It’s tough to match the convenience of air fryer frozen salmon. In under 15 minutes, you can enjoy tender and flaky fillets without the need to defrost them beforehand. Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet superb technique!
Cook Fresh or Frozen Salmon
If you prefer fresh salmon filets, check out my perfect air fryer salmon recipe. While I love cooking with fresh ingredients, having some go-to pantry recipes is a lifesaver for those times when you can’t make it to the grocery store or plan your next meal in advance.
When I’m in need of a quick and healthy dinner, frozen salmon is my go-to choice. The best part is that you can cook it straight from the freezer in your air fryer. Within 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal that tastes like it was made with care. The air fryer not only cooks the fish to perfection but also keeps it moist and flavorful.
Versatile and Delectable
This simple air fryer frozen salmon is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as-is alongside rice or quinoa, toss it on a salad, incorporate it into a casserole or pasta dish, or make mouthwatering salmon patties.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this air fryer frozen salmon recipe:
- FAST: No need to defrost your salmon—simply take out what you need and start cooking!
- AIR FRYER RECIPE: No need to heat up your big oven!
- VERSATILE: Enjoy the fillets on their own with your favorite sides or use them in other recipes. Either way, they’re absolutely delicious!
- HEALTHY: Salmon is packed with protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
- SPECIAL DIET FRIENDLY: Salmon is naturally gluten-free and low in carbs. It’s suitable for Whole 30, paleo, and keto diets.
Essential Ingredients for Cooking Frozen Salmon Fillets
To create a fresh, flavorful dish, you’ll only need a few ingredients:
- Frozen salmon fillets: Opt for individually wrapped fillets for convenience. They prevent freezer burn and ice build-up, preserving the delicious flavor.
- Lemon slices: Enhance the salmon’s taste by adding a few fresh lemon slices. As they cook, they become extra juicy. Squeeze them onto your fish before digging in!
- Olive oil: Brush a little olive oil onto the salmon.
- Salt and pepper: Keep the seasonings simple for maximum versatility.
The Advantages of Frozen Salmon
While fresh-caught salmon may seem superior, there’s no need to fear frozen fish. In fact, freezing enhances its quality, making it even better.
Supermarket-bought “fresh” fish is often previously frozen, so it must be consumed quickly. By purchasing frozen salmon, you enjoy added convenience and extend the fish’s shelf life. Frozen salmon can stay in your freezer for up to six months without losing its quality, ready to be cooked whenever you desire.
Freezing also preserves essential nutrients such as protein, fat, and vitamins A and D. So, rest assured, frozen salmon is not only healthy but also considered a superfood.
Cooking Frozen Salmon Straight from the Freezer
Follow these simple steps to cook salmon directly from the freezer:
- Before cooking, remove any ice or excess water from the frozen fillet by gently patting it with paper towels. This ensures even cooking and prevents mushiness.
- Place the frozen salmon in the air fryer for 7 minutes. This step defrosts the fish but doesn’t fully cook it yet.
- Brush the salmon with a bit of olive oil, generously season with salt and pepper, and lay lemon slices on top.
- Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for 3-7 minutes, depending on fillet thickness and desired doneness. Thinner fillets typically take around 3 minutes, while thicker ones require more time.
Addressing Common Questions About Frozen Salmon
What About the Skin?
The skin on salmon is not only edible but also delicious. You can leave it on during cooking to help insulate the fish, keeping it moist and intact. Even if you plan to remove the skin afterward, cooking the salmon with the skin on is recommended. Simply add the salmon skin side down to the air fryer.
How Do I Know When the Salmon Is Done?
The USDA suggests cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145ºF. However, this temperature results in well-done and dry fish. Most chefs recommend cooking salmon to medium, reaching a temperature of 125-135ºF (remember, the temperature continues to rise after cooking). To determine doneness, the salmon should be slightly browned on the edges, crispy, and easily flake when gently scraped with a fork.
Will Cooking Salmon in the Air Fryer Dry It Out?
When using good-quality frozen salmon fillets and following proper cooking techniques, the fish will remain moist and juicy, even without any sauce or marinade.
Do I Need to Defrost Salmon Before Air Frying?
Nope! Just follow these instructions, and you’ll have perfectly cooked salmon straight from the freezer. It’s unbelievably easy!
Explore More Delicious Salmon Recipes
For more mouthwatering salmon dishes, check out these recipes:
- Salmon and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Dinner
- Salmon Pasta
- Easy Lemon-Glazed Salmon
- Miso Salmon Salad
- Gluten-Free Salmon Skewers
- Smoked Salmon Fritatta
- Salmon en Manchamenteles
- Roast Salmon with Romesco Sauce and Pumpkin Grits
- Sriracha Salmon Salad
- Jerk Salmon Rice Bowls
For additional culinary inspiration and recipes, visit Family Cuisine, where you’ll find a delightful collection of family-friendly dishes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!
