Air-Fryer Salmon: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a healthy meal. The process is simple and can be completed in under 20 minutes, without the need for defrosting the salmon beforehand. The air fryer ensures the salmon is cooked perfectly, with a tender and flaky texture, while also keeping it moist and delicious.

How to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon slices

Optional ingredients

• Avocado oil
• Cajun seasoning
• Thyme
• Dill
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne
• Dijon mustard
• Soy sauce
• Ginger

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F-400°F.
• Remove any ice from your salmon fillets. You can do this by patting them down with paper towels.
• Place the frozen fillets directly in your air fryer basket, skin-side down.
• 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 another 3-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and how well-done you like your salmon.
• Check the salmon is cooked to your liking. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F and flakes easily when scraped with a fork.

Tips

• The skin on salmon is edible and cooking your fillets with the skin on will help keep the fish moist. However, the skin will not be crispy.
• If you want to remove the skin, it is easier to do so after cooking.
• You can eat the salmon as it is, or add it to a salad, casserole, or pasta dish.

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

It takes around 15 minutes to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet and the temperature of the air fryer.

Cooking instructions

First, preheat your air fryer to 390°F or 400°F.

Next, place the frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and skin-side down. Cook for 6-9 minutes to defrost.

Then, brush the salmon fillets with oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, or Cajun seasoning. Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 7-9 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Tips

• The thicker the salmon fillet, the longer it will take to cook.
• It's important to preheat your air fryer for consistent cooking times.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect the cooking time.

What temperature to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer

The recommended temperature to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the salmon is fully cooked and that its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

However, if you don't like your salmon dry, you can cook it to 125°F instead.

Steps to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, remove any ice or excess water from the frozen salmon fillets and pat them dry. Next, brush the salmon with olive oil or spray with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper. Finally, place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if they have skin, and cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on their thickness.

Tips:

• The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets, so it is important to check the internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure it is cooked to the appropriate temperature.
• If you want crispy skin, you can flip the salmon fillets over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Pull out the salmon when it is slightly undercooked and let it rest; it will continue to cook and will be perfectly moist.
• The thicker the salmon fillets, the better.

How to defrost frozen salmon in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F–400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This will help the salmon cook evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, lemon juice, or Dijon mustard.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon

Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook the salmon for 7 minutes to defrost.

Step 4: Add Additional Seasonings (Optional)

If desired, you can remove the salmon from the air fryer basket after 6-7 minutes and add additional seasonings. You can then return the salmon to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 6-12 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The salmon should also flake easily when gently scraped with a fork.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Your salmon is now ready to be served! You can serve it with lemon wedges, or pair it with sides like rice, vegetables, or salad.

Tips:

• It is not necessary to defrost frozen salmon before air frying. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the model of your air fryer. Thinner fillets may take as little as 12 minutes, while thicker fillets may take up to 18 minutes.
• For best results, use center-cut salmon fillets that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
• If you prefer crispy skin, place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer. However, note that the skin will not be crispy if you leave it on during the entire cooking process.
• To prevent overcrowding, cook 1-2 salmon fillets at a time.
• For easy cleanup, line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper before placing the salmon inside.
• You can also cook frozen salmon in the oven, on the stovetop, or in an Instant Pot.

What to serve with frozen salmon cooked in an air fryer

Frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy meal to make, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your frozen salmon:

Vegetables

Salmon and vegetables are a classic combination. You could try asparagus, baby carrots, green beans, broccoli, bok choy, or air fryer frozen asparagus. If you're looking for something more indulgent, you could even serve it with fries!

Salad

A salad is an ideal side dish to pair with salmon. Try an Asian noodle salad or a simple arugula salad.

Whole Grains

Add some fibre and healthy carbohydrates to your meal by serving the salmon with rice or quinoa.

Soups

Soup and salad starters are always a good idea. Try a keto egg drop soup or a Chinese cucumber salad.

Leftovers

Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat it in the microwave.

Frequently asked questions