Air Fryer Blackened Salmon Recipe

Air Fryer blackened salmon is a quick and easy dish packed full of flavor with a beautiful crisp crust. Make this easy air fryer recipe dinner in less than 15 minutes!

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to make blackened salmon air fryer! Using the air fryer means that you’re guaranteed moist, flaky flesh and a delicious crisp bite on the outside every time, and with none of the mess to clean up that you get with grilling or cooking in a pan.

This healthy blackened salmon recipe hits all of the flavor notes. The sweetness of light brown sugar complements the slight saltiness of the buttery flesh and is brought together perfectly by the umami of the garlic and paprika. Finished with a squeeze of zesty lemon, you’ll wish you could keep eating forever!

Air fryer blackened salmon uses only a tiny amount of butter, making this a lean dish, perfect for those watching what they eat but still want a tasty meal to look forward to at the end of the day.

Ingredients you’ll need to make blackened salmon recipe.

**Find the full list of ingredients along with the recipe instructions at the end of this post**

Skin-on salmon filets. When choosing your salmon, don’t be afraid to give it a poke! Fresh salmon flesh should be moist and spring back after touching it, whereas older fish won’t. Avoid salmon with browned spots, as this indicates age.

Mix herbs and spices. The mixture I use for this blackened salmon recipe is paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, light brown sugar, and a little cayenne (optional, depending on how spicy you like your food!) You can feel free to experiment with your favorite combinations here; if you want a fresh herbal flavor, you could try basil, parsley, tarragon, dill, rosemary, sage, thyme, and fennel.

Butter. The butter adds richness to this beautiful dish and helps the outside of the fish to blacken as it cooks. You can substitute for a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.

How to cook blackened salmon in air fryer

It is very simple to make air fryer blackened fish following these steps below.

In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, sugar, and cayenne pepper if using salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Using paper towels, pat dry the salmon filet, brush melted butter, sprinkle the seasoning mix on top of the salmon filets, and gently press the seasoning to adhere to the salmon.

Place the salmon pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer skin side down and cook to 390ºF for 10 minutes or until an internal temperature registers 145ºF. 

Remove from the air fryer basket and serve with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley.

Recipe Tips

• If using frozen salmon, make sure to defrost in the refrigerator overnight or in the sink with cold running water.
• Press the seasoning gently to adhere it to the salmon filet.
• Use an instant meat thermometer to ensure that the fish is cooked to a safe temperature to eat of 145ºF.
• Store any leftovers within two hours of cooking in the refrigerator in an airtight glass container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer to 360ºF for 5 minutes or until an internal temperature registers 145ºF.

How long to cook blackened salmon in an air fryer

It takes around 10 minutes at 390°F to cook blackened salmon in an air fryer. The time can vary depending on how big your salmon filets are and which air fryer you are using, so always check your fish for the doneness by using a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 145°F.

What to serve with blackened salmon filets

Enjoy these blackened salmon filets with the subtle flavors of crunchy air fryer asparagus and fluffy yet crisp air fryer baby potatoes. A simple and delicious meal for any day of the week!

How to store cooked salmon

Blackened air fryer salmon will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days and in the freezer for 4-6 months. Always store it in an airtight container, and move it to the refrigerator or freezer within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.

How to reheat blackened salmon in the air fryer

Preheat to 360°F, and once it’s hot enough, cook the blackened fish in the air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 145°F.

If heating from frozen, increase the cooking time by 5 minutes.

FAQ's

What does blackening mean?

Blackening is a cooking technique often used in cajun cuisine. In this recipe for blackened salmon, the combined butter and blend of herbs and spices are used to coat the fish, and charr and brown during cooking, creating a delicious crust around the flaky, buttery salmon flesh.

More Air Fryer Fish Recipes you’ll Love

• Salmon Steaks in Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Scallops
• Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
• Tuna Steaks in Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Fish Nuggets
• Air Fryer Swordfish Steaks
• Crusted Air Fryer Halibut

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