Tillie Doyle
Air Fryer Blackened Salmon is a quick, easy, and versatile dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. It is a family-friendly meal that can be served with a variety of sides, including rice, roasted vegetables, or a salad. The salmon is seasoned with a homemade blackened seasoning blend, misted with oil, and air-fried to perfection. This method of cooking salmon is simple, flavorful, and healthier than traditional frying methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 380-400°F |
| Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Seasoning | Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, ground mustard, oregano, salt, pepper, cayenne, dried thyme |
| Oil | Olive oil, ghee oil spray |
| Protein | 34-38g |
| Fat | 11-13.5g |
| Calories | 241-270kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5-2g |
| Cholesterol | 93.5-94mg |
| Sodium | 356.5-608mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 0.5g |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right air fryer
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance since their introduction in 2010. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking tasks such as air-frying, air-roasting, baking, dehydrating, reheating, and even baking sweet treats. When choosing an air fryer, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get one that suits your needs.
Firstly, consider the capacity. Air fryers come in different sizes, and you should choose one that can accommodate the amount of food you typically cook. Some air fryers can fit a 12" pizza or a 12-lb turkey, while others are more compact and better suited for smaller portions.
Secondly, think about the specific cooking functions you may require. As mentioned, air fryers can do more than just air-fry. Look for models that offer a range of functions such as air-roasting, baking, dehydrating, reheating, toasting, and even pizza settings if you plan to cook a lot of pizzas.
Thirdly, decide on the type of air fryer that best suits your needs. There are single basket, double basket, mini, and oven-style air fryers with smart cooking features. Single basket air fryers are great for basic air-frying needs, while double basket models can be useful if you want to cook multiple items at once. Mini air fryers are perfect for small portions or for those with limited counter space. Oven-style air fryers offer more advanced features and a larger capacity, making them ideal for families or those who cook in larger batches.
Lastly, consider factors such as ease of cleaning, noise levels, and controls. These aspects can impact your overall experience of using the air fryer, so look for models that are easy to clean, have intuitive controls, and operate quietly.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right air fryer that fits your specific needs and cooking requirements.
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Preparing the salmon
Once you have your salmon fillets ready, it's time to season them. You can use a store-bought blackened seasoning or make your own blend. A typical homemade blackening seasoning consists of smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, ground mustard, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Mix your chosen seasoning in a small bowl.
Now, it's time to drizzle or spritz the salmon fillets with olive oil or another type of cooking oil, such as ghee. Ensure the oil coats both sides of the fillets. After that, generously apply the seasoning to the salmon, rubbing it into the fish to create a delicious blackening rub. Make sure to season both sides of the fillets evenly.
Finally, if desired, you can line the air fryer basket or tray with foil to prevent sticking. Then, place the salmon fillets in the air fryer, making sure they have some space around each one for even cooking. If you are using skin-on fillets, it is recommended to place them skin-side down.
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Making the blackened seasoning
- Smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Ground mustard
- Oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Dried thyme (optional)
Once you have measured out the desired amounts of each spice, combine them in a small bowl and mix well. You can adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your taste preferences or experiment with additional spices to create your unique blend.
It is recommended to use fresh spices for the best flavour, and you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or chilli powder to control the heat level of the seasoning. This blend is versatile and can be used as a dry rub or mixed with oil to create a paste, which can then be applied to the salmon fillets before air frying.
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Cooking the salmon
To cook blackened salmon in an air fryer, start by preparing your salmon fillets. If your salmon has skin on it and you don't want to eat it, you can remove it before cooking. It's best to use fresh salmon fillets, but if you're using frozen salmon, run the fillets under cold water to defrost them as best you can. Pat the salmon fillets dry and cut them into serving sizes as desired. A typical serving size is 4-6 oz.
Next, make your blackening seasoning. A simple blend consists of smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, ground mustard, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. You can also add dried thyme. Mix the seasoning together in a bowl. If you're making four fillets, use one tablespoon of seasoning per fillet, making sure to cover the top and sides well.
Now, preheat your air fryer to between 380 and 400°F for five minutes. While the air fryer heats up, prepare your salmon by drizzling or spritzing the fillets with olive oil or ghee oil spray and rubbing it in on both sides. Then, sprinkle the seasoning over the fillets and rub it into both sides.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the salmon fillets skin-side down onto a tray or into the basket in the middle tray position. Set the air fryer to air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky. For salmon fillets smaller than 6-8 oz, it may be a minute or two less. For thicker, larger salmon fillets, it may need a minute or two more. The key is to get an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Shake the basket halfway through so the fish browns evenly on all sides.
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Serving suggestions
Blackened salmon cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Rice Bowl
Blackened salmon can be served on a bed of rice, with a side of vegetables and a sauce of your choice. For a healthier option, opt for brown rice, as suggested by Skinnytaste. You can also add more veggies to the bowl, such as cucumber, avocado, and tomatoes, and top it with a sauce like key lime tartar or horseradish sauce.
Salad
Flake the blackened salmon and serve it cold on top of a green salad. You can also add other ingredients like mango salsa or turn it into a salmon Cobb salad. If you're feeling creative, try making a salad dressing to drizzle over the salmon and greens.
Tacos
Turn your blackened salmon into tacos by flaking the fish and using it as a filling. You can use corn tortillas and top the tacos with a cabbage slaw and a creamy yogurt sauce. For a heartier option, you can also use flour tortillas.
Sides
Blackened salmon pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with Greek yogurt mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or roasted asparagus. It also goes well with a squeeze of lemon and a side of broccoli. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, try serving it with honey mustard salmon or honey garlic salmon.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftover blackened salmon, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
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Frequently asked questions
To cook blackened salmon in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F. Then, prep your salmon fillets by patting them dry and cutting them into serving sizes. Next, mix your chosen seasoning together in a bowl and coat the salmon fillets well. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and has an internal temperature of 145°F.
The ideal temperature for cooking blackened salmon in an air fryer is between 390°F and 400°F.
The cooking time for blackened salmon in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the specific model of the air fryer. On average, it should take between 8 to 10 minutes for the salmon to be fully cooked.
Blackened salmon pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include Greek yogurt mashed potatoes, sauteed vegetables, rice, or salads. You can also use the salmon in tacos, burgers, or sandwiches.
