Spice up dinner with this quick and easy Blackened Salmon recipe. Smoky, spicy, and deliciously crispy. Ready in minutes! Make it pan-seared, grilled or in the air fryer.
Are you craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make in just minutes? Look no further than this blackened salmon recipe!
Tender fillets of salmon are coated in a spice blend and then cooked until crispy. This technique results in a dish that is intensely flavorful with a smoky, spicy, and slightly charred taste.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this dish is sure to impress. Blackened salmon combines the perfect blend of spices with a crispy, smoky crust. So flavorful, so juicy, so easy.
I always have the ingredients for blackening seasoning on hand, so this blackened salmon is a dish we have often. I love how quick it is (15 minutes!) but that it packs in a lot of flavor.
In the summer we often serve it with salad, or for a heartier meal it's great with rice or mashed potatoes.
The recipe below gives methods for making blackened salmon pan fried, grilled, or in the air fryer.
If you love salmon, be sure to also try Salmon Curry, Cajun Salmon, and Salmon Quiche!
Jump to:
What is blackened?
"Blackened" refers to a cooking technique that involves coating food, typically fish or chicken, with a mixture of spices and then cooking it at high heat until the outer layer becomes dark and charred. This process creates a distinctive, flavorful crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
The technique was popularized by Chef Paul Prudhomme in the 1980s and has since become a staple in Cajun and Creole cuisine.
The term "blackened" comes from the appearance of the cooked food, which often looks almost burnt due to the dark spices and high-heat cooking method, but it’s actually just the spices caramelizing and forming a flavorful crust.
How to blacken fish
To achieve the blackened effect, the food is typically:
- Season Generously: The protein is coated in a blend of spices that usually includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Heated to High Temperature: The cooking surface, such as a cast-iron skillet or grill, is preheated until it is extremely hot.
- Cook Quickly: The seasoned food is then cooked quickly at high heat, often in a bit of butter or oil, which helps to create the characteristic crust.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoked paprika, cayenne, and other spices creates a rich, bold taste that’s hard to resist.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a gourmet meal ready in less than 20 minutes.
- Healthy Option: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making this dish a nutritious choice.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer pan-seared, grilled, or even air-fried, this recipe adapts beautifully.
- Impressive Presentation: The blackened crust not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on the plate.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh or frozen fillets work well. If using frozen, make sure to thaw completely before cooking. Skin-on or skinless fillets are both fine, depending on your preference.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Helps the seasoning adhere and creates a lovely crust. Butter adds a richer flavor, while olive oil is a healthier option.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth that’s essential for blackening. Regular paprika can be substituted, but the flavor will be milder.
- Cayenne Pepper: Provides heat. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory note. Fresh minced garlic can be used, but be cautious of burning.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic and adds sweetness.
- Dried Thyme: Offers a subtle earthy flavor. Fresh thyme can be used, but it may not adhere as well.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a hint of bitterness that balances the other spices.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to taste if you’re watching your sodium intake.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of sharpness and completes the seasoning mix.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make Blackened Salmon
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil or melted butter. This will help the seasoning stick and also create a nice crust when cooked.
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Generously coat each salmon fillet with the blackening seasoning, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres well. Make sure both sides of the fillets are evenly coated.
For Pan-Seared Blackened Salmon:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is smoking hot. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the outside is blackened and crispy and the inside is cooked.
For Grilled Blackened Salmon:
Preheat your grill to high heat. Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if the skin is on. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until blackened and cooked through.
For Air Fryer Blackened Salmon:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, flipping halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice: Serve the blackened salmon on a bed of jasmine or wild rice.
- With Veggies: Pair with grilled asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a fresh garden salad.
- In Tacos: Flake the salmon and serve in soft tortillas with avocado, slaw, and a drizzle of lime crema.
- Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta and a light cream sauce for a decadent meal. Try it with creamy garlic sauce.
Variations
- Spice Level: Increase or decrease the cayenne pepper based on your heat tolerance.
- Herb Swap: Use different herbs like rosemary or basil for a unique twist.
- Citrus Zing: Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice before serving for a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Butter Mix: Mix melted butter with a bit of honey or maple syrup for a sweet and spicy glaze.
Storage
Store: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to three months.
Reheat: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in a skillet or oven to retain the crispy texture.
Make Ahead Information
You can prepare the blackening seasoning in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to six months. This makes it easy to whip up this dish on busy weeknights. Additionally, you can pre-season the salmon and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.
More Fish and Seafood Recipes
Recipe Tips
- Preheat Your Pan or Grill: Ensure your cooking surface is hot before adding the salmon to achieve the perfect blackened crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the fillets in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and prevent steaming.
- Check Doneness: The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Use a meat thermometer for precision; it should read 145°F (63°C).
- Ventilation: Blackening can produce a lot of smoke, so make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated or use an outdoor grill.
Be sure to subscribe to my free Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!
📖 Recipe
Blackened Salmon
Equipment
- Bowl
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Blackening Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste for heat
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better.
- Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil or melted butter. This will help the seasoning stick and also create a nice crust when cooked.
- In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Generously coat each salmon fillet with the blackening seasoning, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres well. Make sure both sides of the fillets are evenly coated.
For Pan-Seared Blackened Salmon:
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is smoking hot.
- Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the outside is blackened and crispy and the inside is cooked to your desired doneness. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
For Grilled Blackened Salmon:
- Preheat your grill to a high heat.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if the skin is on. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until blackened and cooked through.
For Air Fryer Blackened Salmon:
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Cathleen
I am always craving salmon, and this recipe is such a good one! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe 🙂
Sara Welch
Adding this to my dinner line up for the week! My family loves salmon and this looks too good to pass up, indeed!
Raya
We've been trying to eat more fish, and this salmon looked amazing! Made it for dinner tonight with extra cayenne because we like it HOT!
Anjali
This salmon turned out perfectly cooked and was seasoned so well! I served it up with some roasted veggies and rice and it made an easy dinner for our family!