How to Make [Blackened] Salmon in an Air Fryer

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Have you joined the growing number of Air Fryer fanatics yet? We are big fans of the air fryer in our house – we’ve been using it on a daily basis lately. It replaced our toaster oven so we use it for things you wouldn’t usually think of as “fried”.

This salmon is a great example of something you would never deep fry, but air fry? Yes please!

Oven baked salmon is delicious but air fried salmon is next level good. It comes out of the air fryer with an intensely flavorful crusty top & perfectly tender flakiness on the inside.

What kind of air fryer to use…?

Any kind will do! The air fryer pictured is pretty small – only 3.4 quarts & as you can see, the filets were pretty snug. I have also used my oven style air fryer & they both do a great job.

Each air fryer is different, so using a meat thermometer & testing for flakiness with a fork is the best way to test for doneness. Here is the meat thermometer I have & love. Be sure the probe is in the center of the thickest part of the fish & that it reaches 145. I like to pull my salmon out of the air fryer when it reaches 143 because it continues to cook.

Is this Kid Friendly? Is it Spicy?

This spice blend is very aromatic. As soon as the salmon goes in the air fryer, there is a wonderful cloud of delicious smells!

It is not a “traditional” blackened seasoning. I added my own twist for this recipe specifically & it is not as spicy as you would probably expect. I turned down the heat to make it more kid friendly & it worked! My kids rejoice every time they see this meal on the table.

You can always kick the cayenne up if you like more spice!

This super easy Blackened Salmon sheet pan meal is bumped up a level with a homemade Creamy Lemon Caper Sauce.

What do you serve with Blackened Salmon?

If you’re looking for a low carb option, this easy & healthy Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice would pair well with the spices on the salmon & the lemon in the creamy caper sauce.

For a complex carb that is still healthy & low on the glycemic index, try the Easiest “Baked” Sweet Potatoes. They are so fast & easy when cooked in a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot.

And if you don’t have an air fryer yet – try this Blackened Salmon Sheet Pan Meal instead! It’s super easy & delicious, plus kid friendly!

Blackened Salmon Sheet Pan Meal

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Air Fryer Blackened Salmon with Creamy Lemon Caper Sauce

Easy & healthy recipe that's family friendly & kid approved. The aromatic & delicious seasoning blend creates a flavorful crust on the salmon.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Salmon cut into 4 x 4 oz filets
  • Olive Oil Non-stick Spray
  • 1-2 t Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Blackening Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 T Paprika
  • 2 t Thyme dried
  • 1 t Oregano dried
  • 1 t Onion Powder
  • 1 t Garlic Powder
  • 1 t Black Pepper
  • 1 t Salt
  • 1/2 t Chili Powder
  • 1/8 t Cayenne 1/4 t or more if you like spice

Creamy Lemon Caper Sauce

  • 1/2 c Plain Greek Yogurt full fat
  • 1 Lemon zest & juice
  • 1 t Garlic minced or 1 clove
  • 2 t Capers finely chopped
  • 1 T Fresh Parsley flat leaf finely chopped
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Mix the Blackening Seasoning together in a small bowl.
  • Spray the basket of your air fryer with the olive oil spray. Place salmon in basket, evenly spread out with as much space between the filets as possible.
  • Generously season each filet with the blackening blend. Drizzle the olive oil all over the salmon, as evenly as possible. Air fry at 370 F for 7-10 minutes, until salmon flakes easily. (Internal temp should be 145 F.)
  • While the salmon cooks, prepare the yogurt sauce in a medium bowl. When salmon is ready, serve immediately with the lemon caper sauce.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitutions: the blackening seasoning can be replaced by a robust blend from your favorite spice line.  I have also used Penzey’s “Northwoods” seasoning & it was delicious.  It has: coarse flake salt, paprika, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, granulated garlic and ground chipotle pepper.
  • The seasoning recipe was inspired by this “Blackened Seasoning”.
  • Here is the meat thermometer I use.  Every air fryer (& piece of salmon) is different so using the thermometer is the best way to guarantee a perfect finish every time.
Keyword air fryer, caper, easy, healthy, kid-friendly, lean, lemon, simple

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