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Spice-crusted blackened salmon fillet with fresh basil and lemon wedge

Blackened Salmon Recipe

4.86 from 7 votes
Learn how to make delicious blackened salmon with this easy recipe! This Cajun-inspired dish features salmon fillets coated in a flavorful spice blend and cooked to perfection, creating a flavorful, blackened crust. Choose from pan-fried, oven-baked, air-fried, or grilled methods for cooking. This recipe includes essential spices, variations, and tips for the perfect crust. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, and enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. Related queries include: Blackened salmon spices, Blackened salmon olive oil, Blackened salmon in oven, Blackened salmon air fryer, Blackened salmon grilled, Blackened salmon Recipes, Blackened salmon near me, Blackened salmon sauce. PAA : Why is it called blackened salmon?, Is salmon better grilled or blackened?, Is blackened salmon healthy to eat?, Does blackened salmon mean burnt?
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Blackened Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons paprika ground
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper ground
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon white pepper ground
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 0.25 teaspoon thyme dried
  • 0.25 teaspoon basil dried
  • 0.25 teaspoon oregano dried
Main Ingredients
  • 4 fillets salmon skin and bones removed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted

Equipment

  • Frying Pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Grill
  • Oven
  • Air Fryer

Method
 

Prepare the Salmon
  1. In a small bowl, combine all the spices for the blackened seasoning.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
  3. Brush the salmon fillets with melted butter.
  4. Generously coat both sides of the salmon fillets with the blackened seasoning, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
Cooking Methods
  1. Pan-Fried: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add a tablespoon of oil. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and the crust is blackened.
  2. Oven-Baked: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the crust is blackened.
  3. Air-Fried: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the crust is blackened.
  4. Grilled: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the grill grates and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and the crust is blackened. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Consider serving with lemon butter sauce, remoulade, or aioli.

Notes

For best results, ensure the pan or cooking surface is hot before adding the salmon. Don't overcrowd the pan when pan-frying or air-frying. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your salmon fillets.