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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
Servings: 2 people
Course: lunch/dinner
Cuisine: American, nordic
Calories: 1145.5
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Dinner Plate For seasoning distribution
  • 1 Paper Towels For drying salmon

Method
 

  1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C). Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  2. Rinse and dry salmon fillets with a paper towel. Mist fillets with cooking spray. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  3. Mix together Cajun seasoning and brown sugar in a small bowl until combined; spread onto a plate. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  4. Press fillets, flesh-side down, into seasoning mixture. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  5. 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
  6. 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, select high-quality, 1-inch thick, center-cut salmon fillets; their uniform thickness ensures even cooking. Always preheat your air fryer thoroughly to achieve a perfect crust and moist interior. While the recipe suggests cooking spray, a Misto sprayer with olive oil can provide a more even coat and superior browning. Be mindful of the salt content in your Cajun seasoning; adjust or add extra salt to taste if using an unsalted blend. The resting period is crucial for the salmon to reabsorb its juices, ensuring a flaky, moist texture. For an elevated finish, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill after cooking will brighten the flavors and add aromatic complexity.