Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Delicious salmon cooked straight from the freezer!
Air fryer frozen salmon is a quick, convenient way to cook salmon. This recipe proves that it’s possible to make frozen salmon in the air fryer perfectly crisp, flaky, and flavorful without thawing the filet beforehand or using fresh salmon.
For more delicious salmon recipes, check out my air fryer salmon cookbook.
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
How many times have you forgotten to thaw your protein for lunch or dinner? Well, no need to wait anymore because you can just cook your salmon from frozen with this simple method!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Recipe
Quick. Frozen salmon filets cook in less than 15 minutes.
Easy. No thaw is necessary so there’s no planning beforehand. Plus, cooking salmon in the air fryer means less fuss and virtually no mess.
Flavorful. Once the salmon is partially cooked, I coat it with a simple homemade sauce made with mustard, olive oil, and plenty of seasoning. It keeps the filets moist and they taste amazing!
Frozen Salmon vs. Fresh Salmon
Frozen salmon doesn't taste any different than fresh salmon!
It has a similar flavor, it’s a great option when you forget to thaw!
The texture can sometimes be a little drier than cooking from fresh but the quick homemade sauce makes up for it.
If making this recipe, just make sure you cook it from frozen with the directions.
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Ingredients
Salmon filets: Don’t worry about removing the skin. Just put it directly in the air fryer in parchment paper.
Olive oil: This is the base of the sauce.
Dijon mustard: This adds a zesty quality to the sauce.
Seasoning: I keep it simple but tasty with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Lemon juice: A pop of fresh citrus flavor is the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
Place the frozen salmon filets (skin side down) in the air fryer basket on parchment paper. Set the air fryer at 370 fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
While the salmon is defrosting in the air fryer, make the sauce for the salmon. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
Once the 5 minutes have passed, open the air fryer and spread the sauce on top of the salmon evenly.
Place the salmon back in the air fryer. Cook at 370 fahrenheit for 9-12 minutes (depends on the size and thickness of the salmon). The temperature of the salmon should be 145F.
Once the salmon is done cooking, add lemon juice on top. Enjoy warm!
Tips
Leave the skin on, even if you don’t love salmon skin. It easily comes off after it’s been cooked!
Don’t overcook the salmon. The internal temperature of cooked salmon is 135 degrees. It will continue to cook for about 5 minutes after it’s out of the air fryer.
When selecting salmon at the market, choose brightly colored salmon. I love using wild-caught salmon because it’s better quality.
Recipe Variations
Dill: Add some fresh dill to the salmon for a bright, fresh flavor.
Honey or agave: If you love a little sweetness, add a drizzle of honey or agave on top!
Butter: Add some herbed butter or compound butter to the salmon in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking in the air fryer to make it super moist and delicious
Red pepper flakes: If you love a little spice, add some fresh cracked red pepper flakes on top of the salmon after it has been cooked!
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or the air fryer.
FAQ
Can you cook salmon from frozen in an air fryer?
Absolutely! All you have to do is add cooking time to cook frozen salmon fillets.
How long to cook frozen salmon in air fryer?
It takes about 15 minutes to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the filet.
Is frozen salmon just as healthy as fresh salmon?
Yes. There is a common misconception that fresh salmon is more nutritious but frozen salmon has the same nutritional value as fresh. It was just frozen in its prime to preserve the fish for an extended amount of time.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS salmon from frozen in the air fryer! IF YOU LOVE IT, LET ME KNOW ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK.
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Ingredients
- 2x salmon filets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- ½ lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Place the frozen salmon filets (skin side down) in the air fryer on parchment paper.
- Place in the air fryer at 370 fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- While the salmon is defrosting in the air fryer, make the sauce for the salmon.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Once the 5 minutes have passed, open the air fryer and spread the sauce on top of the salmon evenly.
- Place the salmon back in the air fryer. Cook at 370 fahrenheit for 9-12 minutes (depends on the size and thickness of the salmon). The temperature of the salmon should be 145F.
- Once salmon is done cooking, add lemon juice on top.
- Enjoy warm!
