Air fryers have become increasingly popular in home kitchens for their ability to make meals quickly and easily with little to no oil. But did you know you can also use an air fryer to safely and conveniently defrost salmon fillets?
Defrosting salmon in an air fryer is quick easy, and allows you to skip the hours of waiting for it to thaw in the fridge. With just a few simple steps you can have perfectly thawed salmon ready to cook in no time.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to defrost salmon fillets in an air fryer including
- The benefits of using an air fryer to defrost salmon
- Step-by-step instructions for defrosting
- Tips for best results
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s get started!
Why Defrost Salmon in an Air Fryer?
Defrosting salmon in an air fryer offers several advantages over thawing in the refrigerator or using the microwave:
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It’s faster – An air fryer can defrost salmon in 10-25 minutes depending on thickness, while refrigerating takes hours.
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Defrosts evenly – The hot air circulates around the fillet to thaw it evenly throughout. No cold or frozen spots.
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Prevents overcooking – The air fryer thaws without cooking the salmon, avoiding partly cooked areas.
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No mess – Contained in the air fryer basket, unlike thawing in water.
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Retains moisture – Air frying avoids moisture loss that can make salmon dry.
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Simple process – Just a few minutes of hands-on time and you’re done.
Using an air fryer is hands-down the quickest, easiest way to defrost salmon fillets while retaining quality and moisture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect salmon defrosting every time in your air fryer:
1. Prepare the Salmon
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Remove salmon from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Dry surface prevents sticking.
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Place fillets in a single layer on a plate or shallow dish. This catches any drips.
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Do not cover. Allow air flow for even thawing.
2. Preheat Air Fryer
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Preheat air fryer to 100°F. Low temp just thaws without cooking.
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Allow to preheat for 3-5 minutes so it’s ready when salmon goes in.
3. Place Salmon in Fryer
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Put fillets in air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
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You may need to defrost in batches depending on basket size.
4. Defrost
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Defrost at 100°F for around 10-25 minutes.
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Time varies based on thickness. See tips below for more details.
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Check periodically and remove when thawed.
5. Test Doneness
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Salmon is thawed when flesh is soft and opaque throughout.
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A fork inserted into the thickest part will easily flake it apart when ready.
And that’s it! Your salmon is now defrosted and ready to cook. Enjoy it in your favorite recipes or seal and refrigerate for later use.
Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips to successfully defrost salmon in the air fryer:
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Defrost thicker fillets for 10-15 minutes per inch of thickness. Thinner pieces may only need 10 minutes total.
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Work in batches to avoid crowding the basket which can lead to uneven thawing.
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Let salmon sit 3-5 minutes after air frying before checking doneness. This allows heat to evenly distribute.
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When in doubt, it’s better to slightly under-thaw and give it a few more minutes if needed.
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Under-defrosting is safer than over-defrosting and starting to cook the outer areas.
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Pat dry again after defrosting and lightly oil before cooking for best sear and caramelization.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to defrost salmon in an air fryer?
- It takes 10-25 minutes depending on thickness. Plan for 10-15 minutes per inch.
Can you put frozen salmon directly in the air fryer?
- Yes, you can place frozen salmon fillets directly into a preheated air fryer to defrost. No need to thaw first.
Should you flip the salmon during defrosting?
- Flipping is not necessary. The hot air circulates to defrost evenly. Just ensure fillets are in a single layer.
Can I refreeze salmon after defrosting in the air fryer?
- It’s not recommended. Refreezing after thawing causes loss of quality and moisture. Cook salmon immediately instead.
Can you overcook salmon while defrosting in an air fryer?
Yes, salmon can become partially cooked if left in too long at too high of heat. Use low 100°F temp and test doneness frequently.
Is it safe to eat raw salmon after defrosting in an air fryer?
- No, only cook salmon immediately after air fryer thawing to eliminate any bacteria that may be present. Do not eat raw.
The Bottom Line
Defrosting salmon in an air fryer is an easy process that takes just minutes compared to hours in the fridge. Follow the tips above for best results and you’ll have thawed, high-quality salmon ready to create delicious meals in no time. Ditch the wait and let your air fryer defrost salmon fillets safely and quickly.
The benefits of frozen salmon
You might think of frozen fish as a bit of a downgrade from fresh-caught salmon, but there’s no reason to fear the freezer! It’s one of the best tools we have in the kitchen, and fish is just one of the many things that are made even better by freezing.
You may not know this, but the “fresh” fish you buy at the supermarket has usually been previously frozen anyway, so you need to eat it pretty quickly.
Buying frozen salmon is more convenient, since freezing halts bacterial growthth and helps ensure your fish doesn’t spoil quickly. You can keep salmon in your freezer for up to six months before it starts to lose its quality. It’s there and ready to cook whenever you’re ready to eat!
Freezing also preserves nutrients, including protein, fat and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A and D. So if you’re wondering if frozen salmon is healthy, the answer is a resounding yes! It’s even considered a superfood!
What you’ll love about this recipe:
- FAST. No need to defrost your salmon first—just take out what you need and get cooking!
- AIR FRYER RECIPE. No need to heat up your big oven!
- VERSATILE. You can eat the fillets as is with your favorite side dishes or use them in another recipe. Either way, they’re delicious!
- HEALTHY. Salmon is high in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
- SPECIAL DIET FRIENDLY. Salmon is naturally gluten-free and low carb. It’s also appropriate for Whole 30, paleo, and keto diets.
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