Name: Air Fryer Blackened Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 lbs fresh Salmon filets, thawed; 4 Tsps Blackened Seasoning; 1 Tbsp smoked paprika; 1 Tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

This quick Air Fryer Blackened Salmon is a simple way to cook fish with minimal cleanup. Using fresh salmon and a easy homemade blackened seasoning, this fish pairs well with just about any side dish.

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Partially-sliced blackened salmon on a wire rack.

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Why you’ll love this recipe

This air fryer blackened salmon recipe is quick, easy and ready in minutes.
Minimal ingredients and clean up using the air fryer.
No baking necessary.
Pair with your favorite sides for a perfectly well rounded meal.

Can you roast the fish in the oven instead?

Absolutely! Using the same ingredients and instructions as provided for the air fryer blackened salmon, place the salmon on a foil lined baking sheet and place in a pre heated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 10-20 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork or reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit with a meat thermometer. For a full recipe, check out my Baked Salmon with Chimichurri Sauce.

What to look for when buying store bought salmon

We never buy salmon as it is readily available every summer for us here in Alaska to catch ourselves. We go out ever year with the goal to stock the freezer for the upcoming year. Some things to note when you’re buying salmon in the store for this air fryer blackened salmon recipe: “look for salmon that appears moist rather than dried out, avoid salmon with any browned spots on the belly, around the edges of the fillet, or instances where the skin has started browning and curling up.” Here is a great article with more information: “How to Buy Salmon at the Grocery Store Like a Pro.”

What air fryer do you use?

I have the COSORI Air Fryer Oven Combo 5.8QT Max XL Large Cooker, linked here. I do find it is pretty loud in the kitchen but it gets the job done and makes perfect air fryer blackened salmon. We have had it for years without any issues.

We use our air fryer all the time for recipes like Air Fryer Blackened Chicken and Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll Ups.

Ingredients and Substitutes:

These are the main ingredients and substitutions. See recipe card below for full ingredients list and instructions for Air Fryer Blackened Salmon.

Salmon: you can substitute the salmon with a white fish or any other protein of choice. Keep the seasonings the same. Remove the salmon skin (optional) prior to serving once it has been cooked. It should stick to the foil and peel right off.

Seasonings: you can use your favorite blackened seasoning or make the home made sugar free version here.

How to make air fryer blackened salmon:

Step 1

Preheat your air fryer.

Step 2

While the air fryer heats, prep your salmon filets by patting dry and cutting into serving sizes as desired. For this recipe I am cutting into 4 – 4 oz. filets.

Step 3

Mix the seasoning together in a bowl. If cutting into 4 filets, top each filet with 1 Tbsp. of blackened seasoning. Be sure to get the top and all sides covered well.

Line the air fryer pan with foil, drizzle with olive oil or non stick spray so they fish does not stick to the bottom. If using skin on filets, the skin will stick and peel away from the fish once cooked.

Step 4

Air fry the filets at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes. When the salmon easily flakes with a fork or the internal temperature reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit with a meat thermometer the salmon is done. The time will vary depending on your air fryer and thickness of filets.

Several fillets of blackened salmon on a wire rack.

What to serve with this recipe?

You can serve this air fryer blackened salmon with Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes, sauteed vegetables, rice or even make fish tacos, burgers and sandwiches.

If you like this recipe be sure to check out some of our other easy air fryer recipes!