Air-Frying Frozen Salmon: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen salmon without defrosting it first. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillet and your desired level of doneness, but generally, it takes around 15 minutes to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer. The recommended internal temperature for cooked salmon is 145°F, but some people prefer to cook it to a lower temperature to avoid dryness.

How to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer

What you'll need:

• An air fryer
• Frozen salmon fillets (skin on or off, according to your preference)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt and pepper, or seasoning of your choice
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Method:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390-400°F (199-204°C).

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 salmon fillets directly into the air fryer basket, skin-side down if your fillets have skin. Cook for 7 minutes to defrost the fish.

After 7 minutes, remove the basket and brush the salmon fillets with olive oil or cooking spray. Season generously with salt and pepper, or your chosen seasoning. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-10 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 145°F (63°C) for well-done, or 125-135°F (52-57°C) for a more medium-rare finish. You can check the temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet.

Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips:

• If you like your salmon with crispy skin, place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes after seasoning.
• To add extra flavour to your salmon, try using different oils, such as avocado oil, or adding spices and herbs like dill, lemon pepper, or cajun seasoning.
• For a well-rounded meal, serve your salmon with a side of rice or quinoa, or on top of a salad or pasta dish.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried salmon!

The benefits of cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer

Convenience and Speed

Air fryer frozen salmon is a convenient and speedy option for a tasty, healthy meal. You can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer, with no need to defrost the salmon first, saving you precious time. It's also a quick process, taking under 20 minutes to cook, and there's minimal prep and clean-up required.

Taste and Texture

Despite the speed of cooking, air fryer frozen salmon retains a delicious, tender, flaky texture and a moist, juicy taste. The air fryer ensures the fish is cooked perfectly, and you can add a variety of seasonings and spices to enhance the flavour. The skin can also be left on, adding a crunchy texture and extra flavour to the dish.

Health Benefits

Salmon is a healthy option for a meal, being high in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The air fryer method of cooking also preserves these nutrients, so you can be sure you're getting all the benefits.

Versatility

Air fryer frozen salmon is a versatile dish. You can eat it as it is, or add it to a salad, casserole, pasta or make salmon patties. It's also a special diet-friendly option, being gluten-free and low carb, and suitable for Whole 30, paleo and keto diets.

How long to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to cook salmon fillets with minimal prep time. Here's how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Salmon in an Air Fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) or 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. The higher temperature is ideal if you want to ensure your salmon is cooked through.

Prepare the Salmon:

Place the frozen salmon fillets directly into the air fryer basket. If your salmon has skin, place it skin-side down to prevent overcooking and to keep the skin from getting crispy. Remove any excess ice from the fillets before cooking.

Initial Cook:

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

Season and Oil:

After the initial cook, brush or spray the salmon with olive oil or avocado oil. Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper, or coarse sea salt. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or lemon pepper.

Final Cook:

Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness. For thinner fillets, 3-5 minutes should be enough. For thicker fillets, you may need up to 7 minutes.

Check for Doneness:

The recommended internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (62.7°C) for food safety. However, if you prefer your salmon more moist and tender, you can cook it to a lower temperature of 125°F (52°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The salmon should also be opaque in color and flake easily when gently scraped with a fork.

Serve:

Your air fryer frozen salmon is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as-is or with your favorite sides. It goes well with rice, quinoa, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Best Results:

• For optimal results, use frozen farm-raised Atlantic salmon with skin on. The higher fat content in this type of salmon helps prevent it from drying out in the air fryer.
• Select thicker fillets, ideally about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker fillets tend to cook more evenly and stay moist.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook 1-2 fillets at a time to ensure even cooking.
• If you prefer crispy skin, you can cook the salmon with the skin side up. However, this may increase the chances of overcooking the salmon.
• For added flavor, top the salmon with lemon slices or drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

How to cook frozen salmon with skin in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen salmon with skin in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Before you start cooking, 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.

Step 2: Defrost the Salmon in the Air Fryer

Place the frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook the salmon for around 7 minutes to defrost it. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.

Step 3: Oil and Season the Salmon

After defrosting, open the air fryer basket and brush or spray the salmon fillets with oil. You can use olive oil or avocado oil. Then, season the salmon generously with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon

Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness. For thinner fillets, you may need to cook for a shorter time, while thicker fillets may require a longer cooking time.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

To check if the salmon is done, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. The recommended temperature for food safety is 145°F (62.7°C). However, for a more tender texture, you can cook the salmon to medium-rare, around 125-130°F (52-54°C). The salmon should be opaque in color and flaky when done.

Tips:

• It is recommended to use frozen farm-raised Atlantic salmon for its high-fat content, which helps prevent the fillets from drying out in the air fryer.
• Choose thicker fillets, preferably about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, for the best results.
• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before placing the salmon inside.
• You can serve the salmon with a variety of sides, such as rice, quinoa, salad, or roasted vegetables.

What to serve with air-fried frozen salmon

Air-fried frozen salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

Rice or Quinoa

You can serve the salmon as-is with some rice or quinoa for a simple and filling meal. This option is great if you're looking for something easy to prepare.

Salad

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can put the salmon on top of a salad. This could include greens such as avocado, kimchi, cucumbers, and greens. You can also add some crunch with croutons or nuts.

Pasta

For a heartier meal, you can use the salmon in a pasta dish. This could be a traditional pasta salad or a warm pasta dish such as salmon Alfredo.

Casserole

The salmon can also be used in a casserole. This could include vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or peas, and a creamy sauce.

Vegetables

You can serve the salmon with roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or bok choy. This option is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies.

Soup

A nice bowl of soup can also go well with the salmon. Some options include egg drop soup, tomato soup, or a pureed vegetable soup.

Sides with an Asian twist

If you're looking for something a little different, you can serve the salmon with some Asian-inspired sides. This could include sesame broccolini, paleo kimchi Brussels sprouts, or a Chinese cucumber salad.

Leftovers

If you have any leftover salmon, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can then enjoy it cold or reheat it in the microwave or air fryer.

Frequently asked questions