Air Fryer Cajun Salmon

This Air Fryer Cajun Salmon is a delicious go-to for any day of the week. A splash of lemon adds a zesty kick that keeps it light, fresh and full of flavor. Bonus, oven instructions included!

Ingredients to Make Air Fryer Cajun Salmon Recipe

Salmon is a spectacular choice for a quick weekday meal year-round. It’s packed with nutrients and can be transformed with simple seasonings into a feast. It’s not inexpensive, but it’s far more cost effective to make at home. Ingredients you’ll need to make Cajun Salmon in an air fryer: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Salmon – Fresh salmon fillets, preferably around 1 1/2-inches thick.
• Oil – Olive oil adds moisture and flavor.
• Seasonings – Cajun seasoning, light brown sugar, granulated garlic or garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon pepper and salt for a pop of flavor. Adjust the amount of salt depending on sodium in the Cajun seasoning.
• Lemons – Fresh lemon slices add a hint of citrus flavor.
• Herb – Fresh parsley for garnishing.

How to Make the BEST Air Fryer Cajun Salmon Recipe

• Prepare Air Fryer – Preheat air fryer. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
• Prep the Salmon – Brush salmon fillets with olive oil.
• Make Seasoned Coating – Mix any remaining oil with brown sugar, creole seasoning, garlic, paprika, lemon pepper and salt. Rub on all sides of salmon.
• Lemon – Arrange lemon slices in air fryer, then place salmon fillets on top.
• Air Fry – Cook skin side down for 7-9 minutes or just until cooked through and a thermometer registers 145°F when inserted into the side of the fillet. It should easily flake with a fork. Cook time may vary depending on thickness of fillets. Keep warm and repeat if frying in batches.
• Serve – Serve immediately garnished with parsley and lemon with Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, Cajun Dirty Rice or a simple  Rice Pilaf.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need to Make Air Fryer Cajun Salmon

• Air Fryer with a nonstick basket.
• Small bowl for combining the spices plus measuring spoons for accurate measuring.
• Pastry brush for brushing the salmon fillets with oil.
• Sharp knife and chopping board for slicing the lemons and chopping the parsley.
• Instant read thermometer for checking the internal temperature, if

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Cajun Seasoning: You can use Cajun or Creole seasoning for this salmon recipe. I used Cajun seasoning. You can make your own or try one of the delicious prepared blends. Two well known brands that tend to be readily available in most grocery stores are made by Tony Chachere’s or Zatarain’s. You could also swap it out and use Old Bay, instead.
• Oil: You could use avocado oil in place of olive oil.
• Salmon Filets: It’s important to choose salmon fillets that are similar in size and width. In considering the size, please note that a thicker salmon filet will need a bit more cooking time than a thinner filet. If you pair even sizes together, they’ll cook more uniformly without over or under cooking. You could also use cubed salmon for Cajun salmon bites. (1-inch cubes)
• Cook in Batches: Depending on the size of the fillets, you may choose to cook in batches. It’s important not to crowd the air fryer so air can circulate freely around the pieces.
• Salt: You may choose to use seasoned salt or no salt at all, depending on the amount of sodium in the Cajun seasoning that you choose to use. Sodium content can vary from brand to brand, so taste and make that adjustment in real time.
• Herbs: You can garnish with fresh tarragon or chives in place of parsley.
• Side Dishes: Sides you may consider for serving Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, Cajun Dirty Rice or a simple Rice Pilaf. In addition, vegetables such as Panko Parmesan Broccoli or Roasted Asparagus work beautifully to round out the meal. You could also serve it with Cauliflower Rice if you want to keep it low carb.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the basket of an air fryer, on a sheet pan under the broiler in the oven or in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Seafood Recipes to Make

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• You’ll love my recipe for crispy Fried Oysters.
• Serve crab to a crowd with this Crab Macaroni and Cheese.
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• Pan Seared Scallops melt in your mouth.
• Beer Battered Fish Tacos are family tested and approved.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils