Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Name: Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 21 min
Ingredients: 2 6 oz frozen salmon fillets; 3 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tsp maple syrup; 2 tsp minced garlic; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp Kosher salt

Jump to recipe

It’s incredibly easy and quick to make Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer! If you’ve been looking for a fast and fuss-free way to enjoy delicious salmon, look no further. Once you learn how to cook frozen salmon in air fryer, you’ll want to make this tasty recipe weekly!

overhead: frozen salmon in air fryer with maple dijon sauce over rice with avocado to the side

Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in air fryer! It’s a convenient and time-saving method for preparing this nutritious fish straight from the freezer.

I love fresh fish, but what I don’t love is when it goes bad from sitting in my fridge for too long. Sometimes I get a little ahead of myself at the supermarket… so nowadays, I always opt for frozen fish so that it doesn’t go to waste.

This frozen salmon air fryer recipe is easy as can be, and it’s super flavorful. I add a maple, Dijon mustard, and garlic glaze to it after the first round of air frying, as well as on top for serving. It’s super tasty and really helps bring out the natural flavors in the fish too. YUM.

If you love delicious salmon recipes or a quick fish dinner, don’t miss my other Air Fryer Fish Recipes like AIR FRYER SWORDFISH, AIR FRYER CATFISH NUGGETS, GORTONS FISH FILLETS IN AIR FRYER, and AIR FRYER BLACKENED FISH TACOS!

side view: air fryer frozen salmon over rice with maple dijon sauce and fresh herbs on top

Why You’ll Love My Frozen Salmon Air Fryer Recipe

No need to thaw — you can make frozen salmon in air fryer straight from the freezer!
Zero excess oil thanks to the air fryer
Versatile and customizable… add whatever seasonings and topping you’d like
Perfect for busy weeknights
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!

Ingredients Needed to Air Fry Frozen Salmon

This recipe requires only a few simple ingredients to create a delicious and hassle-free meal. Cooking salmon has never been easier!

overhead: two salmon filets in a baking dish before air frying

For complete ingredients and quantities, as well as the nutritional information, keep on scrolling until you get to the bottom with a printable recipe card.

Frozen Salmon Fillets: Look for brightly colored fish in the supermarket. The flesh should not have brown spots or bruising. It should be firm, smooth, and glossy. The fish shouldn’t have an odor or smell overly “fishy.”
Olive Oil: A light olive oil coating helps prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket and adds a subtle flavor.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to enhance their natural taste and add a savory element. I keep things simple here to let the quick sauce shine.
Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon wedges provide a burst of citrusy brightness to complement the rich flavor of the salmon.
Maple Dijon Sauce: To make the sauce, all you’ll need is maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.

How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Below, you’ll find the simple steps you need to follow to make your frozen salmon in air fryer.

overhead closeup: two salmon filets in a baking dish before air frying

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F for 3-5 minutes so that it’s already hot when you add the salmon.

Step 2: Air fry frozen salmon

Place the frozen salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, 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.

overhead closeup: a small bowl with a small spoon in the maple dijon sauce before mixing

Step 3: Make the maple Dijon sauce

The sauce is technically 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.

closeup: brushing on maple dijon sauce after air frying

Step 3: Air fry again

Once the fish has cooked for 7 minutes, flip it over and brush on the maple Dijon sauce. Air fry frozen salmon again for another 7-9 minutes.

Add any garnishes (like the peaches you can see in the photos), brush with more sauce right before serving, and enjoy!

side view: air fryer frozen salmon with peaches, sauce, and fresh herbs on top

Pro Tips for the Best Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Leave the skin on: It provides a great layer between the skin and the air fryer basket (or parchment paper). Since the skin crisps up, it’s easier to flip it halfway during cooking. The skin is perfectly edible, so you can choose to eat it or not… it’s totally up to you.
Don’t overcook: Once the fillets start to turn very light pink (almost white), remove them from the air fryer. That means they’re cooked!
The best way to cook air fryer frozen salmon is medium-rare or medium. Anything more and it will be too tough and chewy.
Switch up the seasoning: While I only use salt and pepper here, you can season the salmon with your favorite herbs and spices before cooking. Lemon pepper, black pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, dill, and paprika are popular choices.
Oil spray: Remember to lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil before placing the salmon fillets. This prevents sticking and helps achieve a crispy exterior. You can also use parchment paper.
Adjust the cooking time if you need to: Since all air fryers vary, be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. Your specific air fryer model and the thickness of the salmon fillets will determine the air frying time.
Flavor variations: To add flavor to your frozen salmon, experiment with different marinades or sauces. Teriyaki, honey mustard, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, or maple glaze are delicious options.
Garnish with fresh ingredients: You can enhance your frozen salmon air fryer recipe by garnishing with fresh lemon wedges, lemon juice, chopped herbs, or a side salad. Or, you can add peaches like I did!

overhead: air fried frozen salmon over rice with fresh herbs and avocado to the side

Air Fryer Frozen Salmon FAQs

Can I cook frozen salmon in my air fryer?

Absolutely! This recipe is all about how to cook frozen salmon in air fryer — working from frozen means that you don’t have to worry about cooking up your fish as soon as you get home. Store it in the freezer until you plan on using it!

How can I tell if my frozen salmon is done?

Remember that I suggest cooking your air fryer frozen salmon to medium-rare/medium. Use a food thermometer to make sure that it’s safe to eat — the internal temperature must be at least 145 degrees F.

How long does it take to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?

The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook the frozen salmon at 375 degrees F for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?

To keep the salmon from drying out during cooking, it’s important not to overcook it. Check its internal temperature with a thermometer and remove it from the air fryer once it reaches 145 degrees F. Adding the optional maple Dijon sauce will also keep things moist. I call it optional, but I add it almost every time I make this recipe myself!

Can I add vegetables to the air fryer along with the frozen salmon?

Yes, you can. For a complete meal, add vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers to the air fryer basket. Just adjust the cooking time and temperature for the vegetables accordingly.

How to store leftover salmon?

Let the salmon cool to room temperature, then wrap it in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets with skin on in the air fryer?

You can use frozen salmon fillets with or without skin in the air fryer. If you use fillets with skin, place them skin-side down in the basket for even cooking.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!