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🔥 Perfectly seasoned Air Fryer Blackened Salmon! Crispy edges, tender inside, and ready in under 20 minutes. 🐟✨ Quick, healthy, and delicious!
Blackened Salmon Recipe
Looking for an easy way to enjoy bold, smoky flavors without the mess of stovetop cooking? This blackened salmon is made right in the air fryer for a perfectly crispy exterior and tender, flaky inside.
If you’ve been searching for a blackened salmon recipe that’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor, this is it! I’ll show you how to make blackened salmon using a homemade spice blend and a few easy tips so you can master this dish in no time.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, smoky flavor – The homemade blackened salmon seasoning adds the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet notes.
- Quick and easy – Learn how to cook blackened salmon in just 15-18 minutes using your air fryer.
- Healthy and delicious – High in protein, rich in omega-3s, and perfect for a light weeknight dinner.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap seasonings, or even try different cooking methods.
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
- salmon – use king or coho salmon for the best results
- onion powder – substitute with minced onion or onion flakes
- garlic powder – substitute with minced fresh garlic or garlic paste
- smoked paprika – substitute with sweet or regular paprika
- light brown sugar – substitute with dark brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup
- Italian seasoning – make your own using equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary
- kosher salt – substitute with sea salt
- black pepper – substitute with a pepper blend or white pepper
✨ Variations
- Spicier version – Add cayenne pepper to the blackened salmon seasoning.
- Cajun twist – Swap the Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
- Citrus boost – Add lemon or lime zest to the spice mix for brightness.
- Other proteins – Use the same seasoning on chicken, shrimp, or pork.
🔥 Tips
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning for a crispier finish.
- For even cooking, choose fillets of similar size and thickness.
- Let the seasoning sit on the salmon for 5 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to intensify.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
❓ FAQs
Blackened salmon is a Cajun-inspired dish made by coating salmon fillets with a smoky spice blend and cooking them at high heat until the edges darken and crisp.
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding the seasoning.
Removing the skin is optional. If you keep it on, place the salmon skin side down in the air fryer to protect the flesh and make removal easier after cooking.
About 1-inch thick fillets work best because they cook evenly without drying out.
Absolutely! Mix a larger batch of the seasoning and store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months to make prep even faster next time.
Use a digital thermometer. Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
Yes, but homemade seasoning gives you better control over flavor and spice level.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Fish and Seafood
Salmon Patties
Southern Recipes
Blackened Steak and Shrimp with Citrus Butter Sauce
Fish and Seafood
Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon Asparagus
Fish and Seafood
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
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Air Fryer Blackened Salmon
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Equipment
- paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets, (6-ounces each), about 1-inch thick, skin removed if desired
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- Make the seasoning blend by combining the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Season the salmon by rubbing the spice mix over all sides of the fillets, pressing gently so it adheres.
- Prepare the air fryer basket by lightly brushing or spraying it with avocado or olive oil, or lining it with parchment liners.
- Air fry the salmon skin side down in a single layer for 15-18 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of at least 150°F.
- Remove and rest the salmon for 2-3 minutes. Serve with lemon or lime wedges and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
♨️ REHEATING
- Air fryer: Preheat to 350°F. Heat salmon for 4-5 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts until warmed.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Skillet: Heat gently over medium heat with a little oil for 3-5 minutes per side.
❄️ FREEZING
- Wrap cooled salmon tightly in plastic wrap or foil, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Use high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Let the seasoning sit on the salmon for 5-10 minutes before air frying to help it stick and infuse flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Cast iron skillet: Cook seasoned salmon in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Broiler: Broil for 6-8 minutes, or until the salmon is blackened and flaky.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Flake into salads, wraps, or tacos.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice bowls.
- Mash into salmon cakes or patties with breadcrumbs and eggs.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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