Blackened Salmon Air-Fryer Style: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Air Fryer Blackened Salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be made in under 20 minutes. It is a versatile dish that can be served on its own, with rice and vegetables, or flaked and tucked into tacos or salads. The blackened seasoning adds a bold, spicy flavour to the salmon and can be made at home or bought pre-made. The air fryer's hot air circulation produces a slightly crispy exterior with a flaky, moist interior, making it the perfect cooking appliance for this dish.

Choosing your salmon: fresh or frozen

When it comes to choosing your salmon, you may be wondering whether to go for fresh or frozen. The good news is that either option will work for this recipe. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.

Fresh salmon is always a great choice if you want to ensure the best results and don't want to bother with the extra step of thawing your fish. It's also a good idea to opt for fresh salmon if you're looking for a quick and convenient option, as you won't have to spend any time defrosting it.

On the other hand, frozen salmon can be a more budget-friendly option and is great to have on hand for those last-minute meals. If you do choose frozen, just be sure to properly thaw your salmon before cooking. You can do this by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in a bowl of cold water.

Regardless of whether you choose fresh or frozen salmon, look for skin-on fillets if possible. The skin will help keep the fish moist and make it easier to flip without falling apart. However, if you can't find skin-on fillets or prefer to remove the skin yourself, that's okay too – just be a bit more gentle when flipping the fish.

When selecting your salmon, whether fresh or frozen, go for a firm-bodied variety with bright, vibrant flesh. This will ensure that your fish holds up well during the cooking process and has a nice texture when served.

In terms of taste, fresh salmon will usually have a milder flavour, while frozen salmon can sometimes have a slightly stronger taste due to the freezing process. However, as long as you properly thaw and prepare your frozen salmon, the difference in taste should be minimal.

So, which one should you choose? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what's most convenient for you. Both fresh and frozen salmon can be used to create delicious, blackened salmon in your air fryer, so feel free to go with whatever option works best for you!

Making the blackened seasoning

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact ingredients may vary depending on your taste preferences, but typical spices used in blackened seasoning include smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, ground mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. You can also add or remove spices to customise the blend to your liking.

Once you have your chosen spices, it's time to combine them. Measure out the desired amount of each spice and mix them together in a small bowl. You can use a whisk or a fork to break up any lumps and ensure that the spices are evenly distributed. If you want to make a larger batch, consider doubling or tripling the recipe and storing the leftover seasoning in an airtight jar for future use.

The blackened seasoning is now ready to be applied to your salmon. Before seasoning the salmon, it is recommended to drizzle or brush the salmon fillets with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick to the fish and also adds moisture to the dish. Generously apply the blackened seasoning to the salmon, making sure to coat all sides of the fillets. You can use your hands to rub the seasoning into the fish for a more even coating.

After seasoning the salmon, it is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Depending on the size and thickness of your salmon fillets, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a 6-8oz salmon fillet, air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Thicker fillets may require slightly more time, while smaller fillets may cook faster. Always ensure that your salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness, checking that it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Preparing the salmon: patting dry, removing skin and bones

Preparing the salmon is a crucial step in making delicious blackened salmon in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Pat the salmon dry: Use paper towels to gently pat the salmon fillets dry on both sides. This step is important as it helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the salmon cooks evenly and forms a nice crust when cooked.

Remove bones: Carefully inspect the salmon fillets for any small bones that may be present and remove them. You can do this easily by running your fingers over the surface of the salmon and gently pulling out any bones with your fingers or tweezers.

Remove skin (optional): Whether or not you remove the skin is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to leave the skin on as it can help hold the salmon together during cooking and adds a crispy texture. If you decide to remove the skin, use a sharp knife to carefully separate the skin from the flesh of the salmon, starting at one end and working your way down the fillet.

Once you have completed these steps, your salmon is ready to be seasoned and cooked in your air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer and spray the basket with oil or use air fryer parchment paper to prevent sticking. Enjoy your delicious blackened salmon!

Applying oil and seasoning to the salmon

To apply oil and seasoning to the salmon, start by patting the salmon dry with a paper towel. You can then drizzle or spritz olive oil onto the salmon and rub it into the surface. Next, combine all your chosen spices in a small bowl and mix well. Generously sprinkle the seasoning over the salmon fillets, and rub it into both sides. You can also add a final spritz of oil to the salmon at this stage, before placing it in the air fryer.

Air-frying the salmon: temperature and time

Air-frying the salmon is the final step in making blackened salmon in an air fryer. The temperature and timing of this step are crucial to ensure the salmon is cooked to perfection.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 390°F and 400°F. The specific temperature setting will depend on the make and model of your air fryer. Preheating is important as it helps to create a char on the edges of the salmon.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to place the seasoned salmon fillets into the air fryer basket or tray. If using an air fryer basket, ensure you spray it with oil or use air fryer parchment paper to prevent the salmon from sticking. Position the salmon in the middle of the tray or basket.

Now, set the air fryer to cook the salmon at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. For smaller fillets, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. Conversely, thicker and larger fillets may require an additional minute or two. The target internal temperature for the salmon is 145°F, so use an instant-read food thermometer to check the thickest part of the salmon to ensure it's cooked to your desired doneness.

Once the salmon reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and tender salmon.

Frequently asked questions