Air Fryer Blackened Salmon
Air Fryer Blackened Salmon is made with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme; air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes to serve 4. 340 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Equipment
Steps
- 1
Mix all blackening spices together.
- 2
Pat salmon dry. Brush with melted butter. Press spice mixture onto all sides of the fillets.
- 3
Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until salmon flakes easily and the spice crust is dark and aromatic.
- 4
Squeeze lemon over the top.
- 5
Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tip: The butter helps the spices form a crust and prevents burning. The crust should look very dark — that's char, not burnt. Skin-on fillets work best: cook skin-side down and don't flip. The cayenne is the heat — adjust to your preference.
Why Air Fry This?
- ⏱️Ready in 10 minutes vs ~15 in a conventional oven — no preheating needed.
- 🌊Gentle, even heat cooks fish through without drying it out — no flipping required.
- ⚡Uses significantly less energy than heating a full-size oven for a single batch.
How did it turn out?
Share your result and inspire others
Frequently Asked Questions
Cook Air Fryer Blackened Salmon at 400°F for 10 minutes. The butter helps the spices form a crust and prevents burning. The crust should look very dark — that's char, not burnt. Skin-on fillets work best: cook skin-side down and don't flip. The cayenne is the heat — adjust to your preference.
You need: 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, Salt and black pepper, 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), 2 tbsp butter, melted, Lemon wedges, Fresh parsley. This recipe serves 4 with 340 calories per serving.
Air Fryer Blackened Salmon takes 10 minutes total at 400°F. Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
This recipe is rated Easy. It serves 4 and takes just 10 minutes at 400°F.
More Seafood
Coconut Crusted Shrimp
Coconut Crusted Shrimp features jumbo shrimp coated in shredded coconut and panko; air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes until golden and snappy with sweet chili sauce.
Miso Glazed Salmon
Miso Glazed Salmon is made with salmon fillets, white miso paste, mirin, and brown sugar; air fry at 390°F for 12 minutes until deeply caramelized and silky.
Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp
Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp is made with large shrimp, panko, Parmesan, and smoked paprika; air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes until golden and snappy.