Air Fryer Parmesan Herb Crusted Trout

Air Fryer Parmesan Herb Crusted Trout

Elevate your Air Fryer trout game with this Parmesan Herb Crusted Trout. Crispy, golden, and full of fresh herb flavor, this air-fried dish is easy to make yet feels gourmet.

Ingredients:

For the Trout:

• 4 trout fillets (about 6 oz each)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Parmesan Herb Crust:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Garnish:

• Lemon wedges

• Fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Trout:

• Rinse the trout fillets and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.

• Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Make the Parmesan Herb Crust:

• In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and slightly sticky.

3. Coat the Trout:

• Press the Parmesan herb mixture firmly onto the top side of each fillet, ensuring an even coating.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

5. Cook the Trout:

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Place the trout fillets crust-side up in a single layer in the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.

• Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

6. Serve:

• Transfer the trout to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips for Success:

• Crispier Crust: Lightly spray the crust with cooking spray before air frying for extra crunch.

• Custom Herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary or basil for a different flavor profile.

• Alternative Fish: This recipe works wonderfully with salmon or halibut fillets.

Serving Suggestions:

This crispy, herbaceous air fryer trout pairs beautifully with:

• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, air-fried zucchini, or steamed broccoli.

• Grains: Lemon herb rice, couscous, or wild rice.

• Salads: A fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~300

• Protein: ~26g

• Carbohydrates: ~8g

• Fat: ~16g

• Fiber: ~1g

This Parmesan Herb Crusted Air Fryer Trout is the perfect combination of crispiness and flavor, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.