Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
You can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer without thawing it first, and dinner is ready in about 14 minutes. The trick is a short rinse to remove the ice glaze, a hot basket and seasoning added halfway through, once the surface has softened. Here is how to cook air fryer frozen salmon so the fillet is moist inside and lightly browned outside.
- Temperature
- 400°F200 °C
- Total time
- 19min
- Prep time
- 5min
- Servings
- 4
- Internal temp
- 145°F63 °C
- Per serving
- 340kcal
Why the air fryer works for frozen salmon
Frozen salmon cooks well in the air fryer because the hot, fast-moving air melts the ice and browns the surface at the same time. In an oven the fillet sits in still air, so the outside overcooks while the center is still frozen. The small chamber of an air fryer heats in a few minutes, and the temperature is steady enough for a fillet of 1 inch.
Cooking from frozen needs a little patience about timing. The outside should be firm before the seasoning goes on, and the center needs a thermometer rather than guesswork. Fillets that were flash-frozen in individual portions behave most predictably. For fresh fish, see the main page for salmon in the air fryer.
How to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Rinse off the ice Hold the frozen fillets under cold running water for 20–30 seconds to remove the ice glaze. Pat them dry with paper towels. Ice on the surface makes the fish steam.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 400 °F for . A hot basket sets the surface before the inside thaws too much.
- First round Place the fillets in a single layer, skin side down if they have skin. Cook for . The surface is now thawed enough to take seasoning.
- Season Pull out the basket and brush each fillet with the oil. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika and sprinkle it over the tops.
- Finish cooking Cook for another . Check with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part. The USDA recommends 145 °F, and the flesh should flake with a fork.
- Serve Squeeze lemon over the fillets and serve right away.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Frozen Salmon | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen fillet, 1 inchSeason after 6 min | 400 °F (200 °C) | 12–15 min |
| Thin frozen fillet, ¾ inch | 400 °F (200 °C) | 10–12 min |
| Lower heat | 350 °F (180 °C) | 16–18 min |
| In a foil packetSealed, no crisp skin | 400 °F (200 °C) | 15–18 min |
| Partially thawed | 400 °F (200 °C) | 9–11 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 145 °F (63 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Read also: Frozen foods in the air fryer – times from frozen
Tips
- Skip the warm-water thaw. Thawing in warm water is not safe and makes the flesh mushy. Frozen fillets cook well straight from the freezer, and the refrigerator is the only safe place to thaw.
- Choose even pieces. Individually frozen fillets of the same thickness finish together. Cut a big frozen side into portions only after it is thawed.
- Use a thermometer. Frozen fish hides doneness. Check the center and take the fillets out at your chosen temperature.
What to serve with frozen salmon
Frozen salmon is a quick weeknight dinner, and the sides can cook in the same machine afterwards. Asparagus and green beans are ready in 8–10 minutes, and a pot of rice or baked potatoes cover the rest. A spoonful of yogurt-dill sauce or a squeeze of lemon is enough for the fish.
Storing and reheating
Cooked salmon keeps for 3 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the air fryer at 300 °F for 3–5 minutes until it reaches 165 °F.
Variations
- Teriyaki: Brush with 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce during the last 3 minutes (not gluten-free).
- Lemon pepper: Replace the paprika and garlic powder with 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning.
- Salmon burgers and patties: Frozen salmon burgers cook at 380 °F for 12–14 minutes, flipped halfway. For canned fish, see salmon patties.
If it does not turn out right
- The center is still icy but the outside is done
- The fillets were too thick for the heat. Lower the temperature to 360 °F and add 4–5 minutes, and always check the center with a thermometer.
- The seasoning fell off
- Frozen fish is wet on the surface and spices slide off. Season after the first 6 minutes, once the oil can hold the spices.
- A lot of white albumin appears
- That is harmless protein pushed out by quick cooking. A slightly lower temperature, 375 °F for 14–16 minutes, reduces it.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook frozen salmon in the air fryer at 400 °F?
12–15 minutes for 6-ounce fillets about 1 inch thick. Thin fillets need 10–12 minutes. At 350 °F, plan on 16–18 minutes.
What temperature should frozen salmon reach?
145 °F in the thickest part, according to the USDA. Many people stop at 125–130 °F for a softer center; use a thermometer either way.
Can you cook frozen salmon in foil in the air fryer?
Yes. Put the fillet on a sheet of foil with a little oil and seasoning, fold the foil into a sealed packet and cook at 400 °F for 15–18 minutes. The skin will not crisp, but the fish is very moist.
Can you cook frozen salmon with a sauce?
Add teriyaki or honey sauces for the last 3 minutes. Sugar in the sauce burns if it goes in at the start.
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