Name: Blackened Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; pinch of cayenne pepper, optional; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; spray cooking oil; 2 tablespoons avocado oil

What You Need To Make Blackened Chicken

Smoked Paprika – The main spice in our blackened seasoning is the incredible smoked paprika! Unlike regular paprika, smoked paprika has this irresistible smoky flavor that simply can’t be beat. If you don’t already have this delicious spice in your spice cabinet, then I highly recommend you buy some.

Cayenne Pepper – The amount of cayenne pepper you use in this blackened chicken recipe is entirely up to you and your spice preferences. I personally love a bit of spice, so I use almost 1/4 teaspoon in my seasoning. However, if you’re averse to spice, you can simply leave the cayenne pepper out altogether.

Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the way to go! Without the skin, the spices can better penetrate into the meat. This makes your chicken that much more delicious. And as far as boneless goes, it’s easier to eat – a no brainer if you ask me!

Adjust This Recipe To Your Diet

Make it Less Spicy: If you don’t like spice, simply omit the cayenne pepper in this blackened chicken recipe.

Make it Vegan: Turn this into a blackened tofu recipe by taking a block of tofu, pressing as much water out of it as possible, then slicing it down the center to create two tofu “steaks.” Then, season the tofu exactly how you would the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side!

Tips For Making Blackened Chicken

Cook over medium-high heat, nothing lower! The key to blackened chicken is placing the seasoned breasts into a very hot pan. Then, do not touch the chicken until it’s ready to be flipped. This way, the crust will cook up super crispy and delicious!

Don’t forget to let your chicken rest after cooking. Once out of the pan, your chicken is holding on to a ton of its flavorful juices. Therefore, if you slice into it too soon, you risk having all that flavor pour out. So do yourself a favor and leave the chicken alone for at least 5 minutes!

Serve this chicken however you’d like! I enjoyed mine over a salad loaded with my favorite fresh vegetables. However, for a heartier meal, I recommend pairing this blackened chicken with a side of rice and/or roasted potatoes – yum!

Blackened Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

0 from 0 votes

Recipe by Samantha Russo Course: MainDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

This blackened chicken is incredibly tender and juicy! With a handful of delicious spices, and just one skillet, you’ll have an intensely flavorful protein. Enjoy this blackened chicken over a salad, with your favorite veggies, or whatever your heart desires for a quick and healthy meal!

Ingredients

3 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper, optional
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
spray cooking oil
2 tablespoons avocado oil

Directions

Mix together the smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
Coat both chicken breasts with either spray cooking oil or a drizzle of avocado oil, then sprinkle evenly with blackened seasoning.
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then transfer chicken to skillet and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove chicken from heat, transfer to a plate, and cover with foil then let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Video

Notes

This blackened chicken recipe can be easily doubles or even tripled! Making it the perfect and healthy meal to throw together for friends or family.

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Fish tacos are a favorite around here, and making them in the air fryer is SUPER easy! Light, flaky fish is smothered in a smoky spice rub and rests atop a bed of homemade mango jalapeño salsa. Throw these tacos together in under 20 minutes and enjoy with friends, family, and loved ones!

air fryer fish tacos on a plate with beer on the side

What You Need To Make Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Firm White Fish – Cod, mahi mahi, and halibut are a few examples or firm white fish that would taste great in this recipe. I used wild caught cod fillets in my air fryer fish tacos and they cooked up perfectly flaky and delicious!

Smoked Paprika – Different from regular paprika, smoked paprika contributes this essence of smokiness to recipes that simply can’t be beat. If you don’t have smoked paprika at home, I highly recommend you go pick some up. It’s a great spice to use in all sorts of recipes and tastes especially delicious on fish, chicken, beef, and pork.

Tortillas – I use and love the Siete Almond Flour tortillas for all of my tacos! They’re a delicious grain-free tortilla that are pliable and hardly ever bottom out. However, you can use any kind of tortillas you’d like in this recipe. For a cheaper gluten-free alternative, I recommend corn tortillas. And if you’re not gluten-free, go ahead and use flour tortillas instead!

Adjust This Recipe To Your Diet

Make Them Air Fryer Chicken Tacos: Easily swap out the fish for a half a pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, then season and cook the chicken exactly how you would the fish in this recipe!

Make it Paleo: To make this dish paleo, use either Siete Grain-Free Tortillas or lettuce wraps in place of the tortillas.

Tips For Making Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Don’t forget to lightly coat your air fryer basket with a little bit of oil before placing the fish filets inside. Due to it’s light and flakiness, fish is at risk of sticking to the inside of the basket once cooked. Therefore, to avoid the hassle, quickly either sprits the inside of the basket with spray cooking oil or drizzle it with a little avocado oil before cooking!
Serve these air fryer fish tacos however you’d like. I love topping mine with sliced avocado and a little bit of chipotle mayo – YUM!
Store any leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid storing pre-assembled tacos in the fridge, since any moisture on the tortillas will sauce them to get soggy and break apart.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

0 from 0 votes

Recipe by Samantha Russo Course: MainCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Fish tacos are a favorite around here, and making them in the air fryer is SUPER easy! Light, flaky fish is smothered in a smoky spice rub and rests atop a bed of homemade mango jalapeño salsa. Throw these air fryer fish tacos together in under 20 minutes and enjoy with friends, family, and loved ones!