Name: Blackened Salmon Air Fryer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference); ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Lemon wedges (for serving)

If you’ve never tried blackened salmon in the air fryer, you’re in for a treat. It’s smoky, spicy, tender on the inside, and has that irresistible crispy edge — all without firing up your oven or making a mess on the stovetop. And the best part? It takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a healthy, weeknight-friendly dinner, this recipe is about to become a regular in your rotation. Pair it with a simple salad or roasted veggies, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love Blackened Salmon in the Air Fryer

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this dish, but here are my favorites:

Fast cooking – Your salmon goes from fridge to plate in under 15 minutes.
Bold flavor – The blackened spice mix packs smoky, garlicky, and slightly spicy notes in every bite.
Healthier option – Air frying uses far less oil than pan-frying, but you still get that satisfying crust.
Easy cleanup – No oily splatter on your stove.

This method works whether you’re cooking for one or making enough for the whole family — just adjust the seasoning and cook in batches if needed.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients:

2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for deeper flavor)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving

💡 Tip: You can also use store-bought blackened seasoning if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s low in sodium so you can control the salt.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Blackened Salmon in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F. Preheating helps the salmon develop that signature crispy crust.

Ingredients for blackened seasoning in small bowls on table — Spices ready to be mixed for blackened salmon.

Step 2: Mix the Blackened Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels — this helps the seasoning stick and keeps the crust from getting soggy. Brush each piece with olive oil, then rub the blackened seasoning all over the fish.

Salmon fillet brushed with oil before seasoning — Brushing salmon with oil before adding blackened seasoning.

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon

Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down if using skin-on salmon. Cook for 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the surface is slightly charred.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and serve with your favorite sides.

Quick side ideas:

Air fryer carrot fries (link to carrot fries air fryer article)
Steamed green beans with garlic
Quinoa salad with herbs and cucumber

Pro Tips for Perfect Blackened Salmon

Don’t overcrowd the basket — airflow is key for crispiness.
Check doneness early — salmon cooks quickly and can dry out if left too long.
Use parchment paper if your seasoning mix tends to stick.

Serving Ideas

Blackened salmon is versatile. You can:

Flake it over a salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes.
Serve it in tacos with slaw and lime crema.
Pair it with roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty dinner.

Blackened Salmon Air Fryer

Blackened Salmon Air Fryer

Why You’ll Love Blackened Salmon in the Air Fryer

What You’ll Need