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- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Lemon wedges - Fresh parsley Gathering the right ingredients is key to making crispy Cajun air fryer salmon. Start with fresh salmon fillets. Look for ones that are bright and firm. The olive oil adds richness and helps with crispiness. Cajun seasoning gives this dish its bold flavor. For spices, garlic powder and smoked paprika enhance the taste. Black pepper and salt round out the flavors. If you want some color on your dish, lemon wedges and fresh parsley make great garnishes. They add a nice touch and a bit of brightness to the meal. Once you have all your ingredients, you can easily make a flavorful and quick dinner. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special. 1. Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 5 minutes. This step helps the salmon cook evenly and become crispy. 2. Prepare the spice mix. In a small bowl, mix together: - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt Stir well until all spices blend together. 3. Coat the salmon fillets. First, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness. Brush both sides with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, sprinkle the spice mix evenly on both sides of the salmon. Make sure each fillet is well coated. 4. Position the fillets in the air fryer. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave space between each fillet for even cooking. 5. Air frying instructions. Cook the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. The cooking time may change based on how thick your fillets are. 6. Flaking test for doneness. To check if the salmon is done, use a fork to gently flake the fish. It should flake easily and look opaque. If it does, your salmon is ready to serve! To get that perfect crispy texture, start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is key. Dry fish cooks better and absorbs seasoning well. If you skip this, you'll miss out on crispiness. Next, apply the olive oil. You can brush it on gently, ensuring both sides are covered. Use just enough oil to coat the fish. Too much oil can make it greasy instead of crispy. Cooking time can change based on the thickness of your fillets. Thicker pieces will need a bit more time. I suggest starting with 8 minutes for thinner fillets and going up to 10 minutes for thicker ones. To check for doneness, use a fork to flake the salmon. If it flakes easily, it's ready. The ideal internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (63°C). When air frying, avoid overcrowding the basket. Each piece of salmon needs space for hot air to circulate. If they touch, they might not cook evenly. Keep an eye on your salmon as it cooks. Air fryers can vary in heat, so checking it halfway through helps ensure it cooks just right. {{image_2}} You can make your own Cajun seasoning at home. Here’s a simple recipe: - 1 tablespoon paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt Mix all these spices in a bowl. Store it in a jar for later use. If you want to try other spice blends, consider using taco seasoning or even lemon pepper. Both add great flavor and keep your meal exciting. You can pair your crispy Cajun salmon with many side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted sweet potatoes - Quinoa salad - Coleslaw Each of these sides complements the salmon well and adds color to your plate. For sauces, try a tangy tartar sauce or a creamy dill sauce. A squeeze of lemon juice also brightens the dish. If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your seasoning is gluten-free. For low-carb adaptations, serve the salmon with a fresh salad instead of rice or bread. You can add avocado slices for healthy fats. This keeps the meal light and tasty. To keep your crispy Cajun salmon fresh, store it in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to three days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. If you want to keep it longer, use your freezer. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen salmon will stay fresh for up to three months. For the best taste, reheat salmon in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. You can also use the air fryer for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Reheat for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the outside crispy. Avoid using the microwave. It can make the salmon dry and chewy. Remember to check the salmon often. Overheating can lead to a tough texture. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! To check if the salmon is done, use the flaking test. Gently press a fork into the thickest part. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. The recommended internal temperature for cooked salmon is 145°F (63°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and has a nice texture. Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. First, thaw them in the fridge for several hours or overnight. If you need to thaw quickly, place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. When cooking frozen salmon, add 2 to 3 extra minutes to the cooking time. This ensures the center cooks through while keeping the outside crispy. For a great meal, serve your crispy Cajun air fryer salmon with some tasty sides. Consider pairing it with roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus. You could also enjoy it with rice or quinoa for a filling option. A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette works well too. This adds a refreshing touch to your plate. This article covers how to create crispy Cajun air fryer salmon. You learned about key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. I shared variations and storage info to help you customize your dish. Remember, achieving the perfect texture requires drying your salmon and using the right spices. Always check for doneness with the flaking test. By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious meals any day. Try this recipe, and feel free to get creative with your spices and sides. Happy cooking!

Crispy Cajun Air Fryer Salmon

Looking for a delicious way to enjoy healthy salmon? Try this crispy Cajun air fryer salmon recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create perfectly seasoned, flaky fillets in under 20 minutes. The combination of Cajun spices and a crispy exterior will impress your taste buds. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional: Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

    In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.

      Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they're crispy.

        Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the spice mixture on both sides, ensuring all the fillets are well coated.

          Place the seasoned salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there's space between them for even cooking.

            Cook the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has a crispy exterior. (Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.)

              Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute.

                Serve the crispy Cajun salmon garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4