How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

Frozen salmon cooks quickly and easily in the air fryer! Learn how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer for an easy and delicious dinner in minutes! Air frying results in perfectly cooked salmon that your whole family will love!

This easy salmon makes a great easy dinner, quick lunch, or addition to salads or fish tacos! It is great for busy weeknights when you need to get a meal on the table quickly! If you’ve got frozen fish this is the best way to cook it for delicious results!

Air frying is a great way to cook frozen salmon because it cooks quickly and evenly resulting in perfect salmon every time! Often when you defrost frozen salmon fillets in the microwave, or cook frozen salmon in the oven they can defrost and cook unevenly. But as the hot air circulates in the air fryer it thaws and cooks the frozen salmon beautifully and evenly! You won’t believe how easy it is to place frozen salmon straight in the air fryer, season it, and in minutes have delicious salmon!

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FAQ, Tips & Variations for Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

Do I have to leave the skin on?

For best results use salmon with skin on. Place the frozen fillets skin side down directly on the bottom of the air fryer basket. The skin helps the salmon not to stick and makes cooking it and removing it from the air fryer easy! If you don’t like to eat the salmon skin you can always peel it off before serving. If you cook the salmon without skin you’ll want to oil the air fryer basket or place the piece of salmon it on a piece of parchment paper.

Don’t overcook the salmon–

One of the most important things when cooking air fryer frozen salmon is to not overcook it! You don’t want to end up with dry salmon filets! You want your salmon to be flavorful and flaky but not dried out. The best way to tell if the salmon is cooked properly is to use a meat thermometer and take the temperature in the thickest part of the filet. The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Some people prefer salmon cooked more of a medium and if that is your preference you can take it out of the air fryer when it reaches 135 degrees and allow it to rest for several minutes before serving and you’ll have tender and flaky salmon. The cook time will depend on how thick your fillets are and how solid they are frozen. Just keep an eye on them for best results!

Can I air fry fresh salmon?

Absolutely! If you prefer to cook fresh salmon, or are on the ball and have gotten your frozen salmon out of the freezer to thaw you can totally air fry it. Just place the salmon in the air fryer and then brush the top of the salmon with your seasoning mixture. Air fry for 7-9 minutes or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.

Can I use different seasonings?

For sure! One of the things I love about air fried salmon is that you can season it however you’d like! I like to mix any seasoning mixture in olive oil or butter so that it is easy to brush the salmon evenly with the seasoning. We love to use lemon juice, garlic and dill or garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. You can make this salmon recipe with your favorite seasoning combination!

How to store this air fryer salmon-

This salmon is a great air fryer recipe for meal prep because it stores well. Once your salmon is cooked let it cool and then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Does frozen salmon taste as good as fresh salmon?

Fresh salmon has a slight edge in taste and texture over frozen salmon, but the difference is very slight. Frozen salmon can still be flavorful and delicious, while also being more affordable and convenient. I love keeping frozen salmon in my freezer so that we can cook it any time!

What to serve with Air Fryer Frozen Salmon-

This air fryer salmon recipe is super versatile and goes we with so many different side dishes. I like to serve it with a simple vegetable like air fryer brussels sprouts, air fryer broccoli, steamed green beans or even a nice side salad. It is also tasty with your favorite pasta, rice or quinoa side dish.

This salmon makes a great addition to dinner salads, fish tacos or as a topping for pasta!

Ingredients for this Air Fryer Frozen Salmon-

3- 4oz. Frozen Salmon Fillets

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

1 tbsp Olive Oil

1 tsp Lemon Juice

1/4 tsp Salt

1/4 tsp Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp Cumin

Here’s how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer-

Preheat the air fryer to 340F

Place the frozen salmon filets in a single layer, skin side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes in the preheated air fryer.

While the salmon is cooking stir together the olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, salt and spices in a small bowl.

Brush the sauce across the salmon, it should be thawed but still mostly raw at this point.

Raise the air fryer temperature to 370F and cook for another 7-9 minutes or until the salmon is done. The salmon is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.

Serve while still hot.