Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance for their ability to quickly cook foods with less oil than traditional frying methods. One food that’s fantastic to make in the air fryer is salmon. Air frying locks in moisture, infuses flavor, and creates a tender interior with a crispy, golden exterior on salmon fillets.
However, one common question is just how long to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer. The answer depends on several factors, including fillet size and thickness as well as whether it’s thawed or still frozen. This guide will walk through everything you need to know for air frying frozen salmon to flaky, flavorful perfection.
Benefits of Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer
There are several advantages to choosing an air fryer over other cooking methods when making salmon:
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Quick cooking time: Air fryers preheat and cook food remarkably fast. Frozen salmon fillets can be cooked in as little as 10-15 minutes.
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Healthier: Air frying uses little to no oil compared to deep frying. This reduces calories while still creating a crispy exterior.
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Flavor infusion: The circulating high heat evenly cooks the salmon, sealing in moisture and allowing seasoning to penetrate throughout.
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Easy cleanup: With minimal oil, air fryers are easy to wipe down after cooking. There’s no need to deal with the mess of stovetop sautéing.
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Consistent results: The enclosed, controllable heat of an air fryer ensures your salmon turns out moist and tender every time.
How Long to Cook Frozen Salmon in an Air Fryer
The approximate air fryer cooking time for frozen salmon fillets is 12-15 minutes at 400°F. However, thickness and whether the salmon is still frozen or thawed will impact total cook time.
Factors Affecting Cook Time
1. Thickness
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Thicker fillets take longer to cook through to the safe internal temperature of 145°F Add 2-3 extra minutes per 1/2 inch thickness
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Thinner tail pieces may take only 8-10 minutes. Closely monitor these.
2. Frozen vs. Thawed
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Thawed salmon fillets cook faster than frozen, typically by 2-5 minutes.
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For food safety, only refreeze salmon if it was previously frozen. Don’t refreeze thawed fresh salmon.
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Cooking Time Chart
Use this chart as a guide, adjusting time up or down as needed:
| Thickness | Frozen | Thawed |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 8-12 minutes | 6-10 minutes |
| 1 inch | 12-15 minutes | 10-13 minutes |
| 1 1/2 inches | 15-18 minutes | 13-15 minutes |
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For thawed salmon under 1/2 inch thick, start checking at 6 minutes.
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Frozen skin-on fillets may take 1-2 minutes longer.
Step-by-Step Guide for Air Frying Frozen Salmon
Follow these simple steps for foolproof air fried frozen salmon:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F This only takes 3-5 minutes,
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Pat salmon dry and season it. Coat lightly with oil if desired.
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Arrange fillets in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd.
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Cook according to thickness based on chart. Flip halfway through if possible.
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Check temperature using a meat thermometer, especially for thicker cuts. Salmon is safely cooked to 145°F.
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Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving for juicier salmon.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
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Brush with oil or spray basket: Adding a touch of oil prevents sticking and aids browning. Avocado oil has a high smoke point.
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Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between fillets for even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
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Use a meat thermometer: This eliminates any guessing on doneness, particularly with thicker cuts.
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Try dry rubs or marinades: Coat salmon in seasoned salt, lemon-pepper, or teriyaki sauce for added flavor.
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Let rest before serving: Carryover cooking will finish cooking the salmon. Resting allows moisture to redistribute.
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Cook skin-on fillets skin-side down first: This crisps up the skin wonderfully. Flip halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer?
Yes, as long as the salmon reaches the proper internal temperature of 145°F, it is safe to cook from frozen in an air fryer. Always thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the fillet. Salmon cooked to 145°F is safe to eat. It will appear opaque throughout.
Can I cook more than one salmon fillet at once?
You can cook multiple fillets in one batch but be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between each piece for airflow. Cook similar-sized pieces together.
What temperature should I set the air fryer to?
400°F is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior on salmon fillets while cooking the interior to a safe temperature. Adjust time for thicker or thinner cuts.
Should I flip the salmon halfway through cooking?
Yes, flipping the fillets halfway helps them cook more evenly. Use tongs and a spatula to carefully flip thawed salmon. Frozen may need more time before flipping.
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Recap
Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer results in tender, flaky fish with a crispy crust in far less time than using the oven. Thinner tail sections may take as little as 6-8 minutes, while a thick 1 1/2 inch center cut fillet may need up to 18 minutes at 400°F. Always check internal temperature and adjust cook time accordingly for your perfect salmon dinner.