How to Make Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Quick & Easy Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer  — Looking for a fast and fuss-free way to enjoy delicious salmon? Look no further than this recipe for frozen salmon fillet in air fryer!

Can You Cook Frozen Salmon In Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer! It’s a convenient and time-saving method for preparing this nutritious fish straight from the freezer. If you love delicious salmon recipes or a quick fish dinner, try my recipe for Air Fryer Fish Recipes, try my AIR FRYER SWORDFISH, AIR FRYER CATFISH NUGGETS, GORTONS FISH FILLETS IN AIR FRYER, and AIR FRYER BLACKENED FISH TACOS!

Why You’ll Love Cooking Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

• Convenient: This recipe allows you to cook frozen salmon without thawing, saving time and effort.
• Healthy: Air-frying preserves salmon’s natural flavors and nutrients while minimizing the need for added oils or fats. It’s a good source of omega-3 and healthy fats.
• Versatile: You can customize the seasoning and toppings to suit your tastes, creating endless flavor variations.
• Quick: Frozen salmon cooks faster in the air fryer than traditional methods, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Delicious: The air fryer produces perfectly cooked salmon with a crispy exterior and tender interior, delivering a delightful texture and taste.​

Ingredients Needed For Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

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

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• 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 be 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.
• Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon wedges provide a burst of citrusy brightness to complement the rich flavor of the salmon.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness and aroma.

How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

To make frozen salmon in the air fryer, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Air fry frozen salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F for 3-5 minutes. 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.

Step 2: Make the honey mustard sauce (optional)

Add the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to a small bowl and whisk to combine.

Step 3: Air fry again

Once the fish has cooked for 7 minutes, flip it over and brush on the honey mustard sauce. Air fry again for another 7-9 minutes. Brush with more sauce right before serving, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Here are some pro tips for cooking frozen salmon in the 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.
• Do not overcook: When cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer, you need to keep a watchful eye on the clock. Once the fillets start to turn white, remove them from the air fryer…a white color means they’re cooked!
• The best way to cook air fryer salmon is medium-rare or medium. Anything more and it will be too tough and chewy.
• Thawing: While it’s possible to cook salmon directly from frozen, for best results, consider thawing the fillets overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This helps ensure more even cooking and better texture.
• Seasoning: Generously 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 that complement the salmon’s flavor well.
• Oil Spray: 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. 
• Doneness Check: Check the internal temperature of the salmon using a meat thermometer or instant read thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part for safe consumption.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Since air fryers vary in wattage and cooking efficiency, adjust the cooking time as needed based on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of the salmon fillets.
• 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.
• Serve with Fresh Ingredients: For a balanced meal, enhance the dish by serving the air-fried salmon with fresh lemon wedges, lemon juice, chopped herbs, or a side salad.

Can I Put 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 Long Does It Take To Cook Frozen Salmon? It will only take about 16 minutes to air fry frozen salmon. It will take slightly longer if you cook the fish in the oven or on the grill.

At What Temperature Is Salmon Done In Air Fryer? 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.

Can I cook salmon directly from frozen in the air fryer? You can cook frozen salmon directly in the air fryer without thawing it first. However, it is recommended that you thaw the salmon overnight in the refrigerator for even cooking.

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°F (190°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I prevent the salmon from drying out? To prevent the salmon from drying out during cooking, consider marinating it in a flavorful sauce or generously seasoning it before air-frying. Additionally, avoid overcooking the salmon by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer and removing it from the air fryer once salmon reaches 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the fillet. 

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, and then wrap it in aluminum foil or place the piece of salmon into an airtight container.

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

• 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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