If you love spicy seafood then you absolutely need to Incorporate this tasty blackened salmon fillets that are coated in a hot Cajun style dry rub and air fried to eliminate the use of excess oil. This 3 ingredient recipe only takes less than 20 minutes to prepare and cook.
If you didn’t know by now I’m a huge seafood lover. When I’m out and about with friends or family I am the first person to suggest fine dining at a seafood restaurant.
One of my favourite stateside cuisines is Creole/Cajun food so I just had to do a homemade version of Blackened Cajun Air Fried Salmon. This is the runner up to my Cajun Chicken Breast with Zoodles dish.
It’s so darn flavoursome with a spicy and smoky crust. Trust me you will want seconds and thirds on this seafood dish.
What is blackened salmon.
It’s a culinary technique associated with seafood and other general foods.
Melted butter is applied to the food which is then sprinkled with an array of herbs and spices i.e thyme, garlic, onion powder, black pepper, oregano and so fourth.
Once the food is generously seasoned it is pan fried at high temperature on a cast iron skillet. This high temperature cooking results in a black/brown crust from the charred spices.
You could also try mixing things up a little by adding my Seafood Seasoning Recipe to the mix as well.
Ingredients you will need
- Salmon fillets: I used fillets that had some type of depth to them. I’m talking about on average of 1 to 1 1/2” thickness.
- Cajun seasoning: Use some dry rub. Here is the recipe Cajun Seasoning Blend that i used.
- Dairy free butter: I’m a huge fan of Vitalite’s dairy free butter. The butter needs to be melted so it thoroughly coats each fillet.
How to make Blackened Cajun Air Fried Salmon
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil
- Place the salmon fillets in a medium sized bowl (picture 1)
- Brush each salmon fillet with the melted butter, coating both sides. (picture 2)
- Place the seasoning in a bowl and either press the salmon onto the seasoning. Do this to both sides so the fillet is evenly and completely coated or sprinkle it on both sides for a lighter coating.
- Repeat this step with the other fillet(s)
- Place the salmon fillet(s) in the air fryer basket. (picture 3)
- Set the temperate to 180c/375f and cook for 6-8 minutes and turn half way through.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an air fryer to make this recipe?
Yes, no you can use a grill or oven bake the salmon at the temperate with the only exception is that the cooking time will vary
Can I freeze the salmon once it is cooked?
No. you can let it rest and re-heat but it won’t hold up to freezing
Can I use fresh or frozen salmon?
Yes, make sure the frozen salmon is thoroughly thawed out and blotted dry
Serving suggestion
- Salad
- Brown Rice
- Sweet Potato Mash or Green Banana Mash
- Sweet Potato Fries or Yucca Fries
- Herb Cauliflower Rice
- Salsa
- Vegetables i.e Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Steamed Cabbage
Notes and Tips
- Make sure the fillets are rinsed and blotted dry with a paper towel.
- Use thick cuts of fillets if possible about 1-1 1/2”
- Be sure that salmon is skinless prior to coating because the seasoning won’t adhere very well to the skin.
- Most salmon fillets will be deboned by the fishmonger before purchasing however on the odd occasion, you could find a small pinbone. Grab some stainless steel pin tweezers and run your finger along the thickest part of the fillet as that is where the tip of a pinbone is likely to be exposed.
- Use the entire batch of homemade Cajun seasoning. The recipe doesn’t create a huge batch, you can season up to 4 fillets with the mix. I made 2 fillets with it but feel free up increase the recipe to 4 fillets instead.
- Once the fillet have been coated with butter make sure the fillet is covered with season straight away and air fried because the butter will return to it’s solid state and the season won’t stick
More Seafood Recipes You May Like
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Blackened Cajun Air Fried Salmon
Ingredients
- 2-4 Salmon fillets - 1 to 1 1/2'' thickness
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning blend see post for recipe link
- 4 tbsp of dairy free butter melted
Instructions
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil
- Place the salmon fillets in a medium sized bowl
- Brush each salmon fillet with the melted butter, coating both sides.
- Place the seasoning in a bowl and either press the salmon onto the seasoning. Do this to both sides so the fillet is evenly and completely coated or sprinkle it on both sides for a lighter coating.
- Repeat this step with the other fillet(s)
- Place the salmon fillet(s) in the air fryer basket.
- Set the temperate to 180c/375f and cook for 6-8 minutes and turn half way through.
Notes
- Make sure the fillets are rinsed and blotted dry with a paper towel.
- Use thick cuts of fillets if possible about 1-1 1/2''
- Be sure that salmon is skinless prior to coating because the seasoning won't adhere very well to the skin.
- Most salmon fillets will be deboned by the fishmonger before purchasing however on the odd occasion, you could find a small pinbone. Grab some stainless steel pin tweezers and run your finger along the thickest part of the fillet as that is where the tip of a pinbone is likely to be exposed.
- Use the entire batch of homemade Cajun seasoning. The recipe doesn't create a huge batch, you can season up to 4 fillets with the mix. I made 2 fillets with it but feel free up increase the recipe to 4 fillets instead.
- Once the fillet have been coated with butter make sure the fillet is covered with season straight away and air fried because the butter will return to it's solid state and the season won't stick
Nutrition
Ive never enjoyed salmon I would say it’s not my go fish choice… but after trying your recipe I think I am now a fan, love the crust on it and airfryer always a win with me.
Thank you! The crust makes all the difference to the taste.
I loved blackened fish recipes but can’t say I have tried Salmon. My friend cooked it from your site, I tasted it and fell in love.
I’m so glad that your friend enjoyed the recipe