Air Fryer Frozen Salmon: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a delicious meal. With no need to defrost the salmon first, this method is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring only a few simple ingredients and taking less than 20 minutes. The air fryer ensures the salmon is cooked perfectly, retaining moisture and flavour. This versatile dish can be served with a variety of sides or used in other recipes, making it a convenient option for any taste or dietary preference.

Cooking Frozen Salmon in an Air Fryer

No need to defrost

There is no need to defrost salmon before cooking it in an air fryer. The air fryer will cook the salmon straight from frozen, and it will still taste delicious. It is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, and it will be ready in under 20 minutes.

To cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 390°F (some sources suggest 400°F). If your salmon fillets have skin, place them skin-side down in the basket. If your salmon still has ice on it, remove any excess. Brush the salmon with olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking oil, and season with salt and pepper, and perhaps garlic powder. You can also add lemon slices on top of the salmon as it cooks to infuse it with flavor.

Cook the salmon for 7 minutes at 390°F. Then, brush the salmon with oil and season with salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 3-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. The salmon is ready when it is opaque and flakes easily when scraped with a fork, and has an internal temperature of 135-145°F.

Skin on or skin off?

Whether you choose to cook your salmon with the skin on or off is entirely up to personal preference. Leaving the skin on can add flavour and crispness to the dish, but it may also result in a different texture and a longer cooking time.

If you decide to cook your salmon with the skin on, it is recommended that you place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer. This will help to insulate the fish, keeping it moist and holding it together. It will also prevent the salmon from overcooking. However, the skin will not be crispy when cooked this way. If you prefer crispy salmon skin, you can remove it from the fillet before cooking and fry it up into salmon chips. Alternatively, you can flip the salmon fillets over towards the end of the cooking process to crisp up the skin.

If you are cooking skin-on salmon, it is worth noting that the skin can act as a protective layer, which may slow down the cooking process. As such, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure that the salmon is cooked through.

If you do not enjoy the taste or texture of salmon skin, you can simply remove it before cooking. This is a matter of personal preference, and cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer without the skin will still produce delicious results.

Seasoning and flavouring

Brush the salmon with olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray to help the seasoning stick and to keep the salmon moist. You can also add lemon juice to the oil, or brush the salmon with maple syrup for a delicious glaze. If you want to add a spicy kick, use a little cayenne, or some Cajun or blackened seasoning. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro will add a vibrant flavour, and you can add a little brown sugar for sweetness.

If you want to keep it simple, a combination of brown sugar and soy sauce will give your salmon a sweet and savoury crust. Alternatively, you can brush the salmon with a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard, or teriyaki sauce. For a smoky BBQ flavour, swap the paprika for smoked paprika and add some brown sugar.

Remember, the seasoning for your frozen salmon cooked in an air fryer can be as simple or as creative as you like. You can also adjust the seasoning to reflect the recipe you are making, such as adding Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick or Mexican seasoning for a bold flavour.

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 salmon 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, so some sources suggest cooking it to 125°F-135°F (51.6°C-57.2°C) for a more tender texture.

To cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C) or 400°F (204°C) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some recipes suggest that preheating is not necessary. Place the frozen salmon fillets directly into the air fryer basket, skin-side down to prevent overcooking. Cook the salmon for 7 minutes at 390°F (199°C) or 9 minutes at 400°F (204°C).

After the initial cooking time, open the air fryer basket and brush the salmon with olive oil, avocado oil, or another high-temperature cooking oil. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other desired spices. Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the desired level of doneness. The total cooking time at this stage can range from 6 to 12 minutes, or even up to 18 minutes for thicker fillets. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F-145°F (57.2°C-62.7°C) and flakes easily when scraped with a fork.

Tender, flaky, moist results

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. The air fryer does a great job of cooking the fish perfectly, keeping it moist and delicious. You can cook frozen salmon in an air fryer without defrosting it first, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry.

To achieve tender, flaky, and moist results, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the cooking time and temperature will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets, so it's important to monitor the salmon closely during cooking and adjust the time as needed. Most sources recommend cooking the salmon at 390°F (199°C) for 7 minutes, and then an additional 3-9 minutes after seasoning. However, some sources suggest cooking at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or even 16 minutes in total. It's recommended to refer to the recipe details and expert tips provided in the sources for more precise instructions.

When it comes to seasoning, keep it simple with salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, or even a drizzle of honey. You can also brush the salmon with olive oil, avocado oil, or any cooking oil spray of your choice before adding the seasonings. If you're feeling indulgent, you can even make a bacon aioli sauce to serve with the salmon. Just remember to add the seasonings after the initial few minutes of cooking, as this helps them stick better once the salmon starts to thaw.

To ensure the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The recommended temperature for food safety is 145°F (63°C), but if you prefer a more tender and medium-rare texture, you can cook it to around 125-135°F (52-57°C). The salmon should be opaque in color and flaky when done. To check, gently scrape the salmon with a fork, and if it flakes easily, it's ready to be served!

Frequently asked questions