This Blackened Salmon in Air Fryer has earned a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation, and after one bite you'll understand why. I mix up a quick homemade blackened rub with smoked paprika, garlic, and a kick of cayenne, coat the fillets, and let the air fryer work its magic. Fifteen minutes later, dinner is done, and it looks and tastes like something you'd order at a restaurant.
If you love this recipe, try my blackened chicken tacos with avocado lime crema next!
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Quick Answer: How to Air Fry Blackened Salmon
Coat salmon fillets in olive oil and blackened seasoning, then air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. No flipping needed - just place skin-side down and let the air fryer do the work.
An Easy Weeknight Dinner
I tested this with 1-inch thick fillets at 400 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, and pulling them right at 145 degrees internal temperature is what keeps the salmon from drying out. If your fillets are on the thinner side, start checking at 7 minutes. The homemade blackened seasoning comes together in about two minutes and makes enough to generously coat four fillets on both sides.
If you're building out your air fryer dinner rotation, my Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Sauce and Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp are worth bookmarking next. Both are just as fast and work great on the same busy weeknights this recipe was made for.
This salmon goes perfectly with a side of air fryer broccoli and cauliflower and Middle Eastern potatoes. And top with avocado lime crema for the perfect creamy contrast.
Looking for more air fryer recipes? These air fryer BBQ chicken thighs and air fryer salmon tacos are a must-try.
Jump to:
- Quick Answer: How to Air Fry Blackened Salmon
- An Easy Weeknight Dinner
- Why You'll Love It
- Air Fryer Blackened Salmon Ingredients
- How to Make Blackened Salmon in the Air Fryer
- Cooking Times for Different Salmon Sizes
- Substitutions and Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- How to Store Blackened Salmon
- Jeri's Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- More Recipes to Try
- Printable Recipe
- Comments
Why You'll Love It
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The blackened seasoning blend 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 (or avocado 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 filets 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.
Cooking Times for Different Salmon Sizes
The 8-10 minute timing works well for standard 6-ounce fillets. If you're cooking a single larger piece - like a full 1-pound fillet instead of individual portions - add a few extra minutes and rely on your meat thermometer rather than the clock, since a thicker cut takes longer to reach 145°F in the center. Smaller or thinner fillets may be done closer to the 8-minute mark, so start checking early the first time you try a new size.
Substitutions and Variations
- Change the Fish: This blackened seasoning works great with other fish like tilapia or cod - just note that tilapia is thinner and cooks faster, usually closer to 6-7 minutes, so keep an eye on it rather than using the same 8-10 minute salmon timing.
- 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, or in the microwave.
Jeri's 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.
Recipe FAQs
No, but the skin helps keep the fillet intact and keep it juicy.
This particular seasoning and timing is built around thawed fillets - thaw completely first for best results here. If you want to cook straight from frozen, check out my Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer recipe for the timing adjustments that method needs.
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!
Blackened seasoning is a Cajun-style spice blend - this recipe uses smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
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.
Printable Recipe
Air Fryer Blackened Salmon
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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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
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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