If you’re looking for a dinner that feels a little fancy but takes almost no effort, this pesto butter salmon is it. Tender salmon is topped with a simple mixture of creamy butter and basil pesto, then baked until perfectly flaky.
It takes just a handful of ingredients, comes together in minutes, and has plenty of fresh, savory flavor. Add a squeeze of lemon right before serving and you’re all set!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. salmon fillets
- 3½ tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Oven Directions
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
First, preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s nice and hot when the salmon is ready to go in. While the oven heats up, make the pesto butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and basil pesto. Use a fork to mash and stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Next, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick and gives you a better texture as the salmon cooks. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then, place the salmon skin side down on a rimmed baking sheet.
Step 3: Add the Pesto Butter
Now for the best part! Spoon the pesto butter over the top of each salmon fillet and spread it out evenly. Try to cover the entire surface so every bite gets plenty of that buttery pesto flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Once everything is ready, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. You’ll know it’s done when the fish is tender and flakes easily with a fork. Finally, serve the salmon right away with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top. That little pop of lemon really brings all the flavors together.
Air Fryer Directions
Prefer using the air fryer? No problem! This salmon turns out beautifully that way, too.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. While it’s heating, season the salmon with salt and pepper, then spread the pesto butter evenly over the top of each fillet.
Step 2: Get the Salmon in the Basket
Next, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Carefully place the salmon in the basket skin side down, making sure the fillets aren’t overcrowded.
Step 3: Air Fry Until Tender
Air fry the salmon for about 7-8 minutes, or until it’s tender and reaches an internal temperature of 125°F in the thickest part. Keep in mind that cooking time can vary a little depending on the thickness of your fillets and your particular air fryer.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Serve
Once the salmon is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Whether you bake it in the oven or let the air fryer do the work, this is one of those recipes that looks fancy enough for company but is incredibly simple to make. That’s a win in our book!
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