Air-Fryer Magic: Frozen Salmon, Perfectly Cooked

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. It's also versatile, as you can eat the salmon fillets as they are or use them in another recipe. The best part? You can cook the salmon from frozen, which means there's no need to defrost it beforehand. All you need are a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, and you'll have a delicious and healthy meal ready in under 20 minutes.

Cooking times and temperatures

For a medium level of doneness, cook the salmon for around 10 minutes at 350°F to an internal temperature of 125-130°F. For a medium-well level of doneness, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes and the internal temperature to 130-135°F. If you prefer your salmon well-done, cook it for around 15 minutes at 350°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 135-145°F.

It's important to note that these times are approximate and may vary depending on the size of your salmon fillet and the type of air fryer you are using. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for salmon, which is considered well-done and may result in dry fish. Most chefs recommend a medium level of doneness for salmon, with an internal temperature of 125-135°F.

When cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer, it is not necessary to defrost the fillets first. Simply place the frozen fillets in the air fryer and cook for 12 to 18 minutes, depending on their thickness, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. You can also cook the salmon without seasoning for 6 minutes, then add your desired seasoning and continue cooking for another 6-12 minutes.

Choosing salmon fillets

When choosing salmon fillets, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is recommended to select skin-on fillets that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness ensures consistent cooking and allows for a nice sear on the edges while keeping the centre flaky and tender. If you prefer skinless fillets, that's perfectly fine too. Leaving the skin on is mostly a matter of preference and will not affect the cooking process.

It is also important to consider the type of salmon. Frozen Atlantic salmon is a popular choice due to its high-fat content, which helps prevent the fillets from drying out in the air fryer. If you opt for wild-caught salmon, keep in mind that it is usually thinner than Atlantic varieties, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

When purchasing, look for individually wrapped fillets. This packaging helps prevent freezer burn and ice build-up, ensuring that the salmon retains its delicious flavour and texture. It also allows you to easily grab the exact number of fillets you need, reducing waste.

Lastly, try to choose salmon fillets that are of similar size and thickness. This ensures even cooking, so they finish at the same time and you don't end up with some overcooked and others undercooked.

Seasoning and sauces

A popular seasoning combination includes garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple blend adds a pop of colour and a smoky flavour to the salmon. You can also add lemon zest or juice for a citrusy twist, or fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro for a fresh, vibrant flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, throw in some brown sugar or maple syrup for a sweet and indulgent touch.

For sauces, you can go in a few different directions. A classic option is tartar sauce, but you can also get creative with Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, or even hot sauce. If you're feeling fancy, try a dijon mustard and maple syrup glaze, or a teriyaki glaze. For a smoky BBQ flavour, swap the paprika for smoked paprika and add brown sugar. If you like a little heat, try drizzling the cooked salmon with spicy honey or pair it with some bacon aioli.

When it comes to cooking the salmon, you can choose to season the fillets before placing them in the air fryer, or you can cook the salmon without seasoning for a few minutes and then brush on the seasoning or glaze for the remainder of the cooking time. This helps to prevent burning and ensures the flavours really stick to the salmon.

Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired doneness, so adjust your timings accordingly.

Cooking methods

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. The convenience of this method is that the salmon can be cooked straight from frozen, with no need to defrost it first, and it will be ready in under 20 minutes.

Firstly, select your salmon fillets. Frozen salmon fillets are available in individual portions, which is convenient for portion control and reduces the chance of freezer burn. The fillets can be skin-on or skinless, but it is recommended to cook the salmon skin side down to prevent overcooking. Choose thicker fillets, as these are less likely to dry out during cooking.

Before cooking, season the salmon. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is effective, but you can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, or dried herbs such as thyme or dill. Brush the salmon with olive oil or avocado oil to help the seasoning stick and prevent the salmon from drying out. You can also add a glaze to your salmon, such as teriyaki sauce, honey, or mustard, for extra flavor.

Now, you are ready to cook your salmon in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the frozen, seasoned fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer and cook for 12 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. The salmon should be flaky and slightly browned on the edges.

Finally, serve your salmon. It goes well with many side dishes, such as rice, quinoa, salad, pasta, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a sauce, such as tartar sauce, Greek yogurt sauce, or honey mustard.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer frozen salmon is a versatile dish. You can eat it as-is with some rice or quinoa, or add it to a salad, a casserole, or pasta. You can also use it to make salmon patties.

If you're looking for a more indulgent option, treat it like a true fish fry and serve it with coleslaw and a side of fries. For a healthier option, pair it with air fryer asparagus, air fryer baby carrots, or air fryer green beans.

You can also serve the salmon with lemon wedges, or brush it with maple syrup for a delicious glaze. For an extra kick of lemon flavor, grate some lemon or lime zest on top of the salmon before cooking. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro will also add a vibrant flavor to your dish.

Some people like to eat the salmon skin, while others prefer to remove it before cooking. If you enjoy the taste, leaving the skin on while air frying will add flavor to the dish. You can also remove the skin and fry it up into salmon chips.

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Frequently asked questions