Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. This method allows you to cook salmon straight from frozen, eliminating the need for thawing, and resulting in tender and flaky fillets. The air fryer ensures that the salmon is cooked perfectly, retaining moisture and flavour.
To cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, you'll need frozen salmon fillets, cooking oil or spray, and seasonings of your choice. The air fryer should be preheated to a temperature between 390-400°F (199-204°C). The salmon fillets are then placed in the air fryer basket, preferably skin-side down, and cooked for around 7 minutes. After this initial cooking, the salmon is seasoned and returned to the air fryer for an additional 3-9 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness.
This versatile dish can be served with a variety of sides, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Preparation time | 5 minutes |
Cooking time | 15-19 minutes |
Total time | 20-24 minutes |
Servings | 1-2 |
Temperature | 390-400°F (199-204°C) |
Internal temperature | 125-145°F (52-62.7°C) |
Defrosting time | 7 minutes |
Defrosting temperature | 390°F (199°C) |
Ingredients | Frozen salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right salmon fillets
Type of Salmon
When it comes to choosing the type of salmon, there are two main types commonly used in air frying: farm-raised Atlantic salmon and wild-caught salmon. Farm-raised Atlantic salmon has a higher fat content, which helps prevent the fish from drying out during the air frying process. Wild-caught salmon, such as sockeye salmon, tends to be thinner and has a lower fat content.
Freshness
While you may be using frozen salmon for this recipe, it is still important to consider the freshness of the fish before freezing. Look for salmon fillets that have been individually wrapped to prevent freezer burn and ice build-up, ensuring the salmon retains its flavour.
Thickness
For air fryer frozen salmon, it is recommended to choose thicker salmon fillets, preferably centre-cut and about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker fillets ensure even cooking and prevent the salmon from drying out. Thinner fillets may require a shorter cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Skin-on or Skinless
You can choose to use skin-on or skinless salmon fillets for your air fryer recipe. Leaving the skin on during cooking helps insulate the fish, keeping it moist and holding it together. If you prefer, you can remove the skin before serving. Cooking the salmon skin-side down also helps prevent overcooking.
Quality
Selecting high-quality salmon fillets is essential for the best results. Look for salmon that is firm to the touch, with a bright colour and a fresh smell. Avoid fillets with discolouration or a strong fishy odour, as these may indicate that the fish is not fresh.
Storage
When purchasing frozen salmon fillets, check the packaging to ensure they have been stored properly. Look for fillets that have been vacuum-sealed or wrapped tightly to prevent air exposure. Check the expiration date to ensure the salmon is within its recommended storage time, typically up to six months in the freezer.
By considering these factors when choosing your salmon fillets, you can ensure a delicious and successful air fryer frozen salmon dish. Remember to defrost the salmon partially, season it, and cook it according to the recipe instructions for the best results.
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Preparing the air fryer
Before you start cooking, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to between 390°F and 400°F, depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of your salmon fillets. Preheat for around 3-5 minutes, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket: Use a cooking spray, avocado oil, or olive oil to lightly grease the air fryer basket. This will prevent the salmon from sticking and help achieve a crispy exterior.
- Place the salmon fillets in the basket: Place the frozen salmon fillets directly into the air fryer basket, skin-side down if they have skin. Make sure to leave some space between each fillet for even cooking.
- Initial cooking: Depending on the thickness of your fillets, cook the salmon for around 7-9 minutes initially. This step is to defrost the fish, and it won't be fully cooked yet.
- Oil and season the salmon: After the initial cooking, open the air fryer basket and brush or spray the salmon fillets with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a cooking spray. Then, season the salmon generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings.
- Final cooking: Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness.
It's important to note that the cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of your salmon fillets, so be sure to adjust the timing accordingly. Additionally, always handle the air fryer basket with care as it will be hot during and after cooking.
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Cooking the salmon
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it is time to cook the salmon.
First, preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F (199°C to 204°C). This should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
Next, place the frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. If your salmon fillets do not have skin, it does not matter which side goes down. Make sure there is only a single layer of fillets in the basket, and that they are not overcrowded. Spray the fillets with oil or cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like lemon pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, dill, paprika, or cajun seasoning. Close the air fryer and cook the salmon for 7 minutes.
After 7 minutes, open the air fryer and brush the salmon fillets with olive oil. Lay lemon slices over the fillets, or brush with a sauce or glaze. Close the air fryer and cook for another 3 to 9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and how well-done you like your salmon. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62.7°C) for food safety. However, some people prefer their salmon medium-rare, at an internal temperature of 125°F to 135°F (52°C to 57°C).
Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.
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Adding flavour
There are many ways to add flavour to your frozen salmon when using an air fryer.
Firstly, you can use a variety of seasonings. For example, you can season the salmon with salt and pepper to taste. Alternatively, you can use other seasonings such as lemon pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, dill, paprika, or Cajun seasoning. You can also use a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne. Brush this mixture on the top and bottom of each fillet before placing them in the air fryer.
Secondly, you can add flavour by using sauces or glazes. For example, you can use a maple Dijon sauce by combining maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Brush this sauce on the salmon during and after cooking. You could also try a honey mustard sauce, or a glaze such as maple syrup or honey.
Thirdly, you can add flavour by using citrus. For example, you can serve the salmon with lemon wedges, or top the fillets with sliced lemon. You can also add lemon juice to the salmon before cooking.
Finally, you can add flavour by using other ingredients such as fresh herbs. For example, you can use herbs such as dill, parsley, or cilantro to add a fresh, vibrant flavour.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer frozen salmon is a versatile dish. You can eat it as it is with a side of rice or quinoa, or add it to a salad, casserole, pasta, or salmon patties. It also goes well with soup and salad starters, and vegetable sides such as broccoli, bok choy, or asparagus.
For a full meal, serve the salmon with air fryer fried rice or shirataki fried rice to keep it low-carb.
If you're feeling indulgent, you could treat it like a true fish fry with coleslaw and a side of fries.
For a healthy option, pair the salmon with air fryer asparagus, air fryer baby carrots, or air fryer frozen green beans.
For a rice bowl, add greens, avocado, kimchi, cucumbers, sriracha, and mayo.
You can also squeeze lemon juice on top to add a fresh flavour and brightness.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can cook frozen salmon straight from the freezer.
Preheat your air fryer to between 390°F and 400°F.
This depends on the thickness of the fillet. A thinner fillet will take around 12 minutes, while a thicker fillet may take up to 18 minutes.
This is a matter of personal preference. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, or a sauce like maple syrup, honey, or Dijon mustard.
Yes, you can cook salmon with or without the skin. Cooking it with the skin on can add flavour and crispiness, but some people may find the texture unpleasant.