What Sets This Recipe Apart: Our blackened salmon recipe is baked in the oven instead of pan-fried for a healthier, mess-free twist. It combines a blend of homemade spices for a bold and flavorful crust. It’s truly the easiest meal to make!

Love salmon? Try our maple mustard salmon or salmon with pasta.  

blackened salmon with lemon wedges. this recipe

Blackened Salmon Recipe

Once you learn how to cook blackened salmon in the oven, you’ll never go back to stovetop versions again! My method is much easier, allows you to cook a large batch at once, and always results in flakey, flavorful fish. 

I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, making sure you get that perfect balance—an irresistibly golden exterior with a melt-in-your-mouth tender center—all without losing a bit of flavor. And the best part? The oven does all the work, so you can skip the messy oil splatters and just enjoy every delicious bite!

Ready to eat in less than ten minutes, this salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. We love it over our coconut cilantro lime rice or as lettuce wraps topped with pineapple mango salsa! 

What is Blackened Salmon?

Blackened salmon is a dish that features salmon filets thickly coated in a Cajun-style seasoning. Typically, the filets are cooked in oil over high heat, which creates a blackened crust without burning the fish. 

My recipe is slightly different, relying on the seasoning blend to create the blackened coating rather than the oil. Then, instead of pan-frying, I bake the salmon to achieve a flakey consistency. 

Grilled vs Blackened Salmon

The key difference between grilled and blackened salmon is in the cooking method and the flavor. Grilled salmon is cooked on a grill. However, it’s often seasoned with simple ingredients and has a milder taste with a distinct smokey char. On the other hand, blackened salmon can be cooked on the grill, in a skillet, or the oven and is marked by its bold, savory, spicy flavor. 

Blackened Salmon Seasoning

Check the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full information on ingredients and quantities.

  • Spices – You can use a pre-made Cajun seasoning blend. However, I much prefer to make my own, combining paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. 
  • Everything else – salmon, olive oil, and lemon wedges.
ingredients for blackened salmon recipe.

How to Blacken Salmon

The recipe card at the bottom of the page has more detailed instructions.

salmon patted down with paper towel.

Step 1: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.

salmon fillet with olive oil.

Step 2: Coat it evenly with olive oil.

spice mixture in a glass bowl.

Step 3: Whisk the spices in a small bowl until well blended. 

salmon coated in spice mixture.

Step 4: Generously coat the salmon with the seasoning mixture. Bake until flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Blackened Salmon Recipe Tips

  • Generously Coat the Salmon: Rub the seasoning generously on all sides of the fish. You want a nice coating of spices all around.
  • Use an Even Filet: Look for a filet that is fairly equal in thickness all the way through. This allows for even cooking and will prevent the ends from drying out. 
  • Check for Doneness: Salmon cooks quickly. Bake for about 15-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.

What to Serve with Blackened Salmon

Simply flake the fish and incorporate it into your favorite meals!

blackened salmon over rice and mango salsa in a bowl.

You May Also Like…

Salmon Lettuce Wraps

Salmon Avocado Salad

Artichoke and Spinach Roasted Salmon

Roasted Red Pepper Salmon

If you try our blackened salmon recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment letting us know how you liked the recipe.

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blackened salmon with lemon wedges.

Recipe for Blackened Salmon

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 6-8
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baked
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Description

Learn how to make Blackened Salmon in the oven! Tender and flakey with a blackened exterior, every bite is bursting with savory spicy flavor. 

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ lb. whole salmon fillet
  • Olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. onion powder
  • ¼ tsp. dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp. dried oregano
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives, for garnish, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels, then rub it all over with olive oil.
  3. In a small bowl, combine paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until well blended.
  4. Generously coat the salmon with the seasoning mixture. Place it on the prepared sheet pan and bake on the middle rack for 15–18 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the fillet’s thickness—wild salmon will cook faster due to its lower fat content.
  5. Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve over rice with roasted vegetables or cooling salads. It’s also great in tacos, grain bowls, lettuce wraps, and salads.

Notes

  • Pat the Salmon Dry: Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better and creates a crispier crust.
  • Season Generously: The bold flavors of blackened salmon come from a well-seasoned crust, so don’t be shy with the spice blend. You should be able to use all of the seasoning!
  • Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. While you can reheat it gently in a low-temperature oven or skillet, reheating often makes the fish dry and rubbery. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it cold in salads, grain bowls, or wraps.
  • Suggested Portion: A 2 ½ lb. whole salmon fillet typically serves 6 to 8 people, assuming each portion is around 4 to 5 ounces per person.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 oz.
  • Calories: 208
  • Sugar: 0.2 g
  • Sodium: 422.3 mg
  • Fat: 8.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
  • Protein: 31.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 72.4 mg

Recipe originally published April 2016 but since been revised.