Dijon Dill Panko Crusted Salmon
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:
For the Salmon
- 2 portions salmon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (heaping)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 large clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 lemon (juiced)
- 3-4 tbsp panko bread crumbs
- avocado oil spray
For the Dijon Lemon Butter
- 1-2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 lemon (juiced, optional)
- dikon dill mixture (remaining)
For the Green Beans
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 1-1.5 cups green beans
- salt (to taste)
- 1/2 lemon (juiced)
For the Rice
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 cup Italian style risotto rice
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1.5 cups water
Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.
Directions
For the Dijon-Dill Mixture & Salmon
- Make the Dijon-dill mixture: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, fresh dill, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spritz and season: Lightly spray the tops with avocado oil spray and add a light sprinkle of salt.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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)
- Melt the butter: In a small pan, melt 1–2 tbsp butter.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining Dijon-dill mixture and a squeeze of lemon juice. Warm through.
To Serve
- 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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