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Cajun salmon recipe card – high-protein dinner recipe

Cajun Salmon

This air-fried Cajun salmon delivers about 25 grams of protein per serving with a bold spiced crust and tender flaky interior. I mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a blend of everyday spices to coat the fillets before air frying them at 400 degrees for under 10 minutes. It is a quick weeknight dinner that fits easily into any meal prep plan without weighing you down.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Cajun Salmon:
  • 1 lb salmon
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Lemon slices
  • Lemon juice
Veggies (used in the video):
  • 14 oz frozen fajitas
  • 8 oz broccoli

Directions
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and lemon zest.
  3. Pat your salmon dry with a paper towel. Then drizzle oil over the salmon.
  4. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over the surface of the salmon, pressing gently so it adheres.
  5. Place salmon skin side down in the air fryer basket, and top with lemon slices if desired.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, checking at the 7-minute mark, until salmon flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Add 1-2 minutes for thicker fillets.
  7. Remove salmon from the air fryer and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
  8. Garnish with finely chopped parsley (or cilantro) and extra lemon slices, then serve.
  9. If cooking the vegetables, air fry on 400F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.