Freezing Salmon: Air Fryer Cooking Tips And Tricks

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. There are several benefits to this method, including the ability to cook the salmon straight from frozen, with no need to defrost, as well as minimal prep time and fast cooking. This technique results in tender, flaky, and moist salmon fillets with a crisp skin, ready in under 20 minutes.

How to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon slices

Optional:

• Avocado oil
• Cajun seasoning
• Thyme
• Dill

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Before you start cooking, remove any ice or excess water from the frozen fillet. You can do this by patting it down with paper towels. This will allow the salmon to cook evenly and prevent it from getting mushy.

Step 2: Defrost the Salmon

Place the frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer at 390°F for 7 minutes. This will defrost the fish, but it won't be fully cooked yet. If your salmon has the skin on, place it skin-side down.

Step 3: Oil and Season

Brush the salmon with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Then, lay the lemon slices in a single layer over the fillets.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon

Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 3-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F and flakes easily with a fork.

Tips:

• The skin on salmon is edible, so you don't need to remove it. Cooking the salmon with the skin on also helps to keep it moist and hold it together.
• To check if your salmon is done, use a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145ºF, but most chefs recommend cooking salmon to medium (125-135ºF).
• You can also look at the salmon to check for doneness. It should be crisp and slightly browned on the edges and fall into tender flakes when scraped gently with a fork.

The benefits of cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer

Speed and convenience

Air fryer frozen salmon is a quick and convenient way to cook salmon. There's no need to defrost the salmon first, and it can be ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Taste and texture

Despite being a quick and convenient option, air fryer frozen salmon doesn't compromise on taste or texture. The air fryer ensures the salmon is cooked perfectly, resulting in tender and flaky fillets with a moist and delicious flavour. The skin can also become crispy, adding a bit of crunch to the dish.

Health benefits

Salmon is a healthy food option, high in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a great way to retain these nutrients, as freezing helps preserve them. Air fryers also require little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to other cooking methods.

Versatility

Air fryer frozen salmon is a versatile dish that can be eaten on its own or used in other recipes. It can be paired with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, quinoa, salad, or pasta, or added to casseroles or stir-fries.

Diet-friendly

In addition to being a healthy option, air fryer frozen salmon is also suitable for special diets such as Whole 30, paleo, and keto. It is naturally gluten-free and low carb, and the air fryer's ability to cook the salmon without oil makes it a good option for those watching their calorie intake.

How to cook frozen salmon with skin in an air fryer

If you're looking for a quick, convenient, and healthy meal, cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a great option. It's super simple and only requires a few basic ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen salmon with skin in an air fryer:

Prepare the salmon:

Before you start cooking, remove any ice or excess water from the frozen salmon fillet by patting it down with paper towels. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the salmon from getting mushy.

Preheat the air fryer:

Set your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) and preheat it for about 3-5 minutes. Some air fryers may have specific instructions, so refer to the manufacturer's guidelines if available.

Place the salmon in the air fryer:

Place the frozen salmon fillet directly into the air fryer basket, skin-side down. This placement helps keep the skin crispy and the flesh juicy. If your salmon fillet is skinless, you can skip this step.

Initial cook:

Cook the frozen salmon for 7 minutes. This initial cook is intended to defrost the fish, and it won't be fully cooked yet.

Oil and season:

After the initial cook, remove the salmon from the air fryer and brush it with a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use a cooking spray if you prefer. Then, season the salmon generously with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Add lemon slices (optional):

If you have lemon slices, lay them in a single layer over the salmon fillet. This step is optional but adds a nice touch of flavor to the dish.

Final cook:

Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet and your desired level of doneness. For thinner fillets, 3-5 minutes should be sufficient. For thicker fillets, you may need the full 9 minutes or slightly longer.

Check for doneness:

To ensure your salmon is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The recommended temperature for food safety is 145°F (62.7°C). However, if you prefer your salmon more moist and tender, you can cook it to a lower temperature of 125°F (52°C).

Serve:

Once your salmon has reached the desired temperature, it's ready to be served! You can enjoy it as-is or with your favorite side dishes like rice, quinoa, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare a healthy meal. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy delicious and flaky salmon without the hassle of defrosting.

How to defrost frozen salmon in an air fryer

Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Most sources recommend preheating for 3-5 minutes, but one source suggests 5 minutes is sufficient.

Prepare the Salmon

Remove the frozen salmon fillet(s) from the packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down.

Cook the Salmon

Cook the salmon for 7-9 minutes. This stage is to defrost the fillets.

Oil and Season the Salmon

After defrosting, open the air fryer basket and spray or brush the salmon fillets with oil. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, or your chosen herbs and spices.

Cook the Salmon Again

Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 7-9 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness.

Check the Salmon is Cooked

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. The salmon should be crispy and slightly browned on the edges and should flake easily when scraped gently with a fork.

How to prevent frozen salmon from drying out in an air fryer

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this nutritious fish. Here are some tips to prevent your salmon from drying out:

Choose the Right Salmon

Frozen salmon fillets with a higher fat content are less likely to dry out in the air fryer. Farm-raised Atlantic salmon is a good option, as it has a higher fat concentration.

Select the Right Thickness

Thicker salmon fillets tend to work better than thinner ones. Aim for center-cut fillets that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness ensures the salmon cooks evenly and prevents it from drying out.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Before placing the salmon in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to the recommended temperature, usually around 390°F to 400°F (199°C to 204°C). This helps the salmon cook evenly and prevents overcooking.

Defrost Partially

Start by air-frying the frozen salmon for about 7 minutes to partially defrost it. This step ensures the salmon cooks evenly in the next steps and prevents it from drying out.

Oil and Season

After the initial defrost, open the air fryer and spray or brush the salmon fillets with oil. This helps keep the fish moist. Then, season the salmon with salt and pepper, or your preferred herbs and spices. Avoid adding the seasoning before the defrost step, as it may burn.

Cook at the Right Temperature and Time

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets and your air fryer model. As a general guideline, cook the salmon at 390°F (199°C) for 7-9 minutes after the initial defrost. For thinner fillets, reduce the cooking time, and for thicker fillets, you may need to add a few minutes.

Check the Internal Temperature

To ensure your salmon is cooked just right and not overdone, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (62.7°C) for food safety. However, for a moister salmon, some sources suggest cooking it to 125°F (52°C).

Leave the Skin On

Cooking the salmon with the skin on helps insulate the fish, keeping it moist and holding it together. Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer to prevent overcooking.

Add a Sauce or Marinade

Adding a sauce or marinade can help keep the salmon moist and flavorful. Try a maple Dijon sauce, or experiment with different options like teriyaki, honey mustard, or maple syrup.

Don't Overcook

The best way to prevent drying out your salmon is to avoid overcooking it. Once the salmon starts to turn very light pink or almost white, it's done. It should be cooked to medium-rare or medium, as cooking it further can make it tough and chewy.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, moist, and flaky air-fried salmon without worrying about it drying out.

Frequently asked questions