This blackened salmon in the air fryer makes a quick and delicious dinner in less than 15 minutes. Salmon fillets are coated in a flavorful homemade rub and air-fried until dark and crisp outside yet tender and juicy inside.
If you love this recipe, try my blackened chicken tacos with avocado lime crema next!
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This salmon goes perfectly with a side of air fryer broccoli and cauliflower and Middle Eastern potatoes.
Why You'll Love It
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The blackened seasoning creates a deliciously crispy crust.
- Juicy: The salmon is fall-apart tender and perfectly cooked.
Air Fryer Blackened Salmon Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme leaves
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
How To Make Blackened Salmon in the Air Fryer
For more detailed instructions with measurements, jump to the recipe card.
Step 1
Prepare the Blackened Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
Step 2
Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush each fillet with olive oil, then generously coat both sides with the blackened seasoning.
Step 3
Air Fry the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Step 4
Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer with a spatula. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Substitutions and Variations
- Change the Fish: This blackened seasoning works great with other fish like tilapia or cod.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Oven Method: Bake the salmon at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the salmon with Greek cucumber salad, air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus, or twice-baked mashed potatoes.
It also goes nicely with Instant Pot rice and frozen air fryer broccoli.
You can even make blackened salmon tacos using 3-ingredient flatbread, or use it in a Caesar salad or salmon pasta without cream.
How to Store Blackened Salmon
- Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.
Top Tips
- Cover the sides with the blackened seasoning as well.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Leave space between the fillets in the air fryer so the air can move between them.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked fish.
Air Fryer Blackened Salmon FAQs
No, but the skin helps keep the fillet intact and keep it juicy.
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets, but make sure to thaw them completely first.
Yes, you can mix the seasoning in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. It's great on chicken and pork too!
More Recipes to Try
- Teriyaki Salmon In Air Fryer: Quick, easy, and delicious.
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Crispy, flavorful wings perfect for game day.
- Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower: A healthy side dish that's ready in minutes.
- Baked Maple Soy Salmon: A simple yet delicious restaurant-quality recipe.
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Recipe
Blackened Salmon in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Homemade Blackened Salmon
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the blackened seasoning by combining smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush each fillet with olive oil, then generously coat both sides of the fillets with the blackened seasoning.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400℉.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down. Air fry at 400℉ for 8-10 minutes, until the salmon's internal temperature reaches 145℉. My salmon was 1-inch thick; for thinner salmon cook for less time.
- Remove the salmon carefully with a spatula, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side and your favorite sides.
Video
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Recipe Notes:
- Cover the sides with the blackened seasoning as well.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Leave space between the fillets in the air fryer so the air can move between them.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked fish.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
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