Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Salmon, No Defrost Needed

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. It is also a versatile dish, which can be eaten on its own or used in another recipe. The best part? There is no need to defrost the salmon beforehand! Simply preheat your air fryer, season the salmon, and cook for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. In this paragraph, we will explore the steps to cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure a tasty and healthy meal.

Cooking Frozen Salmon in an Air Fryer

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for frozen salmon in an air fryer depend on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the fillets. The USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145ºF (62.7°C) for food safety. However, this may result in dry salmon. Most chefs recommend cooking salmon to medium, with an internal temperature of 125-135ºF (51.6-57.2°C).

If you are cooking frozen salmon fillets that are about 6oz (170g) each and are around 1 to 1.5 inches (2.54 to 3.81 cm) thick, you can follow this general guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
• Remove any excess ice from the salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Place the frozen fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down.
• Cook the salmon for 7 minutes.
• Brush the salmon with olive oil or avocado oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 3-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness.
• Check the salmon with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 125-145°F (51.6-62.7°C). The salmon should be opaque in color and flake easily when scraped gently with a fork.

Please note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer and the number of fillets you are cooking. It is always best to monitor the salmon closely during cooking and adjust the time as needed.

The benefits of frozen salmon

Frozen salmon can be cooked straight from the freezer, saving time and effort. It's a convenient way to ensure you always have a healthy meal option available without having to run to the store. Frozen salmon is often considered a better option than fresh by culinary experts and dietitians, as it is typically flash-frozen right after being caught, locking in all the goodness that wild salmon has to offer.

Salmon is an incredibly healthy food, and frozen salmon is no exception. It is a great source of protein, which can help you feel fuller for longer, and is known to lower cholesterol. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

Frozen salmon is often sold in individually wrapped fillets, which have several benefits. Firstly, they help to retain the delicious flavour of the fish by resisting freezer burn and preventing ice build-up. Secondly, they allow you to easily grab the exact amount you need, reducing waste and making portion control more convenient.

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. There's no need to defrost the salmon first, and you can season it with simple ingredients like salt, pepper, lemon juice, and herbs to suit your taste preferences. The air fryer ensures the salmon is cooked perfectly, keeping it moist and juicy without the need for a sauce or marinade.

Seasoning and flavouring

A simple and classic combination of seasonings is salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can brush the salmon fillets with olive oil or avocado oil, or spray with cooking spray, before applying the seasonings.

If you want to get a little more creative, there are several flavour combinations you can try. For a spicy kick, use Cajun seasoning, or a combination of dried oregano and dried thyme for a simple, herby twist. For a sweet and tangy flavour, brush the salmon with maple syrup or a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Alternatively, add some brown sugar to your seasoning, or brush the salmon with a teriyaki sauce or glaze in the last few minutes of cooking.

If you're a fan of lemon, try combining lemon juice, olive oil or avocado oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can brush this mixture on the salmon after a few minutes of cooking, or squeeze some lemon juice over the salmon once it's cooked.

For a well-done salmon, cook it to an internal temperature of 145°F. However, if you prefer your salmon less dry, take it out of the air fryer around 125-135°F and let it rest, as the residual heat will continue to cook the fish.

Tender and flaky textures

To achieve a tender and flaky texture when cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer, there are several steps you can follow. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F (200°C) according to the manufacturer's instructions. If your salmon fillets still have the skin on, place them in the basket skin-side down to prevent overcooking. This will also add flavour to the dish, but you can remove the skin before cooking if you prefer.

Next, brush the salmon with olive oil or avocado oil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. You can also add other seasonings like Old Bay Seasoning, onion powder, or lemon slices. Once the salmon is seasoned, place it in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes.

After 7 minutes, remove the salmon from the air fryer and brush it with oil again. You can also add lemon slices on top of the fillets at this point. 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 135°F to 145°F and flakes easily when scraped with a fork or pressed gently with your finger.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets, so it's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness. With these steps, you can enjoy tender and flaky frozen salmon cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

Nutritional value

Salmon is a healthy fish protein that is high in omega-3 fatty acids and complete amino acids. It is also a great source of lean protein and is gluten-free and low-carb. Salmon is suitable for special diets such as Whole 30, paleo, and keto.

Salmon skin is extremely nutrient-dense and high in omega-3 fatty acids. Leaving the skin on while cooking is a matter of preference, as it can add flavor to the dish. However, if you find the flavor of the skin to be overpowering, you can remove it before cooking.

The nutritional value of cooked frozen salmon in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the fillets, the cooking time, and any additional ingredients used. For example, a recipe that includes lemon slices, olive oil, salt and pepper, and garlic powder has the following nutritional information:

• Calories: 405kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g
• Cholesterol: 107mg
• Sodium: 488mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

It is important to note that the nutritional information provided is based on the specific products and ingredients used in the recipe. The nutritional values may vary depending on the brands and sizes of the products used.

Frequently asked questions