Blackened Air Fryer Salmon with Spicy Creamy Sauce
This blackened air fryer salmon with spicy creamy sauce comes together in under 15 minutes and tastes amazing! The salmon gets perfectly crispy on the outside with a juicy, tender center. Topped with the most delicious spicy creamy sauce, this quick high protein meal is a weeknight win!
Serve this salmon on a bed of rice or alongside some roasted vegetables. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and freshly chopped green onions for an extra kick of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s
Why do you leave the skin on when air frying? Leaving the skin on locks in the juices and it makes it easier to remove the fish from the basket.
Why do you pat the salmon dry with paper towel? Patting the salmon dry, especially the skin, allows for the outside to get a nice crispy sear. When there is moisture on the surface of the salmon, it will not brown as nicely.
What can you serve this with? You can serve it with a side of white rice, Lebanese rice, miso butter sweet potatoes or my crispy tater tots.
What air fryer do you use? I use the 4qt COSORI air fryer. It has a smaller basket so if you have al arge family youmight want a larger basket. But it has worked great for me!!
Substitutions and Ingredients Needed for Blackened Air Fryer Salmon with Spicy Creamy Sauce
Salmon – You’ll need about 10-12 ounces of salmon for this recipe. Option to use one large fillet or two, 6-ounce fillets. Skin on is best as it helps lock in the juices. You can simply remove the skin once it is cooked to your liking. Be sure to pat the salmon dry with a paper towel before adding the oil and spices. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your salmon. Do not overcrowd the basket.
Avocado Oil – You’ll need avocado oil for this recipe. I like using avocado oil because it has a high smoke point and does not change the flavor of the salmon. Alternatively, you can use olive oil if that’s what you have handy.
Blackening Spice – Combine dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
Spicy Creamy Sauce – Combine mayonnaise, sriracha and low sodium soy sauce. Mix well. Option to add a touch os maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.
Garnishes – Serve with fresh lemon wedges and chopped green onions.
How to Make Blackened Air Fryer Salmon with Spicy Creamy Sauce
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Mix the spice blend in a small bowl. Set aside.
Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Leave the skin on. Drizzle the salmon with avocado oil. Then, dust it with the spice blend making sure it’s well coated.
Spray the inside of the air fryer with non-stick cooking spray. Add the seasoned salmon to the air fryer (skin side down) and cook for 11-12 minutes at 400 degrees. This will give you a medium well temperature on the salmon. Cooking time will also vary based on the thickness of your fish.
While the salmon is air frying, mix the spicy creamy sauce in a small bowl. Combine mayonnaise, sriracha and low sodium soy sauce. Whisk until well combined. Option to add a touch of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.
Remove the salmon from the air fryer (option to remove the skin) and top with the spicy creamy sauce. Serve with lemon wedges and chopped green onions.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat the salmon in the microwave until warmed through. Store any leftover spicy sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Looking for more air fryer recipes?
Blackened Air Fryer Salmon with Spicy Creamy Sauce
Ingredients
Blackened Salmon
- 10-12 ounces salmon, skin on
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne powder
Spicy Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup , optional, for a hint of sweetness
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 2 small mixing bowls spicy sauce and spices
- 1 plate
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Mix the spice blend in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Leave the skin on. Drizzle the salmon with avocado oil. Then dust it with the spice blend.
- Spray the inside of the air fryer with non-stick cooking spray.Add the seasoned salmon to the air fryer and cook for 11-12 minutes at 400 degrees. This will give you a medium-well salmon fillet. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your fish, and type of air fryer used.
- While the salmon is air frying, mix the spicy creamy sauce in a small bowl. Combine mayonnaise, sriracha and low sodium soy sauce. Whisk until well combined.
- Remove the salmon from the air fryer (option to remove the skin) and top with the spicy creamy sauce. Serve with lemon wedges and chopped green onions.
8 Comments on “Blackened Air Fryer Salmon with Spicy Creamy Sauce”
This recipe is EVERYTHING! I am not a fan of salmon but my husband is so I gave it a try. He’s a chef so I am always nervous trying new recipes. He LOVED it! And so did I. This will probably become a weekly meal for us.
This was the perfect quick dinner option I needed tonight. The flavors of the spice mix were delicious and the spicy sauce was great. We will definitely be making this again and again. It’s a great recipe for people who may not love the flavor of salmon because the recipe offers a ton of great flavor.
The absolute best recipe for a quick dinner ever! Literally everything start to finish took me less than 20 minutes. My husband said this was the best salmon he had ever eaten in his life! Totally love this website. Love this lady and her recipes. They are amazing and super helpful. 5 stars all the way around!!
This reminded me a bit of salmon roll in a bowl, but a little different (equally as delicious). Really simple and quick to make!
Could I make this in the oven? I don’t have an air fryer. If yes, what setting and temperature should I use. Broil? Convection? Thank you!!
400 degrees, 10-13 minutes, regular oven not convection, not broil
Made this for my family of 6 and all my kids loved it!! Ages 11-3. One of my kids even said it was like eating at a fancy restaurant!! 10/10
Yay!! this made my night. Thank you for letting me know!!