Blackened salmon is one of my favorite meals to order out. Whenever I see it on a menu, there’s a high chance that’s what I’m ordering! I wanted the same crispy, slightly spicy salmon I know and love at home. This salmon is the perfect addition to roasted veggies, salads, mashed or roasted potatoes, rice, tacos, etc. you get the point! It’s super versatile and pairs well with many dishes. I have a hard time finding a blackened seasoning I love at the store, which is why you’ll make your own spice combo here. The blackened seasoning is simple to put together, and I love to make extra to have on hand for other meats throughout the week. The blackened seasoning really elevates the salmon and takes it from average to crave-worthy!
This blackened salmon is also incredibly easy to make, which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight. We will provide you with two cooking methods for this recipe: the air fryer method, and the stovetop method. Both methods are quick and require little clean-up. Let’s jump in and make our favorite blackened salmon!
What ingredients do you need for the blackened salmon?
Salmon Filets
Feel free to use whatever type of salmon you prefer here! I have used both Atlantic salmon and sockeye salmon. Atlantic salmon is often a little easier to find than sockeye salmon. That being said, wild-caught sockeye salmon is much easier to find than wild-caught Atlantic salmon if that’s important to you!
I have tried salmon from several places—Trader Joe’s, Butcher Box, Costco, Whole Foods, etc. and the most important factor in delicious salmon is how fresh it is! I typically steer clear of salmon that looks like it has been sitting in the case for a while because it is often more fishy tasting. Not a big fan of that! That being said, if I buy fresh salmon and know I won’t use it all quickly, I will freeze it and let it thaw overnight or in cold water the day of. Feel free to buy salmon with the skin on or off, you can easily remove the skin after cooking.
Olive or Avocado Oil Spray
I prefer an oil spray because it’s easier to evenly coat the filets. Feel free to just drizzle a little avocado or olive oil on the filets and evenly spread it around. The primary purpose of the oil here is to help the seasoning stick.
A Whole Lot of Seasonings
I love blackened seasoning. I will often make double or even quadruple to keep the blackened seasoning on hand. You can use it on fish, chicken, pork, beef, etc.; it always adds a nice flavor. For this blackened seasoning, you will need paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin, and brown sugar. If you’re looking to skip this step, feel free to buy already mixed blackened seasoning at the store, I just can’t promise it will be the same as this homemade mix!
What equipment do you need?
For this recipe, you will need the following equipment:
- Small bowl to mix the seasonings
- Measuring spoons
- Air fryer or large frying pan
- Spatula
How do I make blackened salmon?
- In a small bowl, add all of the spices and combine together well.
- Pat your salmon filets dry. Spray the tops lightly with avocado or olive oil spray.
- Sprinkle the seasoning over the filets liberally.
There are two methods for cooking the salmon:
For the air fryer method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Spray the basket of the air fryer with avocado or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the salmon filets in the basket with the seasoned side facing up. Let the salmon cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
For the stove-top method:
- Once the pan is very hot, add the salmon filets flesh side down, skin side up. Let the salmon cook for 3-4 minutes or until the surface is brown and crispy. Once this occurs, flip the salmon filets over and let them cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the thermometer reaches 145 degrees in the thickest part. The salmon should flake easily throughout the whole filet.
- Serve the salmon hot with your desired sides. We love to serve it with baked sweet potatoes, jasmine or brown rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Heat a large frying pan or cast iron pan over medium heat. Lightly spray the pan with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray to prevent any sticking.
Anything else to consider?
If you would like to make extra blackened seasoning, store it in an air-tight jar or container and it will last for several months. Here are a few sides we love to serve with the salmon:
- Jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Baked french fries
- Wrapped up in a taco
Is this blackened salmon (GF/DF/V/VEG)?
This recipe is gluten and dairy-free! As always, check each individual ingredient you use to ensure that it meets your dietary preferences.
If you make this blackened salmon, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below and/or rate the recipe! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram to show us your finished product—it makes our day every time we see you trying the recipes we love!
Blackened Salmon
Ingredients
- 4, 6-oz salmon filets
- Avocado or olive oil spray
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add all of the spices and combine together well.
- Pat your salmon filets dry. Spray the tops lightly with avocado or olive oil spray.
- Sprinkle the seasoning over the filets liberally.
For the air fryer method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Spray the basket of the air fryer with avocado or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the salmon filets in the basket with the seasoned side facing up. Let the salmon cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
For the stove-top method:
- Heat a large frying pan or cast iron pan over medium heat. Lightly spray the pan with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray to prevent any sticking.
- Once the pan is very hot, add the salmon filets flesh side down, skin side up. Let the salmon cook for 3-4 minutes or until the surface is brown and crispy. Once this occurs, flip the salmon filets over and let them cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the thermometer reaches 145 degrees in the thickest part. The salmon should flake easily throughout the whole filet.
- Serve the salmon hot with your desired sides.
Notes
The recipe can be found on My Fitness Pal by searching "BWB Blackened Salmon"
The nutrition content provided for each recipe is an estimate created through the My Fitness Pal database. Please be aware that the nutritional content of each recipe may vary based on the products you use, the precision of your measurements, and the source you use to obtain nutrition data. While we try to provide accurate information, we give no guarantee regarding the accuracy of the nutritional information provided.
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