Ella Walter
Air Fryer Blackened Salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. The salmon is seasoned with a homemade blackened seasoning blend, drizzled with olive oil or ghee oil spray, and air-fried until flaky and tender. The cooking time varies depending on the size and thickness of the salmon fillets, but on average, it takes around 8-10 minutes to cook at 380-400°F. This versatile dish can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, vegetables, or tacos, making it a family-friendly option that is both delicious and nutritious.
Air Fryer Blackened Salmon
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 380-400°F |
| Timing | 5-10 minutes |
| Preheat | 5 minutes |
| Salmon weight | 6-8oz |
| Salmon type | Fresh, skinless or with skin |
| Seasoning | Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, ground mustard, oregano, salt, pepper, cayenne |
| Oil | Olive oil, ghee oil spray |
| Internal temperature | 130-145°F |
| Reheating | 3 minutes at 350°F |
| Storage | 3 days in an airtight container |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It helps to ensure your blackened salmon cooks evenly and efficiently. The ideal temperature for cooking blackened salmon is around 400°F (204°C), so you should preheat your air fryer to this temperature. Depending on the make and model of your air fryer, the time it takes to preheat to this temperature will vary. Most sources recommend preheating for around 5 minutes.
While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your salmon fillets. Firstly, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Next, cut the fillets into serving sizes as desired. For even cooking, it is best to ensure the fillets are of similar thickness. If you are cooking skin-on fillets, it is recommended to place the salmon skin-side down onto the tray or basket in the air fryer. This will make it easier to peel away the skin after cooking if desired.
Once your fillets are prepared, it is time to season them. Mix your chosen seasoning blend in a bowl. You can use a homemade blackened seasoning, or a store-bought blend. If making your own, a typical blackened seasoning consists of smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, ground mustard, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Once your seasoning is mixed, drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil and rub it into both sides. Then, sprinkle the seasoning over the fillets, ensuring both sides are well coated.
After your salmon fillets are seasoned, your air fryer should be preheated and ready to go. Lightly mist the air fryer basket or tray with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent the salmon from sticking. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer, leaving a small gap around each one to ensure even cooking. Now, your salmon is ready to cook.
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Prepare the salmon
Preparing the salmon for the air fryer is a simple process. Firstly, if you are using frozen salmon, it is best to defrost it. You can do this by running the fillets under cold water for a minute or two, or by leaving it overnight in the refrigerator. If you are using fresh salmon, it is a good idea to let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
When preparing the salmon, you should pat the fillets dry and cut them into serving sizes as desired. For this recipe, you can leave the skin on or remove it—if you leave it on, it will stick to the foil and peel away easily after cooking. Place the salmon fillets in a large bowl and spritz them with olive oil or ghee oil spray. You can also brush the salmon fillets with olive oil if you prefer.
Next, prepare your chosen seasoning. A simple blackened seasoning can be made by combining sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. You can also add onion powder, cumin, ground mustard, and a pinch of smoked paprika for a slightly different flavour profile. Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl, then rub the mixture generously over the salmon fillets, ensuring the top and sides are covered.
Finally, lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the salmon fillets inside, skin-side down. Your salmon is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer!
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Apply the seasoning
To apply the seasoning to your blackened salmon, you can use either a store-bought blackened seasoning or make your own homemade blend.
If you're making your own, combine the spices in a small bowl and mix well. A typical blackening seasoning consists of sweet or smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and cumin. You can also add a pinch of sugar to make a homemade sugar-free version.
Once you have your seasoning ready, it's time to prep the salmon. If your salmon has skin, you can choose to remove it before seasoning or leave it on and peel it away after cooking. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle or spritz the salmon with olive oil or ghee oil spray, making sure to coat both sides.
Next, sprinkle the seasoning over the fillets, using about 1-1.5 to 2 tablespoons per fillet. Gently rub the seasoning into the salmon, ensuring that the top and sides are well-coated. You can also use a blackening rub, which will give your salmon a slightly crispy exterior.
If you're using an air fryer basket, be sure to spray it with oil before placing the salmon inside. If you're using an air fryer tray, you can line it with foil and drizzle or spray it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the salmon skin-side down onto the tray or in the basket, leaving a little space around each fillet to ensure even cooking.
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Cook the salmon
Cooking blackened salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal cleanup. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you cook the salmon to perfection:
Prepare the Salmon:
Start by preparing your salmon fillets. It is recommended to use fresh salmon for the best results. If your salmon is frozen, thaw it before cooking. You can do this by leaving it overnight in the refrigerator or placing the fish in a sealed bag and soaking it in cold water for 30 minutes. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and cut them into your desired serving sizes.
Make the Blackening Seasoning:
Blackening seasoning is a key component of this dish. You can either use a store-bought blackening seasoning or make your own blend at home. A typical blackening seasoning mix includes sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. You can also add or experiment with other spices like onion powder, cumin, ground mustard, and smoked paprika to create your own unique blend.
Season the Salmon:
Drizzle olive oil or spray ghee oil over the salmon fillets. Ensure the oil covers both sides of the salmon. Then, sprinkle the blackening seasoning generously over the fillets, rubbing it into the salmon to coat all sides evenly. You can also add a little more oil after seasoning if needed.
Air Fry the Salmon:
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F, depending on the model. Some air fryers may not require preheating, so refer to your specific model's instructions. Line the air fryer basket or tray with foil or spray it with oil to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned salmon fillets into the air fryer, preferably skin-side down. Set the air fryer to "air fry" and cook at 380°F to 400°F for 5 to 10 minutes. Thicker and larger salmon fillets may need a minute or two more. It is important to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.
Check for Doneness:
The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of your salmon fillets. The best way to check if your salmon is done is to use a meat thermometer. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, salmon is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can also check by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the salmon; if it flakes easily, it is ready. For medium-rare salmon, you can remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, as it will continue to cook after being removed.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once your salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. You can serve blackened salmon with a variety of sides, such as lemon wedges, parsley, rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. It is also delicious in tacos, sandwiches, or bowls with your choice of vegetables and sauces. Enjoy your perfectly cooked blackened salmon!
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Reheating and storing
Storing and reheating blackened salmon is a straightforward process. You can store your cooked blackened salmon fillets in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. It is recommended to reheat the salmon in the air fryer, as this appliance is known for its ability to reheat foods without drying them out. Set the air fryer to around 350°F (176.6°C) and heat the salmon for about three minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This will ensure the fish is heated through evenly.
Alternatively, you can reheat the salmon in the oven. First, loosely cover the salmon with aluminium foil. Then, place it in an oven preheated to a low temperature, such as 275°F (135°C). This method helps prevent the salmon from drying out. It is best to avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it can negatively impact the texture and taste of the salmon.
In addition to reheating, you can also enjoy leftover blackened salmon cold. It can be a tasty addition to a salad or sandwich, providing a convenient and nutritious option for lunch or a light dinner.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook blackened salmon in an air fryer for 8-10 minutes at 390-400°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets/filets.
The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can also check by flaking the salmon with a fork, it should be a little flaky when cooked.
You can reheat blackened salmon in the air fryer for about three minutes at 350°F, shaking halfway through.
