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Cajun Air Fryer Salmon

This air fryer salmon is full of flavor with a hint of sweetness. It's moist, delicious, and ready in under 10 minutes. If using an unsalted Cajun seasoning, you may want to season the fillets with salt before serving. I like to use a Misto sprayer with oil, but feel free to use regular cooking spray. For best results, use 1-inch-thick, center-cut fillets.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American, nordic
Servings 2 people
Calories 1145.5 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer Ensure it is large enough to accommodate salmon fillets without crowding.
  • 1 Small Bowl For mixing the seasoning blend.
  • 1 Plate For spreading the seasoning mixture.
  • 1 Paper Towels Essential for thoroughly drying the salmon.
  • 1 Cooking Spray (or Misto Sprayer) For misting salmon and air fryer basket.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • cooking spray
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 6 ounce skin-on salmon fillets

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C). Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Rinse and dry salmon fillets with a paper towel. Mist fillets with cooking spray. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Mix together Cajun seasoning and brown sugar in a small bowl until combined; spread onto a plate. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Press fillets, flesh-side down, into seasoning mixture. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray and place salmon fillets skin-side down. Mist salmon again lightly with cooking spray. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Close the lid and cook in the preheated air fryer for 8 minutes. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Notes

For optimal results, always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a superior crust. Using 1-inch thick, center-cut salmon fillets is crucial for a moist interior as thinner pieces are prone to overcooking. Thoroughly drying the salmon before seasoning is key for crispness. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice after cooking brightens the flavor profile. If your Cajun seasoning is unsalted, a pinch of flaky sea salt at the end will enhance the taste. Be mindful of internal temperature; salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C), but will carry over cook slightly while resting.