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. There is no need to defrost the salmon beforehand, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillet and your desired level of doneness, but on average, it takes around 15 minutes to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer.

To cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (199-204°C). Place the frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, preferably with the skin side down to achieve a crispy texture. Cook the salmon for 7-9 minutes to defrost, and then brush with oil and season with salt and pepper or other desired spices. Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-8 minutes, depending on the thickness and your desired doneness. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for well-done, or 125-135°F (52-57°C) for a more moist and tender texture.

Air fryer frozen salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with rice, quinoa, salad, pasta, or used in casseroles or salmon patties. It is a healthy option, as salmon is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients.

How to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen salmon fillets
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon slices
• Meat thermometer

Optional Ingredients:

• Cajun seasoning
• Lemon pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder

Method:

Before you start, preheat your air fryer to 390–400°F (199–204°C).

First, remove any ice or excess water from the frozen salmon fillets by patting them down with paper towels. This will help the salmon cook evenly and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Place the frozen fillets directly into the air fryer basket, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for 7 minutes to defrost.

Next, brush or spray the salmon with olive oil or cooking spray and season with salt and pepper. Lay the lemon slices over the fillets in a single layer.

Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3–9 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 135–145°F (57–63°C).

Tips:

• If you want crispy skin, place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space for air to circulate.
• For extra flavour, try seasoning the salmon with cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder.
• For a simple sauce, mix together mayonnaise, turkey bacon, coarse sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and lemon juice.
• For a more filling meal, serve the salmon with sides such as rice, vegetables, or potatoes.

Common Questions:

No, you can cook frozen salmon directly in the air fryer without defrosting it first.

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillet and your desired level of doneness. Thinner fillets will take around 10 minutes, while thicker fillets may take up to 15 minutes.

The recommended internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (63°C). However, if you prefer your salmon less dry, you can cook it to an internal temperature of 125–135°F (52–57°C).

Yes, the skin on salmon is edible and can be cooked until crispy in the air fryer. It adds a crunchy texture and extra flavour to the dish. However, some people may prefer to remove the skin before eating.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried salmon!

The benefits of cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer

No Defrosting Required

Air fryers allow you to cook frozen salmon without defrosting it first, saving you time and effort. This is especially useful if you forgot to take the salmon out of the freezer or are in a hurry to prepare a meal.

Quick and Easy

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a fast and convenient way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. It typically takes under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick lunch.

Tender and Flaky

The air fryer cooks frozen salmon to perfection, resulting in tender and flaky fillets. The cooking method also helps retain moisture, ensuring the salmon doesn't dry out.

Versatile

Air-fried frozen salmon is a versatile dish that can be served as-is with sides or used in various recipes such as salads, casseroles, pasta dishes, or salmon patties. It can also be paired with different sauces and seasonings to create new flavors.

Healthy

Salmon is a nutrient-rich food, high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. Cooking it in an air fryer is a healthy way to prepare salmon, as it requires little to no oil, and the high heat of the air fryer helps seal in the natural juices and nutrients.

Special Diet-Friendly

Air-fried frozen salmon is naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it suitable for various special diets, including Whole 30, paleo, and keto diets. It's also a good option for those who are pregnant or immunocompromised, as it can be cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 145°F.

Convenient and Long-Lasting

Frozen salmon has a longer shelf life than fresh salmon and can be stored in the freezer for up to six months without losing quality. This makes it a convenient option for those who don't have time to shop for fresh fish regularly or want to ensure they always have a healthy meal option available.

How to cook frozen salmon with skin in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen salmon fillets (with skin)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon (optional)

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Salmon

• Preheat your air fryer to 390–400°F (199–204°C).
• Remove any ice or excess water from the frozen salmon fillets using paper towels.
• Place the frozen fillets directly into the air fryer basket, skin-side down.

Step 2: Initial Cook and Seasoning

• Cook the frozen salmon for 7 minutes to defrost.
• Brush or spray the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Final Cook

• Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3–8 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 (63°C) or until it flakes easily with a fork.

Tips:

• For extra flavour, top the salmon with lemon slices before the final cook.
• The skin will not become crispy in the air fryer, but it helps to keep the salmon moist and holds the fillet together. You can remove the skin before serving if desired.
• Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so adjust as needed.
• Always ensure your salmon is fully cooked before consuming.

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What to serve with frozen salmon cooked in an air fryer

There are a variety of side dishes that go well with frozen salmon cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Soup and Salad

A soup and salad can be a great way to start your meal. For a soup, you could try a keto egg drop soup or a Chinese cucumber salad.

Vegetables

You can pair your salmon with almost any vegetable. Some suggestions include air fryer frozen broccoli, bok choy stir-fry, or air fryer frozen asparagus.

Rice

Rice is a great option to make a full meal. Try air fryer fried rice or shirataki fried rice to keep it low-carb.

Pasta

Salmon goes well with pasta. You could try it with a salmon casserole or simply toss the salmon with your favourite pasta.

Salad

A salad is an ideal side dish with salmon. Try an Asian noodle salad or keep it classic with a green arugula salad.

Whole Grains

Add some fibre and healthy carbohydrates to your meal by adding a serving of whole grains like brown rice or quinoa.

Fries

For a more indulgent side, try pairing your salmon with fries such as air fryer french fries, air fryer tater tots, or frozen fries.

Other Seafood Sides

If you're feeling adventurous, try some air fryer cod, air fryer shrimp, air fryer tilapia, or air fryer flounder.

So, there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious and balanced meal with your air-fried frozen salmon.

How to store and reheat frozen salmon cooked in an air fryer

Storing and reheating salmon is a great way to make the most of this versatile and delicious fish. Here is a guide on how to store and reheat frozen salmon that has been cooked in an air fryer.

Storing Cooked Salmon:

It is important to store your cooked salmon properly to maintain its quality and ensure food safety. Here are the steps to follow:

• Allow the cooked salmon to cool down: Before storing, let the salmon come to room temperature to prevent condensation and moisture build-up, which can promote bacterial growth.
• Store in an airtight container: Place the salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. This will prevent the salmon from drying out and protect it from contaminants.
• Refrigerate: Keep the salmon in the coldest part of the fridge, such as the back or the bottom drawer. Cooked salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you want to store the salmon for longer, consider freezing it. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap the salmon tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months, but the quality may decline over time.

Reheating Frozen Salmon in an Air Fryer:

When it comes to reheating your frozen, cooked salmon in an air fryer, there are some key steps to follow to ensure the best results:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). This ensures even cooking and helps the salmon reheat uniformly.
• Prepare the salmon: If your salmon has skin, place it skin-side down in a microwave-safe dish or on a plate. You can also coat the skin lightly with olive oil or cooking spray if you prefer crispy skin.
• Season the salmon: Sprinkle your choice of seasonings and herbs, such as garlic powder, lemon zest, dill, salt, or pepper, over the salmon fillets to enhance their flavour.
• Wrap the salmon: Gently wrap the salmon in aluminium foil, creating a packet that is sealed but still allows hot air to circulate. This helps retain moisture during reheating.
• Place the salmon in the air fryer: Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the foil-wrapped salmon inside the basket, ensuring it is in a single layer.
• Set the temperature and time: Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as the time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model.
• Check the temperature: Use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should reach 125-130°F (52-54°C) to ensure it is safe to eat and perfectly reheated.
• Rest the salmon: After removing the salmon from the air fryer, let it rest for a minute or two before unwrapping and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful bite.
• Garnish (optional): Before serving, you can add a squeeze of lemon, fresh herbs, or your favourite sauce to give your reheated salmon a fresh touch.

Frequently asked questions