Air Fryer Blackened Salmon

Air fryer blackened salmon is a flavorful dish that can be ready in less than 15 minutes. This salmon is perfect for an easy lunch or weeknight dinner. The blackened seasoning adds so much flavor to the salmon.

Air fryer blackened salmon is one of my favorite recipes for 3 key reasons.

It's easy. So easy. This recipe only uses 3 ingredients. 5 if you count the salt and pepper. Now, that's if you already have blackened seasoning made. But even if you don't? So quick to make.

It cooks up so quickly. This salmon only needs 7-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. With the prep plus cooking time, that means it can be done in less than 15 minutes.

It's delicious. The blackened seasoning adds so much flavor to the salmon. I just love the combination.

Ingredients

• Salmon
• Olive oil
• Blackened seasoning - homemade or store-bought. If making your own, instructions and amounts are below.
• Salt
• Pepper

What is blackened seasoning?

Blackened seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices that is a surefire way to take your taste buds on a wild ride.

Hailing from the flavorful world of Cajun and Creole cuisine, blackened seasoning is the perfect addition to dishes like blackened fish or chicken. I even use it to whip up some mouth-watering air fryer blackened cod! So if you're ready to turn up the heat in your kitchen, give blackened seasoning a try and prepare to be blown away by its bold and zesty flavors.

Blackened seasoning is typically made from a combination of herbs and spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper. However, it can be adjusted to suit personal taste preferences by varying the amount of cayenne pepper used to make it more or less spicy if you're making your own!

The seasoning gets its name from the dark color that develops when the spices are seared onto the surface of meat, poultry, or fish.

How to make your own blackened seasoning

Making your own homemade blackened seasoning is so easy, and it's easy to customize.

It's simply a combination of 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves, and ½ teaspoon brown sugar (optional). You just combine all the spices and seasonings together!

Leftover seasoning can be stored in an airtight jar for months.

Customization ideas

Want more spice to your blackened salmon? Season salmon with a pinch of cayenne or some red pepper flakes before adding the blackened seasoning.

Want a more smoky flavor? Add extra smoked paprika.

While I just seasoned one side of my salmon with the blackened seasoning, you could season both sides for extra flavor.

What to serve with the blackened salmon

I love eating this air fried blackened salmon in a salad or grain bowl, but it's also delicious served as a main dish!

I love it with air fryer smashed potatoes, air fryer broccolini, air fryer lemon zucchini, and air fryer radishes.

Recipe notes

• All air fryers cook differently, and cook times may also depend on the thickness of your salmon. Adjust cooking times as needed.
• You can use air fryer parchment paper or brush air fryer basket with oil before adding the salmon so that the salmon does not stick to the air fryer basket.
• I used 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning for the top of the salmon. If you decide to coat the top and bottom, you will use 2 teaspoons of seasoning.

How to make air fryer blackened salmon

First take your salmon and pat dry with paper towels. Remove any bones from the salmon as needed. Remove the skin if desired.

Drizzle olive oil onto the salmon and rub into the surface.

Add the blackened seasoning (I used 1 teaspoon for the top. If you decide to coat the top and bottom, you will use 2 teaspoons).

Brush air fryer basket with oil or use air fryer parchment paper. Add the salmon to the air fryer basket.

Air fry at 400 degrees F for 7-10 minutes, or until salmon easily flakes.

Plate and enjoy! Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also top with fresh herbs (I sprinkled parsley on mine).

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