Air Fryer Cajun Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Cajun Salmon is a quick, flavorful dish that delivers bold, spicy seasoning with a perfectly flaky texture. The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior without the need for extra oil, making it a healthier option for weeknight dinners. Ready in minutes, this recipe combines the heat of Cajun spices with the natural richness of salmon for a satisfying meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

salmon fillets
olive oil
Cajun seasoning
garlic powder
paprika
lemon juice
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.

In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Rub each salmon fillet with olive oil, then coat generously with the seasoning mixture.

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 2-4 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
Total time: 13-15 minutes

Variations

Swap Cajun seasoning with blackened seasoning for a slightly smokier flavor.
Add a honey glaze before air frying for a sweet-spicy twist.
Top with mango salsa for a fresh, tropical touch.
Serve over rice or salad for a complete meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning.

Is Cajun salmon very spicy?

It has a moderate heat level, but you can adjust by reducing the amount of Cajun seasoning.

Do I need to flip the salmon in the air fryer?

No, cooking it skin-side down ensures even cooking without flipping.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a quick blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

Can I cook this in a regular oven?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats.

Can I use salmon with the skin off?

Yes, but skin-on helps hold the fillet together and adds flavor.

What oil works best?

Olive oil or avocado oil are great options for air frying.

Can I make this ahead?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the fillets and seasoning ahead of time and cook when ready.

Is it suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely—store portions with sides like rice or veggies for easy grab-and-go meals.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Cajun Salmon is a deliciously spicy and healthy way to enjoy salmon any night of the week. With minimal prep and fast cooking, it’s perfect for busy schedules and adds bold flavor without fuss. Try it once, and it may become your go-to salmon recipe.

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