Air fried cajun blackened salmon

Incorporate some spice into your life with this 3 ingredient air fried cajun blackened salmon recipe. It 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 recipes is cajun blackened salmon. 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.

Health benefits of eating salmon

• Contains a high source of protein 
• Moderate amounts of omega 3 fatty acids
• High in B vitamin – cell metabolism and yields energy levels
• Low in carbs – great for aiding weight loss 
• Raises our good/healthy cholesterol (HDL)
• Reduce the risk of heart disease 

Ingredients you will need 

• Salmon fillets – 1 to 1 1/2” thickness
• Cajun seasoning blend 
• Dairy free butter

How to air fry 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.

Notes and tips for making the best air fried cajun blackened salmon

• 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 fishmoner 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

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
• Sweet potato fries or yucca fries
• Salsa
• Vegetables i.e asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, steamed cabbage

Air fried cajun blackened salmon

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

Make this delicious cajun style blackened salmon in less than 20 minutes

• Author: Charla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2-4 1x
• Category: Main entree
• Cuisine: American, creole

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 2–4 Salmon fillets – 1 to 1 1/2” thickness
• Cajun seasoning blend (see post for recipe link)
• 4tbsp of dairy free butter, melted

Instructions

1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil
2. Place the salmon fillets in a medium sized bowl
3. Brush each salmon fillet with the melted butter, coating both sides.
4. 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.
5. Repeat this step with the other fillet(s)
6. Place the salmon fillet(s) in the air fryer basket.
7. 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 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 fishmoner 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

• Calories: 182
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g

Keywords: cajun, creole, southern, gluten free, paleo, salmon, seafood