Air Fryer Magic: Frozen Salmon Perfection

Air fryer frozen salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon that tastes delicious and is super convenient. You can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer, with no need to defrost, and have perfectly cooked salmon on your plate in under 20 minutes.

The key to this recipe is getting the temperature and timing right. You'll want to cook your salmon at 390-400°F (199-204°C) for 7 minutes, then brush with oil and season with salt and pepper, before returning to the air fryer for another 3-9 minutes, depending on how well done you like your salmon.

You can also get creative with seasonings and sauces to add extra flavour to your salmon. Some popular options include lemon slices, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and a bacon aioli sauce.

So, if you're looking for a healthy and tasty weeknight meal that's ready in no time, air fryer frozen salmon is a great option!

How long does it take to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in an air fryer. It is a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook salmon straight from frozen. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillet and your air fryer, but it should take around 15 minutes in total.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Preheat your air fryer to 390–400°F (199–204°C).
• Remove any ice or excess water from the frozen fillet.
• Place the frozen salmon fillets directly into your air fryer basket, skin side down.
• Cook the frozen salmon for 7 minutes to defrost.
• Brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Lay lemon slices over the fillets, if desired.
• Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3–7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness.

Checking for Doneness

The recommended internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (62.7°C). However, for a more moist and tender fillet, you can cook it to 125°F (52°C). The salmon should be opaque in colour and flake easily when gently scraped with a fork.

Do you need to defrost frozen salmon before air frying?

You do not need to defrost frozen salmon before air frying it. It is possible to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, and it will be ready in under 20 minutes. This makes it a convenient option for a quick and easy meal.

To cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to a temperature of between 390°F and 400°F. Place the frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cook for around 7 minutes to defrost. Then, brush the salmon with oil or cooking spray and season with salt and pepper, or a spice blend of your choice. Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 3 to 9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, although some people prefer to cook it to a lower temperature of around 125°F for a more tender texture.

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a convenient and healthy option that does not compromise on taste. The air fryer ensures the salmon is cooked perfectly, with a moist and tender texture.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The optimal temperature to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer is between 390°F and 400°F (199°C to 204°C).

It is recommended that the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (62.7°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. However, some sources suggest cooking the salmon to an internal temperature of 125°F to 135°F for a more tender and moist texture.

The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets, so it is important to monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked to the desired level of doneness.

For thinner salmon fillets, a cooking time of 12 to 15 minutes at 390°F is generally sufficient. For thicker fillets, the cooking time may need to be increased to 15 to 18 minutes.

It is worth noting that the initial cooking stage at a lower temperature (around 390°F) is intended to defrost the salmon, and the subsequent cooking stage at a higher temperature (around 400°F) is for cooking the salmon to the desired level of doneness.

What are some good seasoning options?

Seasoning your frozen salmon fillets is a great way to add flavour and make your dish even more delicious.

A simple seasoning option is to use salt and pepper. You can also add olive oil and lemon slices to your salmon while it cooks. The heat from the air fryer will soften the lemons, making them extra juicy.

If you're looking for something more complex, you can try a blend of spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The paprika will give your salmon a beautiful browned colour. You can also add olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.

For a zesty option, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Brush this mixture onto your salmon fillets before cooking.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different combinations of spices and ingredients like cajun seasoning, thyme, dill, brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey.

What are some good side dishes to serve with air-fried frozen salmon?

Air-fried frozen salmon is a quick and easy meal to make, and there are plenty of side dishes that can complement it. Here are some suggestions:

Potato Side Dishes

Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many ways. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted potatoes with melted Parmesan
• Garlic butter smashed potatoes
• Crispy skillet-fried potatoes
• French-inspired potato salad with tangy mustard and herbs
• Butter-roasted sweet potatoes
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Ukrainian dill potatoes
• Mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup
• Cajun-spiced potatoes with red potatoes
• Garlic confit mashed potatoes

Rice and Grain Side Dishes

Rice and grains can add substance to your meal. Try these options:

• Cilantro-lime rice
• Creamy mushroom and herb rice
• Baked barley risotto with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes
• Green bean salad with farro and crispy shallots
• Crunchy cabbage slaw with farro, pecorino, and dates
• Spinach risotto
• Smoked almond and herb couscous
• Cilantro and poblano pepper rice
• Lemon rice
• Mediterranean quinoa salad

Vegetable Side Dishes

Vegetables are a healthy and tasty option to pair with your salmon. Consider the following:

• Air fryer green beans, asparagus, or carrots
• Oven-caramelized cabbage wedges
• Spanakopita kale salad
• Roasted Parmesan asparagus
• Grilled butternut squash
• Roasted broccolini with pecans and lemon
• Honey-garlic butter roasted carrots
• Skillet kale with lemon and garlic
• Cheesy grilled Parmesan broccoli
• Tangy cucumber salad
• Garlicky roasted broccoli
• Lemon-ginger spinach
• Minty snap pea salad
• Seared and baked cabbage wedges
• Garlicky sautéed escarole
• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and Parmesan
• Sautéed broccoli rabe

Pasta Side Dishes

Pasta is always a delicious option, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions:

• Creamy spinach Parmesan orzo
• Lemon herb pasta salad with green beans
• Garlic noodles with oyster sauce, fish sauce, and soy sauce
• Lemon pasta
• Caramelized cabbage butter pasta
• Creamy Calabrian chili pasta
• Lemon pasta with cherry tomatoes
• One-pot tomato chickpeas and orzo
• Brown butter za’atar pasta
• Fregola with kale and herb pesto
• Creamy miso butter pasta
• One-pot penne with creamy basil-garlic sauce
• Burst cherry tomato pasta
• Gnocchi skillet with green beans and asparagus
• One-pot creamy mushroom and spinach orzo

Frequently asked questions