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Air Fryer Blackened Salmon - enjoy a low carb healthy keto dinner recipe quick , easy and mess free using the foil packet method. Be sure to check the FAQs below the recipe card for more information.

Air Fryer Blackened Salmon Foil Packets

Our air fryer blackened salmon foil packets are a quick and easy way to eat a healthy meal with minimal cleaning required. If you have used an air fryer to cook fish you probably already know it can be a nightmare. Cooking the salmon in foil keeps the mess contained and also all the flavor & juices.

What is Blackened Salmon?

Traditionally blackened salmon, or any protein that is "blackened" is created by heating a skillet, usually cast iron and cooking the fish or protein hot. The salmon is first highly seasoned with a Cajun blend of spices. Cajun is the traditional spices of choice, however you can use any blend that includes paprika and a sweetener of choice.

After liberally coating the salmon or other protein, it is cooked on a higher than typical heat, causing the seasonings to "blacken". Heating or blackening of spices causes a similar effect as toasting whole spices. It really brings the flavor out.

How Does an Air Fryer Blacken the Salmon?

So we mentioned that by tradition a cast iron skillet is used to cook and blacken the fish or other protein. Now-a-days, the term blackened or blackening refers to the spice blend itself. Our process for cooking the fish in the air fryer will not return a traditional result, but will provide the flavors & some blackening by opening up the foil the last few minutes.

Is this Air Fryer Salmon Keto Friendly?

Yes! Our air fryer salmon is naturally very low in carbohydrates making it a great option for keto dinner or lunch. Salmon as is contains zero carbs. The carbs in this dish come primarily from the vegetables and the garlic or onion powder in the seasoning.

To reduce the carbs even further, try mixing your own blackened seasoning blend eliminating the garlic, onion and sugar. Almost all store bought seasoning blends will contain some sugar. If you make your own, you can use sweetener or follow our quick recipe for the blend.

Keto Friendly Blackened Spice Blend Recipe

• Start with 1tsp sweetener of choice, I use brown sugar replacement, it blackens and tastes amazing
• 2 tablespoon Paprika (the star of the show) regular is Ok, Smoked is Best
• 2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (this is considered medium heat if gauging by hot, medium or mild like salsa)
• 2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon each Salt n Pepper
• ½ teaspoon Oregano ( I am Greek, our go to is Oregano, if you would like to use Thyme it is delicious also)

Making Our Keto Air Fryer Salmon

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Servings: 2 

Net Carbs: 4 net carbs per serving

Ingredients for our Blackened Salmon

• 2 Skin on or off salmon fillets (we prefer off)
• 1 C. Broccoli florets
• ½ Red bell pepper cut into large chunks
• ¼ Onion sliced
• 3 tsp. Blackened seasoning divided, store bought or our recipe above
• 1 Tbsp. Butter divided
• Tin Foil

Instructions for Salmon Foil Packets

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. 
2. Lay two long sheets of tin foil on a flat surface. 
3. Place half of the broccoli, red peppers and onion into the center of each one and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the blackened seasoning. 
4. Season the salmon with the remaining blackened seasoning, and place on top of the vegetables on the tin foil. Remember you can use our spice blend for an ultra low carb keto version of this salmon recipe.
5. Add ½ tablespoon of butter to the top of each piece of salmon. 
6. Fold the two long ends of the foil up, and roll them closed. 
7. Roll up the sides of the foil to close, and form a packet. 
8. Place the packets into the air fryer, and cook for 15 minutes. 
9. Open the packets, and cook uncovered for another 3-5 minutes. 
10. Take CAUTION when removing the packets. They may drip or leak hot juice. We recommend using a long spatula to lift them.

Recipes That Go Well With Our Keto Salmon Recipe

• Keto Avocado Fries- cooked in the air fryer for a healthy crunch
• "Hard Boiled" Eggs- we cook batches of these at a time right in the air fryer
• Keto Cauliflower Bacon "Mac n Cheese" - this will make your foil packet salmon meal a hearty one!

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