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Crispy Sheet Pan Blackened Salmon Recipe with Easy Mango Avocado Salsa

crispy sheet pan blackened salmon - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy blackened salmon baked on a sheet pan, paired with a fresh and vibrant mango avocado salsa that balances smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on for crispiness
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for brushing)
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position the rack in the middle.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil on all sides.
  4. Generously coat the flesh side of each salmon fillet with the spice rub, avoiding the skin side.
  5. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined sheet pan, spaced apart.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon has a crisp crust and flakes easily with a fork. Internal temperature should be 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
  7. While the salmon bakes, combine diced mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Toss gently and season with salt to taste.
  8. Remove salmon from oven and let rest for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Serve salmon topped with a generous spoonful of mango avocado salsa or serve salsa on the side.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before oiling and seasoning to ensure a crispy crust. If skin is not crispy enough, finish under broiler for 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Salsa is best served fresh but can be refrigerated up to 24 hours; add extra lime juice to prevent avocado browning. Adjust cayenne and jalapeño to control spice level. Wild-caught salmon may cook faster depending on thickness.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened salmon, sheet pan salmon, mango avocado salsa, quick salmon recipe, healthy dinner, spicy salmon, easy salmon recipe, summer dinner