Air Fryer Blackened Salmon Recipe makes it easy to enjoy perfectly cooked salmon fillets, seasoned with a vibrant homemade blackened spice mix, all within the comfort of your kitchen. This method delivers a delightful entrée quickly and healthily, ideal for any day of the week.
Why Choose Air Fryer Salmon?
The air fryer ensures the salmon cooks evenly and stays moist inside while getting a lightly crisp exterior. Paired with a flavorful blackened seasoning, this method is straightforward and failsafe, producing excellent results in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients Overview
- Salmon: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients, salmon is both a healthy and satisfying choice. Cooking the fillet with the skin on helps protect the delicate flesh from direct heat.
- Blackened Seasoning: A robust blend that adds a delicious layer of flavor to the salmon. Only a tablespoon is needed to season the salmon thoroughly.
Cooking Insights
- Doneness of Salmon: Salmon is considered fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). For those who prefer their salmon medium, remove it from the heat at 130°F (54°C); it will continue to cook as it rests.
- Preparation Tip: Let the salmon rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
Skin-on or Skin-off?
Cooking salmon with the skin on is advisable when using the air fryer. The skin acts as a shield, preventing the fish from drying out and sticking to the air fryer basket. Always place the salmon skin-side down.
Oven Alternative
If the air fryer is unavailable, baking the salmon in the oven is a great alternative. Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C), covered loosely with aluminum foil, to maintain its moisture. Microwaving is not recommended, as it can dry out the fish.
Ingredients
- Salmon: 1 pound (454 g), cut into 4 fillets
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Blackened Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon Wedges: For garnish
- Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with blackened seasoning, rubbing it gently into the fillets.
- Air Frying: Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook at 390°F (199°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Present the salmon hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and optionally, chopped parsley.
This Air Fryer Blackened Salmon Recipe not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the natural flavors of salmon, making it a quick and healthy option suitable for any meal.
