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Learn how to cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer for quick and healthy weeknight dinners! Air fry your fillets at 390°F (200°C), without thawing. In 15 minutes, you’ll be enjoying juicy and flaky salmon.
Did you know you can air fry frozen salmon straight from the freezer? No need for thawing. It’s my new favorite healthy dinner for busy days. I love pairing it with a steamed sweet potato and air fryer Brussels sprouts.
I prefer getting my omega-3 from real foods, rather than supplements. My diet includes lots of walnuts, chia and fatty fishes. I love salmon so much that I could eat it every day. But during the week, I don’t have time to cook. And now that’s summer, I don’t want to fire up the oven or smell the entire house searing fish in a pan. This recipe is a keeper.
Why cooking frozen salmon in air fryer?
- Quick and easy – You need 3 ingredients and 15 minutes. No thawing and zero prep time make it the perfect weeknight dinner.
- Juicy and flaky – You’ll love how tender and delicious it tastes. A drizzle of lemon juice takes out that strong fishy flavor.
- Highly nutritious – Salmon is packed with omega 3 fatty acids, protein and nutrients. Plus, it’s naturally low carb and gluten-free.
- Versatile – Serve with rice, potatoes, veggies, and your favorite dressings. It’s also perfect for a salmon pasta.
Ingredients
Here’s all you need along with tips and common substitutions. You can find the ingredient quantities in the recipe card at the bottom.
- Frozen salmon fillets – Both skin-on or skinless work. For a tender fillet, use center-cut salmon. I recommend Atlantic, Chinook (King), or Coho because they’re fattier. A higher fat percentage keeps it rich and juicy without drying.
- Olive oil – It prevents frozen salmon from drying in the air fryer. Avocado oil is a good substitute.
- Lemon juice – It removes that strong fish flavor and highlights the taste. Freshly squeezed lemon juice works best, but also jarred is fine.
- Salt and pepper – I love Himalayan salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Feel free to add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a touch of chili flakes.
Tips on choosing the best salmon
- Choose fatty salmon – As they’re higher in fat, I recommend Atlantic, Chinook (King), or Coho. Healthy fats are key for rich and juicy fish that doesn’t dry out.
- Shop for center-cut fillets – A thicker fillet remains juicy and flaky because it keeps all the good fats inside. Thinner ones can easily dry out.
- Use skin-on or skinless – Both can be air fried without prior thawing. If with skin, place frozen salmon in an air fryer basket skin-side down.
- Prefer individually-packaged fillets – They’re less likely to get icy and lose flavor. Plus, you can air fry as many portions as you want without having to seal the remaining.
- Pat dry frozen salmon – You’ll want to quickly pat off any ice on top of your fillets, if present. Excess moisture can affect the cooking process.
How to cook frozen salmon in air fryer?
You can find the printable recipe card at the bottom of this blog post. For the moment, here’s an overview of the process.
Step 1 – Preheat. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This helps the salmon cook evenly and get crispy.
Step 2 – Pat dry salmon. Take frozen salmon fillets straight from the freezer, no need for thawing. Using a paper towel, pat off any ice crystals on top of the fillets.
Step 3 – Cook (for thawing). Place frozen salmon in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. If with skin, place skin-side down in the basket.
Step 4 – Whisk marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5 – Season salmon. Open the air fryer and lightly brush the fish with olive oil marinade.
Step 6 – Cook through. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending of the thickness of your fillets. Do not overcook to prevent drying.
Recipe tips
- Air fry 1 to 2 fillets at the time – Avoid overcrowding the basket, or your fish won’t cook evenly.
- Season after 5 minutes – The first 5 minutes are for thawing. After that, your salmon will better absorb olive oil and seasonings.
- Adjust cooking time – Precise cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your fillets. Thicker ones may take up to 17 minutes, thinner ones can cook faster in 12 minutes.
- Check for doneness – According to the USDA guidelines, salmon is safe to eat when the inside reaches a temperature of 145°F (62°C). If you don’t have a food thermometer, use your eyes. It should look crispy and golden outside, and it should be flakey if gently pressed with a fork.
Storage directions
You can air fry frozen salmon and store it for later. Let the fillets cool completely, then place in an airtight food container. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days (48 hours).
Quickly reheat in the microwave, in a skillet, on in the air fryer. But avoid overcooking, or your fish may get dry!
Is frozen salmon healthy?
Frozen salmon is as healthy and nutritious as fresh one. It’s usually flash-frozen right after being caught, which helps lock in nutrients like protein and omega-3s. Plus, it can be healthier than fresh fillets that are days old or pre-thawed.
Since bacteria and parasites are killed during the freezing process, it may also be safer to eat.
Serving ideas
- Healthy carbs – Enjoy with air fryer baked sweet potato, brown rice, quinoa, air fryer bread, pasta or wholegrain bread. If looking for convenience, try my microwave rice.
- Vegetables – For more nutrients and fibers, pair with steamed broccoli, crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts (I cook them from frozen), creamy cucumber salad, lettuce, or wilted spinach.
- Dressings – Drizzle the tops with healthy mayonnaise, whipped cottage cheese, Greek yogurt ranch dressing, or umami miso glaze.
Frequently asked questions
No, you can air fry frozen salmon fillets directly from the freezer, without thawing. It will thaw during the first 5 minutes of cooking.
Both skin-on and skinless work. Just place your fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket and cook as described in this recipe. After cooking, you can either remove or eat the skin. Although it won’t be as crispy as fresh one, the skin is highly nutritious (rich in omega-3).
Cook fillets in the air fryer basket at 390°F (200°C), from frozen. They will take 12 to 17 minutes, depending on thickness.
You can air fry frozen salmon without oil, but it may get drier. Little olive oil boosts the flavors, making it crispier and juicer.
More air fryer recipes
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts
- Air fryer green beans
- Crispy air fryer tofu
- Air fryer chicken tenders
- Healthy air fryer popcorn
- Air fryer omelette
How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 frozen salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless (4 to 6 oz each)
- ½ tsp olive oil, or avocado oil
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This helps the salmon cook evenly and get crispy.
- Take frozen salmon fillets straight from the freezer, no need for thawing.
- Using a paper towel, pat off any ice crystals on top of the fillets.
- Place frozen salmon in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. If with skin, place skin-side down in the basket.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
- Open the air fryer and lightly brush the fish with olive oil marinade.
- Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending of the thickness of your fillets. Do not overcook to prevent drying.Frozen salmon is ready when it reaches an inside temperature of 145°F (62°C), if measured with a food thermometer. It should be golden outside and flaky inside.
Notes
- To store: Let the fillets cool completely, then place in an airtight food container. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days (48 hours).
- To reheat: Quickly reheat in the microwave, in a skillet, on in the air fryer. But avoid overcooking, or your fish may get dry.
Nutrition
I’d rather invest in high quality food now, than paying in health and doctors later.
