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.

For more recipes, try my famous Spicy Salmon Roll Bowl, Air Fryer Spicy Hasselback Salmon, or my Blackened Salmon with Citrus Salad.

Substitutions and Recipe Ingredients

• 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.

Variations

• Swap the protein. You can use chicken cutlets or tenderloins instead of salmon if you prefer.
• Less spicy. To make it less spicy omit the cayenne pepper and serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

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.