Easy Caribbean Salmon Recipe

Posted On November 15, 2020

This Caribbean salmon recipe is juicy, tasty, and so easy to make. The Caribbean flavors are easily infused into the salmon using my green seasoning recipe and lemon juice. Oven-baked , broiler, and air fryer instructions provided in the recipe card. Serve on top a salad, or alongside roasted vegetables and cinnamon mashed sweet potatoes. My kids like it with a dipping sauce (or ketchup really) and sliced cucumbers and baby carrots with ranch.

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WHY THIS SIMPLE OVEN-BAKED, BROILED, OR AIRFRYER SALMON RECIPE SHOULD BE YOUR GO-TO SEAFOOD RECIPE?

Those who fear cooking isn’t easy for them get great results using this recipe. The salmon recipe is tender and packed with flavor when it is oven-baked, broiler, or using an air fryer.

• It’s SOOOOO easy.
• Absolutely delicious no matter how you decide to cook it.
• Satisfying
• High-protein and low-carb recipe
• Goes great with a vegetarian food spread or surf and turf

HOW TO MAKE YOUR CARIBBEAN SALMON RECIPE PERFECT EVERY TIME

• Use a thicker cut salmon, frozen or fresh.
• Marinade your salmon 2-6 hours. Overnight is fine too because there is no lemon juice in the marinade. I have tested this recipe with and without marinating the salmon for an extended time and it was very delicious either way.
• For the marinade, massage 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper directly to the unthawed salmon. Put salmon in a ziplocked bag and then add one tablespoon of my green seasoning recipe to the salmon. Shake and put in fridge to marinade. Remaining seasoning is added when cooking.
• I use pink Himalayan salt that I get from Walmart.
• Don’t forget to squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the salmon after it’s done baking.

COOKING VARIATIONS

Oven-Baked, Broiled, and Air Fryer Salmon Recipe Instructions Provided

This recipe is just as delicious if you use an air fryer, grill, stove-top, or the broiler setting on the oven. It easily can be done as a blackened salmon recipe or just an amazing tender salmon.

If oven-baked (14 oz portion)

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.

Spray the baking sheet with oil, place in pan skin down, lightly stray the top of the salmon with cooking oil or olive oil, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.

Lightly spray the top and bottom of salmon with the cooking spray.

If using an air fryer (8 oz portion)

Set the airfryer to 390 degrees F.

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. I make my own cooking spray using an Evo spray bottle as pre-made ones tend to ruin the basket. These work great for all cooking needs.

Lightly spray the top and bottom of salmon with the cooking spray.

Cook for 8-10 minutes.

Be careful not to over-cook salmon.

If using broiler (8oz – 14oz portion)

Set the broiler on high with the rack about 8-10 inches from the top.

Lightly spray cooking pan and top and bottom of salmon with cooking spray.

Broil 9 minutes for medium. 12 minutes for medium-well. 15 minutes for well-done.

This salmon recipe works great as a blackened salmon recipe by allowing salmon to broil closer to the 15 minute mark.

Recipe Variations

What if I didn’t use the Green Seasoning?

If you don’t use my green seasoning recipe, and would rather an all-purpose dry rub, these three dry herb seasoning combinations are amazing and don’t require a marinade. Just massage it into the salmon before baking. So easy. I still recommend squeezing the juice of half a fresh lemon after cooking. A 14 oz portion of fresh salmon was used with the below dry herb seasoning combination.

Dry herb seasoning rub #1: 1/2 teaspoon pink Himalyan salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon garlic powder.

Dry herb seasoning rub #2: 1-2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Salt optional.

Dry herb seasoning rub #3: 1/2teaspoon pink Himalayan salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon of paprika of choice.

Try a wet sauce: Try salt and pepper and lightly toss in your favorite wet sauce. I really like using G. Hughes Sugar-Free Marinades, especially the teriyaki. They are easy to find at Walmart and most grocery stores I use.

FAQ, Notes + Tips to Make This Oven-Baked, Broiled, or Air Fryer Salmon Recipe Even Easier

How Do you Bake Salmon Without Drying It Out?

According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. You can prepare your salmon easily without over drying it by baking, broiling, using an air fryer, stove-top, or a grill. For baking, cook at 425 degrees F for 20 minutes. Using an air fryer, 8 minutes – 10 minutes at 390 degrees F. Using the broiler setting, 9 minutes – 15 minutes on high.

*For any marinade-based salmon, prepare the salmon by rubbing 1/4 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper before adding the marinade for maximum flavor.

Is it better to bake Salmon covered or uncovered

I make salmon at least twice a week. When preparing it oven-baked, it is just as delicious when covered in foil, or without a covering. This recipe was prepared without covering the salmon in the oven with foil. I also do not cover salmon when putting it in an air fryer and especially not to broil it.

How long does it take to thaw frozen salmon

Frozen salmon takes between 8-10 hours to unthaw. I do not recommend thawing on the counter top. Instead, try placing frozen salmon in a cold water bath to speed the process.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which is better for making this easy salmon recipe?

It really depends on you! All methods are easy and delicious. Sometimes I prefer the air fryer when I want a crispier finish or when I don’t want to wait for the oven to pre-heat. Also, sometimes I make salmon for just myself or for the kids during lunch time and it’s easier to use the air fryer.

When I want a blackened salmon recipe, I go with broiling or air fryer using these same flavors. When I want the most juicy salmon, I tend to choose broiler method or oven-baked. Also, I go with the oven when I want to make larger portions for meal preparation or for a large crowd to save time.

GOT QUESTIONS? I’m happy to help. Leave a comment and add some stars to let me know if you enjoyed this recipe. Let me know how you re-created it too. Also, please share it on social media. Tag #thenaturalfoodie. Thanks! -Salei