Air-Fryer Cooking: Frozen Salmon Fillet Perfection

Cooking frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy, delicious, and flaky meal. The best part is that there is no need to defrost the salmon beforehand, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked salmon that is moist, tender, and flavourful. The air fryer also adds a nice crisp to the outside of the salmon, making it a great choice for those who prefer their salmon well done.

How to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer

Frozen salmon is a great option for a quick and easy meal that is both healthy and flavorful. The best part is that you don't have to defrost it before cooking, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry. Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C-200°C). Most air fryers have preheat settings, but if yours doesn't, simply turn it on and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding the salmon.

Step 2: Prepare the salmon

Remove any excess ice from the frozen salmon fillets. If your salmon has the skin on, place it in the air fryer basket skin-side down. This will help ensure even cooking and give you a nice crispy skin.

Step 3: Season the salmon (optional)

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the seasoning for your salmon. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with other spices and herbs. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, and fresh herbs like thyme, dill, parsley, or cilantro. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil for some extra flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Cook the salmon

Place the frozen salmon fillets directly into the air fryer basket. For a 6oz fillet, cook the salmon for 7 minutes at 390°F (200°C). If your fillets are thicker, you may need to add an additional 6-9 minutes to the cooking time. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Once the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your favorite side dishes. Salmon goes great with rice, quinoa, salad, pasta, or roasted vegetables. Don't forget to squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for a bright, citrusy finish.

Tips and Variations:

• If you're looking for a sweet and savory glaze, brush the salmon with maple syrup before cooking.
• For a crispy coating, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, rapeseed oil, and dried coriander, and brush the mixture over the salmon before air frying.
• To ensure even cooking, choose salmon fillets that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick and try to use center-cut pieces.
• If your salmon fillets are stuck together when you put them in the air fryer, use a knife to gently separate them after the initial defrosting stage.
• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model, as cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly between different models.

What temperature to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer

You can cook frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer without defrosting them first. The air fryer temperature and cooking time will depend on the level of doneness you prefer and the thickness of the fillets.

Most chefs recommend cooking salmon to medium, with an internal temperature of 125-135ºF. The temperature will continue to increase even after you stop cooking. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. For food safety, the FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F.

To cook frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Place the frozen salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes. While the salmon is cooking, make a seasoning blend with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. You can also add dijon mustard, dill, parsley, or cilantro for a fresh, vibrant flavor.

After 7 minutes, take the salmon out of the air fryer and brush the seasoning blend on top of the fillets. Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 3-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 135°F.

How long to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer

Air fryer salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook salmon. The best part is that you can cook it straight from frozen with no thawing required! This means you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 20 minutes.

To cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). If your salmon fillets are stuck together, you may need to run them under cold water to separate them. Remove any excess ice from the fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if they have the skin on. If you don't have skin-on salmon, don't worry, this recipe will work either way!

Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil, avocado oil, or any cooking oil spray of your choice. You can also use a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne for a more flavorful option. Sprinkle the fillets with simple spices such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add some fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro for extra freshness.

Now it's time to cook the salmon! Place the frozen fillets in the air fryer and cook for 6-7 minutes. Then, brush the fillets with your chosen oil or seasoning mixture and cook for an additional 6-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at its thickest point. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check for doneness by gently flaking the salmon with a fork.

Serve your air fryer salmon with your favorite side dishes like rice, quinoa, vegetables, or salad. Enjoy!

What to serve with frozen salmon cooked in an air fryer

Frozen salmon fillets cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy meal. The best side dishes to serve with salmon are simple to make and full of flavor. Basics like rice, vegetables, or salad work well with salmon.

If you're looking for a healthy option, air fryer asparagus, air fryer baby carrots, or air fryer green beans are great choices. You can also serve it with a side of air fryer french fries, air fryer tater tots, or even frozen fries.

For a more indulgent option, try serving your air-fried frozen salmon with a side of coleslaw and fries for a true fish fry experience.

Some other simple side dish options that pair perfectly with salmon are:

• Rice pilaf
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Baked or cubed and roasted sweet potato
• Mashed potatoes
• Cous cous
• Steamed vegetables of your choice, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
• Farfalle with pesto and roasted veggies
• Roasted potatoes and fried squash
• Sesame Broccolini
• Paleo Kimchi Brussels Sprouts
• Orzo pasta
• Light and fresh pasta salad with green beans and a lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic noodles with oyster sauce, fish sauce, and soy sauce
• Creamy pasta with spinach and Parmesan cheese
• Tomato orzo with chickpeas

How to know when frozen salmon is cooked in an air fryer

To cook frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer, you do not need to defrost the salmon beforehand. Simply preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and place the frozen fillets directly into the basket, skin-side down.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and how well-done you like your salmon. As a guide, thinner fillets will take around 12 minutes, while thicker fillets can take up to 18 minutes. For medium-rare salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F (63°C). For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

To check if your frozen salmon is cooked in an air fryer, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet. The salmon is cooked when it reaches the desired internal temperature. You can also use a fork to gently press into the fillet – if it flakes easily, it is likely done. If the salmon is still firm and resistant, it may need a few more minutes of cooking.

Keep in mind that different air fryers may vary in terms of cooking times and temperatures, so it's always good to keep an eye on your salmon while it's cooking and adjust the time and temperature settings as needed.

Frequently asked questions