Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a game-changer for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. No need to thaw your fish ahead of time-just pop it in the air fryer and enjoy a delicious, flaky dinner in under 15 minutes. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?”-this friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a tasty, fuss-free meal.
Why Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer?
– No thawing required: Skip the wait and cook straight from the freezer.
– Fast and convenient: Ready in about 10-15 minutes.
– Healthy and delicious: Retains moisture and flavor, with a crispy outside.
– Minimal cleanup: Less mess than pan-frying or baking.
What You’ll Need
– Frozen salmon fillets (3-5 oz each works well)
– Olive oil or cooking spray
– Salt and pepper
– Optional herbs and spices: garlic powder, lemon pepper, dill, Cajun seasoning, or your favorites
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step: Cooking Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F (200°C). Preheating for about 3-5 minutes helps the salmon cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
2. Prepare the Salmon
Remove the frozen salmon fillets from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels if needed. Lightly brush or spray the fillets with olive oil to prevent sticking and help seasonings adhere.
3. Season the Fillets
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like on both sides of the salmon. Popular choices include garlic powder, lemon pepper, or Cajun seasoning. If your fillets have skin, place them skin side down in the air fryer basket for extra crispiness.
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the salmon fillets in a single layer without overlapping. This ensures even cooking and crispy edges.
5. Cook in Two Stages (Optional but Recommended)
– Stage 1: Thaw and start cooking
Air fry the frozen salmon at 390°F for about 7-9 minutes. This step gently thaws the fish while beginning to cook it.
– Stage 2: Season and finish cooking
Open the basket, brush the salmon again with oil or your seasoning mixture, then continue air frying for another 7-8 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and has a golden crust.
6. Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Salmon is perfectly cooked at 130-135°F for moist and tender flesh, but food safety guidelines recommend 145°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your air-fried salmon hot with lemon wedges or your favorite sauce. Some tasty options include a simple garlic aioli, Dijon mustard glaze, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet twist.
Tips and Variations to Try
– Add lemon slices on top before cooking for a fresh, zesty flavor.
– Experiment with sauces like keto teriyaki or paleo gochujang for different taste profiles.
– Use a lower temperature (around 360°F) and longer cook time if you prefer extra tender salmon with less crispiness.
– Flip the salmon halfway through cooking if you want both sides crispy, especially if your fillets are thick.
– Give salmon space in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and avoid steaming.
Quick Recipe Recap
– Preheat air fryer to 390-400°F.
– Brush frozen salmon with oil and season.
– Place skin side down in basket.
– Air fry 7-9 minutes to thaw.
– Brush again and cook 7-8 more minutes.
– Check internal temperature (130-145°F).
– Serve with lemon and your favorite sauce.
Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer is simple, fast, and yields a deliciously flaky meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or just love seafood, this method will make salmon a go-to dinner option.
Ready to enjoy perfectly cooked salmon without the wait? Your air fryer is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen!
Salmon cooked from frozen in an air fryer is quick, healthy, and delicious-making weeknight dinners easier than ever.