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Seafood·Updated Jul 12, 2025

Cajun Blackened Salmon

Name: Cajun Blackened Salmon
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 12 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp butter, melted; Lemon wedges; Fresh parsley; Cajun remoulade or tartar sauce

4.8(70)

12 min

Time

400°F

Temp

330 cal

Cal

Serves

Cajun Blackened Salmon is made with 4 salmon fillets, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder; air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes to serve 4. 330 calories per serving.

Clara Moretti·Recipe Developer & Air Fryer Specialist

Updated Jul 12, 2025

Ingredients

Salmon

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on

1 tbsp olive oil

Cajun Seasoning

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Finish

2 tbsp butter, melted

Lemon wedges

Fresh parsley

Cajun remoulade or tartar sauce

Equipment

Steps

1
Pat salmon dry. Mix all Cajun seasoning ingredients together.
2
Brush fillets with olive oil and coat generously with Cajun seasoning on the flesh side.
3
Place skin-side down. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until the spice crust is dark and the fish flakes easily.
4
Drizzle with melted butter and a squeeze of lemon. Garnish with parsley.
5
Serve with remoulade, rice, and roasted vegetables.

💡

Tip: The higher heat is intentional — it creates the signature blackened char on the spices without overcooking the fish. Pull at 125°F internal for perfectly moist salmon.

Why Air Fry This?

⏱️Ready in 12 minutes vs ~18 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.

🎉

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cook Cajun Blackened Salmon at 400°F for 12 minutes. The higher heat is intentional — it creates the signature blackened char on the spices without overcooking the fish. Pull at 125°F internal for perfectly moist salmon.

You need: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp butter, melted, Lemon wedges, Fresh parsley, Cajun remoulade or tartar sauce. This recipe serves 4 with 330 calories per serving.

Cajun Blackened Salmon takes 12 minutes total at 400°F. Serve with remoulade, rice, and roasted vegetables.

This recipe is rated Easy. It serves 4 and takes just 12 minutes at 400°F.

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