How to Cook Salmon from Frozen in an Air Fryer for Perfectly Cooked Fish

Cooking salmon from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare delicious, flaky fish in under 20 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients like frozen salmon fillets, cooking spray, and spices, you can make a tasty and healthy meal with minimal effort.

An air fryer works by circulating hot air rapidly around food to cook it evenly on all sides using little to no oil This makes it the perfect appliance for cooking frozen salmon straight from the freezer without needing to thaw it first

Follow these simple steps for foolproof air fryer frozen salmon every time.

Benefits of Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer

There are many advantages to using an air fryer to cook salmon instead of traditional oven baking

• No thawing required. The air fryer’s super hot air cooks the salmon evenly while frozen. No need to plan ahead and thaw.

• Quick cooking time. Frozen salmon fillets are done in just 15-20 minutes start to finish.

• Less mess. With minimal oil only being used to coat the air fryer basket, there’s less splattering and easier cleanup.

• Moist and tender. The circulating hot air seals in moisture resulting in salmon that is tender on the inside with a nice crust on the outside.

• Adds flavor. The air fryer allows you to add spices and seasonings directly onto the salmon for extra flavor.

• Retains nutrients. With no oil submersion, the salmon retains more of its natural nutrients and healthy omega-3s.

How to Choose Salmon for the Air Fryer

Picking out the right salmon fillets is an important first step for achieving the best results. Here’s what to look for:

• Fillet thickness. Go for fillets that are about 1-inch thick. Thinner cuts may dry out while thicker ones won’t cook through fully.

• Skin on or off. Salmon cooked skin-side down holds its shape better. You can remove the skin after cooking if desired.

• Wild caught preferred. Wild salmon tends to be more nutritious with a richer flavor compared to farmed.

• Portioned sizes. Individual 6 oz fillets cook the most evenly. Buy pre-cut or slice a large fillet into 6 oz portions.

• Frozen vs. fresh. You can use either with great results! Adjust cook times slightly for fresh.

Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Frozen Salmon in an Air Fryer

Follow this simple air fryer frozen salmon recipe for tender, flaky fish ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 (6 oz) frozen salmon fillets
• Cooking spray or oil
• Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.

2. Coat the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil.

3. Add the frozen salmon fillets skin-side down. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

4. Cook for 7 minutes initially. Salmon will start to turn opaque as it cooks.

5. Mix together desired seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper work well.

6. Remove basket and flip salmon fillets. Season the top side with the spice mixture.

7. Return to the air fryer and cook for 6-8 more minutes until the thickest part of the salmon reaches 145°F.

8. Rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Enjoy your perfectly cooked salmon from frozen!

Helpful Tips for Best Results

Follow these tips and tricks for making the most delicious air fryer frozen salmon every time.

• Use wild caught salmon for better flavor and texture.

• Brush both sides of the fillets lightly with oil or spray for even cooking.

• Flip the salmon halfway through – this promotes even doneness.

• Adjust cook times based on thickness – thinner fillets may need less time.

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp for doneness.

• Let the salmon rest before serving so juices redistribute evenly.

• Add fresh lemon juice and herbs after cooking for a flavor boost.

• Use the same method with fresh salmon, reducing cook time to 5-6 minutes per side.

• Double the recipe as needed – most air fryer baskets can hold multiple fillets.

Common Questions

How do I know when the salmon is done?

Check for an internal temperature of 145°F. The salmon should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork.

Do I need to flip the salmon while cooking?

Yes, flipping halfway through is important to promote even cooking on both sides.

Can I season the salmon before air frying?

Absolutely! Rubbing the salmon with spices, herbs, or oil before air frying adds great flavor.

What temperature should I cook salmon to?

Aim for an internal temp of 145°F for food safety. For a more tender, medium texture remove at 125-130°F.

How long does it take to cook fresh salmon?

Fresh salmon fillets take 5-7 minutes per side at 400°F in the air fryer depending on thickness.

More Delicious Air Fryer Salmon Recipes to Try

• Lemon Pepper Salmon – coated with zesty lemon pepper seasoning

• Cajun Salmon – dry rubbed with Cajun spices for a kick

• Maple Glazed Salmon – brushed with a sweet maple syrup glaze

• Everything Bagel Salmon – topped with an everything bagel seasoning blend

• Salmon Burgers – made into juicy, crunchy salmon patties

• Salmon Fish Tacos – cooked salmon served in warm tortillas and topped with salsa

• Honey Soy Salmon – drizzled with a simple honey soy glaze

• Salmon and Veggies – roasted salmon paired with potatoes, green beans, and carrots

The possibilities are endless when it comes to seasoning and serving air fryer salmon fillets. Let your imagination run wild and get creative with different flavor combinations.

In just 15-20 minutes, you can have a healthy, restaurant-quality salmon dinner on the table with minimal effort using this easy air fryer frozen salmon method. Crispy on the outside while remaining tender and moist inside, this is an easy weeknight dinner everyone will love.