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
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!
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
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
Maria Heather Perez
Amazin!
Carla
Thank you for this recipe and instructions. I must try this in my new air fryer!
Dennise Babin
Wow! I didn’t that you could air fry fish. Amazing I must say and the sauce is good combo with the salmon
Marcia
Thank you for sharing!! Can’t wait to try!
Victoria
Absolutely delicious and so easy! I drizzled balsamic vinegar over each piece and we savored every bite.
Don
Terrific Thank you
Much better than pan
Sanja
Wow!! I have made this every week!! Thank you!!!
KCJorj
This was fantastic! I have a bag of salmon from Costco in the freezer, and usually forget to thaw it, so this was super helpful, easy, & quick. I was unsure of the sauce, but is was delicious. I will be eating salmon more often now as your recipe turned out juicy & flavorful. Much thanks.
JA
Made tonight in our new airfrier. Big hit. A keeper. Will take skin off after first cook and crisp up next time.
MB
Which setting did you use? My choices are Max Cris, air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate. I am just going to go for ‘bake’ and hope it turns out. Wish me luck!
Billie
Getting ready to make this now! My family LOVES all fish- and we live in the Midwest! I was wondering if you would possibly share your mother in law’s creamy dill dip to try next time? Thanks so much!
Nicole
This was delicious! I used this as my very first air fryer recipe and the skin stuck to the tray. What should I have done differently? Thanks!
Laurie
I would use a piece of parchment paper or a silicone parchment liner.
Judi
Absolutely delicious and QUICK! My fiancé’s friend was visiting his family and unexpectedly dropped by our home. I had left overs for dinner and had nothing defrosted to make him a fresh meal. I always have salmon in my freezer, so I googled “frozen salmon air-fryer recipes” and yours caught my attention. I followed your recipe and made a salad and rice to go with it. They loved it! So quick and easy. Thank you,
Radhika
Divine. I honestly have never enjoyed salmon this much and love that it’s a recipe from frozen. plan to make it weekly until i’m sick of eating salmon. thank you for this simple yet super tasty recipe. i will be checking out more of your recipes moving forward. very much appreciated.
Lara Chape
Super recipe! Did take five more minutes flipping again in my air fryer to the other side from frozen. The sauce was spot on!
Jason Evenson
Wow! I just found this and tried it. That sauce is such a great addition to the salmon! Thank you!!