Air-Fryer Frozen Salmon: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. It is a convenient and time-saving method that allows you to cook the salmon straight from the freezer without defrosting it first. The air fryer ensures that the salmon is cooked perfectly, with a tender and flaky texture, and it also helps to keep the fish moist and delicious. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your preferred level of doneness, but on average, it takes around 15 minutes to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer.

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

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a convenient and time-saving method for preparing this nutritious dish. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillet and the temperature of the air fryer. As a general rule, it takes about 12 to 15 minutes to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer when preheated at 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Thinner fillets can take as little as 12 minutes, while thicker ones may take up to 18 minutes.

• Preheat your air fryer to 390–400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the frozen salmon fillets from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Brush the fillets with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or other seasonings of your choice.
• Place the seasoned fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with the skin side down if your fillets have skin.
• Cook the salmon for 7–9 minutes initially, and then check the temperature or doneness.
• Depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness, cook for an additional 3–7 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer. It should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit to be fully cooked, but some people prefer it at 125–135 degrees for a more tender texture.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the salmon fillets. Always ensure that your salmon is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature before serving.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The ideal temperature for cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer depends on the type of salmon and the desired level of doneness. Here is a detailed guide to help you set the right temperature for your air fryer:

Air Fryer Temperature for Frozen Salmon

• For fresh wild-caught salmon (a thinner fillet), set the air fryer temperature to 390°F (199°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• For fresh farm-raised salmon, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 7-9 minutes.
• When cooking frozen salmon, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes initially.
• Then, lower the temperature to 390°F (199°C) for 9 minutes to defrost/thaw the salmon fillets.
• After seasoning, continue cooking at the same temperature (390°F/199°C) for 7-8 minutes for a moist and tender fillet.
• The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (62.7°C). However, for a more moist and tender fillet, you can cook it to an internal temperature of 125°F-135°F (52°C-57°C).
• If you prefer your salmon well-done, you can cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62.7°C). However, the salmon may become dry at this temperature.
• For pre-seasoned frozen salmon fillets, some sources suggest cooking at 350°F for 8-10 minutes without flipping.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Salmon in an Air Fryer:

• Always preheat your air fryer for optimal cooking results.
• Place the salmon fillets skin-side down to get a crispy skin and to keep the flesh juicy.
• For even cooking, ensure there is some space between each fillet in the air fryer basket.
• To prevent sticking and achieve a crispy exterior, lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket or tray with oil before adding the salmon.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook one to two fillets at a time for the best results.
• The cooking time and temperature depend on the thickness of the salmon fillet. Thicker fillets will take longer to cook.
• Check the doneness of the salmon by using a meat thermometer. The salmon is considered done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62.7°C).

Do you need to defrost the salmon before cooking?

You do not need to defrost salmon before cooking it in the air fryer. It is safe to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer straight from the freezer. However, it is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (199-204°C).

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 thoroughly and will prevent it from getting mushy.

Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings or spices.

Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down if your fillet has skin.

Cook the salmon for 7 minutes to defrost.

Brush the salmon with oil or spray and season with salt and pepper, or your desired seasoning. Lay lemon slices over the fillets if desired.

Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness.

Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer. The salmon is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Once the salmon is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve hot with lemon wedges if desired.

What are some good seasoning options?

Seasoning is a great way to add flavour to your salmon and there are plenty of options to choose from.

A simple option is to season your salmon with salt and pepper. You can also add some lemon slices on top of the salmon while it cooks to infuse it with flavour. If you don't have fresh lemons, you can drizzle some bottled lemon juice on the salmon instead.

If you want to add some spice, you can use Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or blackened seasoning. You can also add some sweetness to your salmon by using brown sugar or maple syrup in your seasoning. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro will give your salmon a vibrant, fresh flavour.

For a tangy flavour, you can use Dijon mustard, which pairs well with garlic and lemon. You can also top your salmon with lemon slices for a traditional seafood flavour.

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
• Remove any excess ice from the salmon fillets.
• Place the frozen fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if your salmon has skin.
• Cook the frozen salmon for 7 minutes.
• Brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Lay the lemon slices over the fillets.
• Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-7 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.
• The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F and flakes easily with a fork.

Can you cook salmon with or without the skin in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook salmon with or without the skin in an air fryer.

If you are cooking salmon with the skin on, it is recommended that you place the salmon skin side down in the air fryer basket. This will help to prevent the salmon from overcooking and keep it moist. The skin will not be crispy, but it will help to insulate the fish, keeping it tender and holding it together.

If you are cooking salmon without the skin, follow the same steps as above, simply omitting the step of placing the salmon skin side down.

It is worth noting that the skin on salmon is edible and can add a nice texture and flavour to the dish. However, some people may find the taste overpowering or the texture unpleasant, in which case they may prefer to remove the skin before or after cooking.

Additionally, when cooking salmon in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook the salmon at 390°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping it halfway through. You can also cook the salmon to your desired level of doneness, such as medium-rare or medium.

Frequently asked questions