Perfect Blackened Salmon: Bold Crust, Flaky Interior
I am so glad you are here. This recipe shows you exactly how to create that perfect spicy crust on your salmon fillets, resulting in a flaky, moist interior every time. This is an easy fish dinner ready fast.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or other high-heat oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for finishing (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- For the Best Blackened Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This is your best blackened seasoning.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step helps create a better crust.
- Generously coat all sides of each salmon fillet with the spice blend, pressing the seasoning firmly onto the fish.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot. A hot pan is key for restaurant style salmon.
- Add the avocado oil to the hot skillet. Wait until the oil shimmers slightly.
- Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the hot skillet, presentation-side down (if skinless). Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear the salmon undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a dark, flavorful crust forms.
- Flip the fillets. If using butter, add the tablespoon of butter to the pan now. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the fish as it cooks for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets before serving immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For an oven baked blackened salmon variation, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place seasoned fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
- If you prefer an air fryer salmon dinner, cook at 380°F (195°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, checking for doneness. This method yields wonderfully crispy salmon.
- To make this a healthy blackened salmon with spinach filling, gently sauté 5 ounces of fresh spinach with 1 clove of minced garlic and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until wilted. Cut a pocket into the side of the fillet before seasoning and stuff with the spinach mixture. Secure with a toothpick if needed before searing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 36
- Cholesterol: 95