leaving a little space between them. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The topping should be golden and the salmon just cooked through.

Carefully remove the salmon with a spatula. The skin may stick a little, so be gentle. Serve immediately with your favorite side — a simple salad, roasted veggies, or a lemony couscous all work beautifully.