Air-Fryer Tricks: Frozen Salmon Fillets

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to cook salmon, with no need to defrost it first. The cooking time will be longer than for defrosted salmon, but you can have a tasty, healthy meal ready in under 20 minutes.

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

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer. It is a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook salmon without having to defrost it first. The cooking time will be longer than for defrosted salmon, and you should adjust the timing based on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (200°C). Note that some recipes suggest that preheating is not necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Remove any ice or excess water from the frozen salmon fillets by patting them dry with paper towels. This step will help the salmon cook evenly and thoroughly and prevent it from becoming mushy. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if they have skin.

Step 3: Initial Cook

Cook the frozen salmon for around 7 minutes. This step is to defrost the fish, and it will not be fully cooked at this point.

Step 4: Oil, Season, and Cook Further

Brush the salmon with olive oil or avocado oil, and season with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. 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. Thicker fillets will take longer to cook.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

The recommended internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (63°C) for food safety. However, some people prefer their salmon cooked to medium, at an internal temperature of 125-135°F, as it results in a more tender texture. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. Additionally, the salmon should be crisp and slightly browned on the edges and should flake easily when scraped gently with a fork.

Do you need to defrost frozen salmon before air frying?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer. There is no need to defrost the salmon before air frying, and it will be ready in under 20 minutes. The main difference between cooking frozen and fresh salmon is the longer cooking time for frozen salmon.

To cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to between 390°F and 400°F. Remove any ice or excess water from the frozen fillet by patting it down with paper towels. Place the frozen fillets directly in your air fryer basket, skin-side down if your fillet has skin.

Cook the frozen salmon for 7 minutes. Then, brush the salmon with olive oil or avocado oil, and season with salt and pepper, or a seasoning blend of your choice. Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 3 to 9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and how well-done you like your salmon. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, but you may prefer to cook it to 125°F for a more tender texture.

What temperature should the air fryer be to cook frozen salmon?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer. The air fryer does a great job of cooking the fish perfectly while keeping it moist and delicious. The temperature and cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillet and your air fryer.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to between 390°F and 400°F (199°C to 204°C) for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Remove any ice or excess water from the frozen fillet by patting it down with paper towels. Place the frozen fillets directly in your air fryer basket, skin-side down if your fillet has skin.

Step 3: Initial Cook

Cook the frozen salmon for 7 minutes. This step is to defrost the fish, and it will not be fully cooked yet.

Step 4: Oil and Season

Brush the salmon with a little bit of olive oil or avocado oil and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.

Step 5: Final Cook

Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 3 to 9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 145°F. The USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F, but most chefs recommend cooking it to medium, with a temperature of 125°F to 135°F.

Step 6: Serve

Once the salmon is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your favourite sides. Lemon wedges, rice, quinoa, salad, or roasted vegetables all go well with salmon.

What is the best type of salmon to use?

When it comes to choosing the best type of salmon to use in an air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. The first is personal preference. Different types of salmon have distinct flavours and textures, so it's worth trying a few varieties to see which one you like best.

That being said, some types of salmon are better suited to air frying than others. Here are a few options to consider:

• Atlantic Salmon: This variety is often recommended for air frying because of its high fat content, which helps to keep the fish moist and prevents it from drying out. It's also readily available in supermarkets and is usually sold in thick fillets, which are ideal for air frying.
• King Salmon: Also known as Chinook salmon, this is the richest and most flavourful variety. It has a high fat content, which makes it ideal for air frying as it stays moist and tender. King salmon is a good choice if you want a luxurious and indulgent dining experience.
• Sockeye Salmon: This type of salmon is leaner than King or Atlantic salmon, but it still has enough fat to stay moist when air-fried. It has a distinct flavour that is loved by many, and it's also a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
• Coho Salmon: Coho salmon is another good option for air frying. It has a milder flavour than King or Sockeye salmon, but it's still delicious and moist. Coho salmon is also usually reasonably priced, making it a good choice if you're looking for an affordable option.
• Steelhead Trout: While not technically a salmon, steelhead trout is often marketed as salmon and can be cooked in a similar way. It has a mild flavour and a delicate texture, making it a good choice for those who are new to fish or prefer a lighter taste.

When purchasing salmon for air frying, it's important to look for fillets that are of even thickness, as this will ensure that they cook evenly. You can also choose to leave the skin on or remove it, depending on your preference. The skin can help to keep the fish moist and add flavour, but some people find the texture unpleasant.

In terms of preparation, it's generally recommended to pat the salmon dry with a paper towel before adding any seasonings or sauces. This helps the seasonings stick to the fish and can also help to prevent the skin from sticking to the air fryer basket.

What should you serve with air fryer frozen salmon?

There are many side dishes that can complement air fryer frozen salmon. Here are some ideas:

Healthy Options:

• Air fryer asparagus
• Air fryer baby carrots
• Air fryer frozen green beans
• Rice or quinoa
• Salad
• Soup
• Stir-fry

Indulgent Options:

• Coleslaw
• Fries (air fryer french fries, air fryer tater tots, or frozen fries)

You can also get creative and use your air fryer frozen salmon in a:

• Casserole
• Pasta dish
• Salad
• Sandwich

Additionally, you can serve your air fryer frozen salmon with a sauce or seasoning of your choice. Here are some ideas:

• Aioli (bacon aioli, keto teriyaki sauce, paleo gochujang)
• Avocado oil
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Cajun seasoning
• Citrus juice (lemon or lime)
• Citrus zest (lemon or lime)
• Dill
• Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or cilantro)
• Garlic powder
• Honey
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Maple syrup
• Olive oil
• Paprika powder
• Salt and pepper

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