Lemon Pepper Salmon with Creamy Pesto Rice Recipe
This vibrant Lemon Pepper Salmon with Creamy Pesto Rice is a perfectly balanced meal combining tender, spiced salmon cubes air-fried to crispy perfection with a luscious creamy pesto rice accompanied by sautéed asparagus. The zesty lemon pepper glaze adds a bright, tangy finish, making it a fresh and flavorful dish ideal for a quick, healthy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 2 salmon filets, cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for tossing salmon)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Glaze
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1–2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- Pinch of salt
Creamy Pesto Rice
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp butter
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp pesto
- 1.5 to 2 cups cooked rice
- 8–10 asparagus spears
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Lemon zest
- Chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Salmon Cubes: Cut the salmon filets into cubes and toss them lightly with olive oil to ensure even coating.
- Season Salmon: Sprinkle paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder over the salmon cubes and stir to coat each piece thoroughly with the spices.
- Air Fry Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes until salmon is cooked through and lightly crispy on the edges.
- Make Lemon Pepper Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with chopped garlic. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, honey, and a pinch of salt. Cook gently until the glaze is well combined and aromatic, then set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Asparagus: In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped garlic until fragrant. Add the asparagus spears and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but crisp.
- Prepare Creamy Pesto Sauce: Lower the heat and add butter, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and parmesan to the skillet with garlic and asparagus. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Mix In Pesto and Rice: Stir in the pesto sauce thoroughly to combine. Then add the cooked rice and mix until all ingredients are evenly coated and heated through. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the Dish: Serve the creamy pesto rice topped generously with the air-fried lemon pepper salmon cubes. Drizzle with the prepared lemon pepper glaze to add a zesty finish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra lemon zest and chili flakes over the dish for added brightness and a slight kick. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute cooked cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative in the creamy pesto rice.
- Feel free to swap asparagus with other vegetables like green beans or broccoli according to preference.
- Adjust the amount of lemon zest and chili flakes on top to taste for a more pronounced citrus flavor or spice.
- Ensure salmon cubes are evenly spaced in the air fryer for best results in crispiness and even cooking.
- Use fresh pesto for the best flavor in the creamy pesto rice sauce.
Keywords: Lemon Pepper Salmon, Creamy Pesto Rice, Air Fryer Salmon, Healthy Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal, Asparagus, Lemon Glaze
