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Crispy Air Fryer Cajun Salmon Recipe with Lemon Butter

air fryer Cajun salmon - featured image
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This easy weeknight dinner features salmon fillets coated in bold Cajun spices, air fried to a crispy finish, and topped with a tangy lemon butter. Quick to prepare, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
  2. Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil on both sides and season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir until evenly blended.
  4. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning generously over the top and sides of each fillet, pressing gently so it sticks. For a thicker crust, repeat with another light layer.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on. Leave space between each piece.
  7. Air fry for 7-9 minutes, depending on thickness (8 minutes for 1-inch fillets). Check halfway through; lower temp to 380°F if edges begin to burn. For extra crisp, flip fillets for the last 2 minutes.
  8. Salmon is done when flesh flakes easily with a fork and crust is golden. Internal temp should be 145°F.
  9. While salmon cooks, mix softened butter with lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Stir until creamy; add a splash of lemon juice if too thick.
  10. Transfer salmon to plates and spoon lemon butter over hot fillets. Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge.

Notes

For dairy-free, use vegan margarine in place of butter. Adjust cayenne for desired spice level. Use wild-caught salmon for best texture. If air fryer runs hot, check salmon early to avoid drying out. Lemon butter can be made ahead and kept in the fridge. For extra crisp, flip fillets for last 2 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, Cajun salmon, lemon butter, crispy salmon, easy weeknight dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free option, healthy salmon recipe

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/crispy-air-fryer-cajun-salmon-recipe-with-lemon-butter-easy-weeknight-dinner/