This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.
You’re about to learn everything you need to know about air fryer frozen salmon to enjoy this tasty protein even on the busiest nights.
Can Salmon Be Cooked From Frozen in an Air Fryer?
Yes! When you need a quick family dinner and have no time to wait for salmon to thaw, you can cook frozen salmon directly in the air fryer. It’s a fuss-free method where you only have to place the salmon fillets in the basket and cook!
Since the salmon is frozen, the cooking time will be a little longer. By longer, I mean 15 minutes total since you take the frozen protein out of the freezer until it’s ready to eat. It’s still incredibly fast if you ask me!
Ingredients
When I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, I like to keep things simple by using the seasonings I have on hand. Here’s what I usually use to add flavor and a few extra notes about the ingredients:
- Salmon: fillets with or without skin work perfectly.
- Olive oil: helps the seasonings stick to the salmon.
- Seasonings: I love mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. You can use salmon seasoning or your favorite mix instead.
- Lemon: optional for serving.
What About the Salmon Skin
You can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, whether skinless or skin-on. If you cook skin-on salmon fillets, the skin will separate easily from the meat once the salmon is cooked!
Frozen vs Fresh Salmon
Frozen salmon may taste a little bit drier than fresh salmon, but it will still be delicious. If you want to cook fresh or defrosted salmon fillets, check out this recipe for air fryer fresh salmon.
How to Air Fry Frozen Salmon
Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer couldn’t be any easier! Follow these simple steps and you’ll enjoy the quickest dinner:
- Prep
While the air fryer preheats, combine the seasonings and the olive oil in a bowl to form a paste. - Cook
Cook the frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer for 7 minutes. Then, open the air fryer to spread the seasoning paste over the fillets and cook for another 7 minutes. - Serve
When the internal temperature reaches 145F, the salmon is ready to serve with your favorite sides!
If the is is your first time air frying frozen salmon, watch this quick video to see the magic happen from start to finish.
How Long to Air Fry Frozen Salmon
With the air fryer at 390F, frozen salmon takes 7 minutes per side to be fully cooked. Thicker salmon fillets may need a few extra minutes. You’ll know the salmon is done when you poke the thickest part with a meat thermometer and the internal temperature reaches 145F.
How to Know When Salmon Is Done
The salmon is usually cooked after 15 minutes in the air fryer at 390F. Since not all salmon fillets are the same, the best way to check salmon doneness is poking the thickest parts with a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 145F, the salmon is done.
Quick Sides for Salmon
While the salmon cooks in the air fryer, you have time to prep quick and tasty salmon side dishes, like a corn and tomato salad, this 10-minute Mediterranean cauliflower rice, or these spiralized zucchini and tomatoes. This easy chunky avocado salsa is also a favorite to top salmon fillets. Yummy!
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika*
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 lemon, optional
Instructions
Prep:
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 390F.
- In a small dish, combine the olive oil and seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt) and set aside.
Cook:
- Place the frozen salmon fillets, skin-side down, in the air fryer and cook them for 7 minutes.
- Open the air fryer basket and spread the seasoning paste over the salmon fillets. Use a spoon and then the back of a spoon to spread it over the entire fillet or use a basting brush.
- Cook for another 7 minutes, a few minutes longer if the fillets are on the thicker side, until the internal temperature reaches 145F.
Serve:
- Remove the cooked salmon from the air fryer and serve with your favorite sides.
sarah says
you saved my dinner plans!! I didn’t know you could cook frozen salmon in the air fryer. I’m glad I googled and found your recipe
Melissa says
This air fryer frozen salmon was super easy! Perfect for my busy week
June says
Totally forgot to thaw out the salmon before I left for work today! This air fryer frozen salmon recipe saved the day!