Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer is a quick, easy way to enjoy tender, flaky fish without the hassle of thawing. In just minutes, you’ll have a healthy, delicious meal perfect for any day of the week!
Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
Frozen salmon in the air fryer is a total game changer for quick, wholesome meals. I can’t count how many times I’ve forgotten to take the salmon out to thaw, only to realize it at dinnertime. That’s exactly how I discovered this recipe — out of necessity!
If the air fryer works wonders on other frozen foods, why not salmon? To my surprise, it turned out perfectly tender and flaky with a crispy edge. Now, I actually prefer cooking it straight from the freezer — it’s that good!
Not only is air fryer frozen salmon quick to make, but it’s also packed with protein and omega-3s. Once you see how easy it is to air fry frozen salmon, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!
If you love salmon, don’t miss my other Air Fryer Salmon Recipes like AIR FRYER SALMON CACCIATORE, AIR FRYER SALMON BOWLS, AIR FRYER PEACH SALMON, and AIR FRYER HONEY ORANGE GLAZED SALMON!
Why You’ll Love My Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
- No thawing needed
- Crispy outside, tender inside
- Healthy and protein-packed
- Minimal prep required
- Versatile — pairs with tons of sides
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients Needed to Air Fry Frozen Salmon
To air fry frozen salmon, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients — salmon fillets, a bit of oil, and your favorite seasonings. You just may already have everything on hand!
For complete ingredients and quantities, as well as nutritional information, keep scrolling until you reach the bottom, where you will find a printable recipe card.
- Frozen Salmon Fillets: The star of the dish! Cooking them straight from the freezer saves time and still results in juicy, flaky salmon.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the salmon.
- Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the mustard and enhances the salmon’s natural flavor.
- Garlic: Brings a savory, aromatic depth to the dish.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Brings out all the flavors and seasons the salmon perfectly.
How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
This recipe is super easy to make. Just follow my step-by-step instructions below to learn how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer for perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth fish!
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 390°F and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Starting with a hot air fryer helps the salmon cook evenly and develop a nice, crispy exterior.
Step 2: Air fry
Place the frozen salmon fillets skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for proper airflow. Lightly brush both sides with oil to prevent sticking and to enhance the flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste and air fry for 7 minutes.
Step 3: Make the sauce
While the salmon cooks, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. The sauce is optional, but I definitely recommend making it!
Step 4: Add the sauce
Halfway through cooking, carefully flip the salmon fillets. Brush the tops with the maple Dijon sauce and cook for an additional 7-9 minutes.
Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer Variations
- Lemon Garlic Herb: Combine lemon zest, minced garlic, and dried thyme for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Cajun Spices: To add a little spice to the dish, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Honey Soy Glaze: Brush with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger for a sweet and savory glaze.
- Dill and Mustard: Dijon mustard and fresh dill create a tangy, flavorful coating.
- BBQ Seasoning: Use your favorite BBQ rub for a smoky, bold flavor on the salmon.
- Blackened Spice: Coat the fillets with a blackened seasoning mix for a smoky, slightly crispy exterior.
Frozen Salmon Air Fryer Pro Tips
- Adjust Cooking Time: If your salmon fillets are thicker, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they cook all the way through.
- Use Parchment Paper or Spray: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Check Doneness: Salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F and flakes easily with a fork. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
- Customize Your Sauce: Adjust the maple syrup, mustard, or garlic to suit your taste. You can even add a splash of lemon juice.
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon FAQs
Yes, you can use fresh salmon fillets. Adjust the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
No, this recipe is designed for frozen salmon in the air fryer. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand!
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings or marinades, like lemon zest, garlic butter, or even a savory teriyaki sauce.
Yes, you can. Just be sure to arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
For the best texture and even cooking, place the salmon skin side down in the air fryer.
Lightly brushing the fillets with oil or using parchment paper liners designed for air fryers can help prevent sticking.
This salmon goes great with a variety of sides. Try it with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a healthy option, or serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or quinoa. A light salad with lemon vinaigrette or a side of rice pilaf also makes a fresh, balanced meal.
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to keep it crispy.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- GORTON’S FISH STICKS AIR FRYER
- AIR FRYER TRADER JOE’S BATTERED FISH NUGGETS
- AIR FRYER ROCKFISH
- AIR FRYER SWAI FISH
- AIR FRYER FROZEN FISH STICKS
- AIR FRYER FLOUNDER FISH
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Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
Description
Ingredients
- 2 frozen salmon fillets, about 6 ounce each
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F for 3-5 minutes so that it’s already hot when you add the salmon.
- Place the frozen salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, salmon skin side down, leaving some space between each fillet for even cooking. Lightly brush the salmon fillets with olive oil on both sides to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. Season the salmon with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Set cook time for 7 minutes.
- The sauce is optional, but I definitely recommend making it! Add the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
- Halfway during the cooking process, flip the frozen salmon fillets over and brush on the maple Dijon sauce. Set cook time for 7-9 minutes.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray, Or olive oil, avocado oil.
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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tlovertonet
Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!
Rene J Baatenburg
I placed the salmon in the air fryer with the skin side up, with no sauce. After 7 minutes when I turned it, over the skin easily came off in one piece!
Salmon back in the air fryer, with the non skin side up and and sauce on top. 7 minutes more, done. so easy. (I had to air fry it a little longer than 7 minutes per side to get the temp to 145)
Hope this helps. Such a good recipe!
Isabella
Love this. Can you clarify if you start w skin side up, add glaze, then flip to have skin side down?
Rene J Baatenburg
I placed the salmon in the air fryer with the skin side up, with no sauce. After 7 minutes when I turned it, over the skin easily came off in one piece!
Salmon back in the air fryer, with the non skin side up and and sauce on top. 7 minutes more, done. so easy. (I had to air fry it a little longer than 7 minutes per side to get the temp to 145)
Hope this helps. Such a good recipe!
Nancy
Love all your air fryer recipes. Thank you
Kathy
YUMMMMY!! I LOVE this salmon recipe! I’m not much into spicy and did not have Dijon mustard, so I used regular mustard and used the other ingredients. I will make this every time I air fry salmon!
John Robertson
first day with a air fryer and the first thing cooked the Salmon steak was terrific
MaryJane
I have never enjoyed a filet of salmon more! The sauce is amazing! I made this for myself, but now I need to have people over so I can share this recipe! Thanks!
Bethany B
The sauce really surprised me with how good it is! This was a quick/ lazy meal for me so I used garlic powder in place of fresh- still super tasty. I also added a touch of (hear me out) MSG. Couldn’t recommend this method enough. Delicious.