15 Minute Quick & Smoky Pecan Crusted Salmon

We know eating fish a few times a week is part of a healthy lifestyle, but what if you just can’t do plain salmon One. More. Time? I’m about to show you the quickest possible way to make Pecan Crusted Salmon that will taste even better than what you can get in a restaurant.

Ways to Cook Fish Quickly

If you haven’t already discovered it, salmon (or fish in general) is one of the quickest meals you can make. Thawed fish can be on the table in 15 minutes. But even if it’s completely frozen, you can get fish on the dinner table in well under 20 minutes. Here are the quick steps to get ‘er done fast:

Step One – Prep Fish

Coat your fish with oil, mayo or other fat. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper or your favorite spice blend. Or as below, a combo of finely chopped nuts and spices.

Step Two – Cook Fish

Cook in Air Fryer, Oven or on Grill. Regardless of cooking device, set it to 400 degrees for 10 minutes for thawed fish that’s cooked medium well or frozen fish that’s cooked medium rare. Add a couple of minutes for frozen fish to make it medium well. All cooking methods will be skin down except for grilling.

• Air Fryer – If you only are making a couple of filets of fish, the air fryer is perfect. Let the air fryer preheat then add the filets skin side down directly to bottom of air fryer. (Skin will stick badly to the grates of the insert.
• Oven – Place 4 or more filets on a baking sheet skin side down and bake as directed.
• Grill – Heat grill on high then lower heat to regulate it to 400 degrees. Add fish skin side UP and cook as directed.

How to Make Smoky Pecan Crusted Salmon for a Brunch Buffet

This salmon is perfect for a weeknight dinner because it’s quick, but you can TOTALLY make it for a beautiful brunch buffet. Rather than individual filets, purchase a whole filet of salmon and have the fishmonger remove all the bones. Follow the directions for prepping the salmon but cook the salmon for 15 minutes then let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with a fork for flaking off big pieces.

What to Serve with Smoky Pecan Crusted Salmon

This salmon is super rich and flavorful so it goes well with lighter sides. I love to serve it with spring vegetables such as asparagus, artichokes or a big spring veggie salad with lemony dressing. for a light carb, serve quinoa, quinoa tabbouleh or rice.

Smoky Pecan Crusted Salmon

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp Magic Salt

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 4 6 oz salmon filets

• Lemon slices for garnish

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Mix the pecans and spices in a small bowl
• Mix the mayonnaise and mustard together in another small bowl
• Pat the salmon filets well with paper towels.
• Spread the mayonnaise mixture over the entire surface of the salmon.
• Sprinkle liberally with the pecan mixture.
• Bake for 10 minutes (8 for thawed fish and medium rare; 12 for frozen fish and medium; 13-14 for frozen and medium well)
• Serve with lemon slices.