Dijon Dill Panko Crusted Salmon

June 05, 2026

Made by Sara

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Why This Panko-Crusted Salmon Is A Weeknight Win

Crispy, tangy, and perfectly cooked—this panko-crusted salmon is a restaurant-quality meal made easy in the air fryer. Topped with a creamy Dijon-dill sauce and golden panko, then served with lemon butter sauce, garlic green beans, and Italian-style rice. A complete, nutritious dinner in under 30 minutes.

RECIPE AT A GLANCE (EBT-FRIENDLY: 100% OF INGREDIENTS)

Total Ingredients: 18 EBT-Eligible: 100% Method: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

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Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Directions

For the Dijon-Dill Mixture & Salmon

  1. Make the Dijon-dill mixture: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, fresh dill, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the salmon: Pat the 2 salmon portions dry. Season the tops with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, gently rubbing the seasoning in.
  3. Top the fillets: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the Dijon-dill mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the mustard layer and press gently so they stick.
  4. Spritz and season: Lightly spray the tops with avocado oil spray and add a light sprinkle of salt.
  5. Air fry: Air fry at 360–375°F (182–190°C) for 8–9 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the panko is golden and crispy.

For the Italian-Style Rice

  1. Toast the rice: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the Italian-style/risotto rice and 1 chicken bouillon cube. Toast for 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently.
  2. Simmer: Pour in 1.5 cups hot water, bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.

For the Garlic Green Beans

  1. Sauté the beans: Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the green beans, cover, and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic: Sprinkle with salt, add the minced garlic, and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes with the lid on, stirring occasionally, until tender. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

For the Dijon Lemon Butter Sauce (Optional)

  1. Melt the butter: In a small pan, melt 1–2 tbsp butter.
  2. Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining Dijon-dill mixture and a squeeze of lemon juice. Warm through.

To Serve

  1. Plate it up: Serve the salmon over the rice with the green beans on the side, drizzled with the lemon butter sauce. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • Pat the salmon completely dry: Removing excess moisture is the key to getting that panko topping crisp instead of soggy.
  • Press the panko in: Gently pressing the breadcrumbs into the mustard layer keeps them from blowing off in the air fryer.
  • Watch your air fryer: Every model runs a little differently—start checking the salmon at 8 minutes so it doesn’t overcook.
  • Don’t rinse the rice: Leaving the starch on gives you that creamy, risotto-style texture.
  • Make extra sauce: The Dijon lemon butter sauce is delicious drizzled over the rice and green beans too.

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