Air-Fryer Magic: Frozen Salmon, Perfectly Cooked

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. The best part is that you don't need to defrost the salmon beforehand, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Here's a simple guide on how to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, so you can enjoy tender, flaky, and flavourful salmon fillets.

How to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer without defrosting it

Air-frying frozen salmon is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy and delicious meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation

Before you start, gather your ingredients: frozen salmon fillets, olive oil or cooking spray, and any desired seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon slices, or other spices. You will also need a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon.

Cooking Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (199-204°C).
• Remove any excess ice from the frozen salmon fillets by patting them down with paper towels. This step is important to ensure even cooking and prevent the salmon from becoming mushy.
• Place the frozen fillets directly into the air fryer basket, skin-side down if they have skin.
• Cook the frozen salmon for 7 minutes to defrost.
• Brush the salmon with olive oil or cooking spray and season generously with your desired seasonings.
• Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. For thinner fillets, reduce the cooking time, and for thicker fillets, you may need to add a few extra minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer. The recommended temperature for food safety is 145°F (62.7°C), but you can cook it to a lower temperature for a more tender texture.
• Once the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer basket and serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips:

• It is important to note that cooking frozen salmon may take a little longer than defrosted or thawed salmon, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
• If your salmon has skin, you can choose to leave it on or remove it before cooking. Cooking the salmon with the skin on can add a crispy texture and flavor, but some people may prefer to remove it.
• Air-frying frozen salmon is a convenient way to cook a healthy and delicious meal with minimal prep time. You can also get creative with your seasonings and serve it with various side dishes.

How to season salmon before putting it in the air fryer

Seasoning your salmon before putting it in the air fryer is a great way to add flavour to your dish. Here are some tips on how to season your salmon:

• Brush the salmon with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Season the salmon with salt and pepper to taste. You can also use other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
• For a tangy flavour, try using Dijon mustard or lemon pepper seasoning.
• If you're looking for a sweet touch, you can use maple syrup or honey.
• You can also try different sauces like keto teriyaki sauce or paleo gochujang.
• For a traditional seafood flavour, top the fillets with sliced lemon.
• Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro can add a fresh, vibrant flavour.
• Grate some lemon or lime zest on top of the salmon before cooking for a citrusy twist.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to experiment and find the flavours you enjoy the most. Don't be afraid to mix and match different seasonings and sauces to create your perfect combination.

How to check if the salmon is cooked

Checking if your salmon is cooked is an important step to ensure it's safe to eat. Here are some ways to check if your salmon is cooked:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. According to the USDA, the recommended internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (62.7°C). However, if you prefer your salmon to be more moist and tender, you can cook it to an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) to 135°F. Keep in mind that the temperature will continue to rise slightly even after you stop cooking.
• Visual inspection: The salmon should have a crisp and slightly browned appearance on the edges and should easily flake into tender pieces when scraped gently with a fork.
• If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check the doneness of the salmon by gently scraping it with a fork. If the salmon flakes easily, it is likely cooked.
• Check the colour: The salmon should be opaque in colour when it is done cooking.

How to cook frozen salmon with skin on

Air fryer frozen salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be ready in under 20 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen salmon with skin on in an air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 390°F and 400°F (199°C and 200°C).

Prepare the salmon

Remove any ice or excess water from the frozen salmon fillet by patting it down with paper towels. This will help the salmon to cook evenly and thoroughly and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Place the salmon in the air fryer

Place the frozen salmon fillet(s) in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. If your fillets are stuck together, use a knife to separate them.

Cook the salmon

Cook the salmon for 7 minutes to defrost the fish. Then, brush or spray the salmon with olive oil or cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, lemon or lemon juice, cayenne, or cajun seasoning.

Continue cooking

Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), or 125-135°F (52-57°C) for a more moist and tender result. The salmon should be crisp and slightly browned on the edges and should flake easily when scraped with a fork.

Serve

Serve the salmon fillets hot with lemon wedges, if desired. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa, on a salad, or in a casserole or pasta dish.

How to cook frozen salmon with skin off

This guide will teach you how to cook frozen salmon with skin off using an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (199-200°C). This is an important step to ensure your salmon cooks evenly.

Step 1: Remove any ice or excess water from the frozen salmon fillet by patting it down with paper towels. This step is crucial as it ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and thoroughly, and prevents it from becoming mushy.

Step 2: Place the frozen salmon fillets directly into the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. If your salmon has the skin on, place it skin-side down. This helps to keep the flesh juicy and prevents overcooking.

Step 3: Cook the frozen salmon for 7-9 minutes. This initial cooking stage is to defrost the fillets.

Step 4: After the first cooking stage, remove the air fryer basket and brush the salmon fillets with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use cooking spray if you prefer. Season the fillets generously with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice. Some suggestions include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cajun seasoning.

Step 5: Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness. For thinner fillets, 3-5 minutes should be sufficient, while thicker fillets may take up to 8 minutes.

Step 6: Check the doneness of the salmon. The recommended internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (62.7°C) for food safety. However, if you prefer your salmon more tender, you can cook it to a lower temperature of 125-135°F (52-57°C). The salmon should be opaque in colour and flake easily when pressed gently with a fork.

Step 7: Once the salmon has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can serve it with lemon wedges, or pair it with side dishes such as rice, vegetables, or salad.

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a convenient and healthy option, as it requires no thawing and produces tender and flaky fillets. By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal in under 20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions