perfectly cooked air fryer Crispy Outside, Tender Inside Frozen salmon in air fryer, Was your fish left thawed? Not too bad! Cook frozen salmon fillets straight from the freezer using this simple air fryer technique no defrosting is needed!
While the inside stays soft and flaky, the outside turns brilliantly crispy. In only twenty minutes, a basic spice rub, olive oil, and a brief blast in the air fryer produce restaurant-quality salmon.
This is the ideal evening meal when you need something quick, healthful, and bursting with taste.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
✔ Cooks Straight from Frozen; there is no waiting for thawing!
✔ Fast & Easy: In less than twenty minutes, ready with minimum effort.
✔ Crispy & Flaky: Though it crisps the outside, the air fryer seals in moisture.
✔ Healthy & Delicious : loaded in omega-3s, protein, and taste!
✔ Versatile: For a whole dinner, team it with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
You will need these to create properly cooked frozen salmon:
For the Salmon
- Frozen Salmon Fillets (2, skin-on or skinless) – Not necessary to thaw!
- One tablespoon of olive oil helps to keep it moist and crisps the edges.
For the Seasoning Blend
- Salt (one teaspoon) accentuates the inherent tastes.
- Black pepper (½ tsp) brings a little toasty spiciness.
- Bring complexity to the taste with half-tsp garlic powder and onion powder.
- Half-tsp smoked paprika gives a faint smokey richness.
- ½ tsp, optional lemon zest brightens the meal.
For Additional Taste
- One tsp of optional soy sauce or lemon juice gives a last taste of umami or citrus.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
How to Air Fryer Cook Frozen Salmon?
First, preheat the air fryer.
- Turn your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat three to five minutes.
Second step: prepare the salmon.
- Lightly olive oil brushing off the frozen salmon fillets.
- Combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and lemon zest in a small bowl in a small bowl.
- Equally cover the salmon with the seasoning mix.
The third step is to air fry the salmon.
- Ensure the frozen salmon fillets don’t overlap in the air fryer basket.
- Start frying the inside, and air fry for ten minutes.
The fourth step is adding more flavor and finishing cooking.
- For added taste, brush the salmon with soy sauce or lemon juice after ten minutes.
- Keep air frying for another five to seven minutes until the salmon flakes readily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step Five: Present and Savour!
- Take it from the air fryer and present it straight on your preferred sides.
For more delicious air fryer recipes, check out our salmon bites recipe for another tasty seafood dish.
Expert Advice for the Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
✔ Give the fillets room for smooth cooking and crispy edges; do not overlap them.
✔ Use a Meat Thermometer: The salmon reaches an ideal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
✔ Crispier Texture: finish air fry for two more minutes.
✔ Extra Flavor Boost – Drizzle honey or squeeze fresh lemon juice to finish.
✔ No Air Fryer? Instead, bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
How to Serve and Pair
Classic and basic, how should one serve and pair this salmon with steamed rice?
- 🥦 With roasted or steamed vegetables—green beans, broccoli, asparagus.
- 🥗 On a fresh salad, flaky salmon on greens, avocado, and cucumbers.
- 🍞 Add to a toasted bun a sandwich or wrap using aioli and lettuce.
- 🍋 Use a light sauce; try dill sauce, teriyaki glaze, or garlic butter.
Bonus Idea
Flake the cooked salmon into tacos or spaghetti for a great change.
Make Ahead and Organization and Storage
Respecting Leftovers
Refrigerated in an airtight container, keep for up to three days.
Air Fryer Reheat
Heat for three to four minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Bake for Reheat
Bake for ten minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Microwave
Reheat in 30-second intervals; the texture could be softer.
Frozen?
If you have already cooked the salmon, do not refreeze it; it tastes fresh or chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I air fry fresh fish in the air fryer?
Definitely yes! For fresh salmon fillets, cut the cooking time to eight to ten minutes.
Does one have to defrost the fish first?
No. With frozen salmon, this recipe calls for no thawing; it works well.
What is the greatest replacement for smoked paprika?
Great additions are regular paprika, chili powder, or a bit of cayenne.
How would I stop the fish from drying out?
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; brush with olive oil and avoid overdrying.
Conclusion
Perfect, quick, and incredibly tasty is this air fryer frozen fish! This crispy, flaky salmon will become your go-to dish whether you’re cooking a quick dinner tonight or menu planning for the next week.
Just season, air fry, and eat; there is no waiting for thawing! 🍣✨
Enjoy and happy cooking! 😊
Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 fillets frozen salmon skin-on or skinless
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest optional
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or lemon juice for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly brush frozen salmon fillets with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and lemon zest.
- Rub the seasoning blend onto the salmon fillets.
- Place the frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, then brush with soy sauce or lemon juice for added flavor.
- Continue air frying for another 5-7 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and is flaky.
- Serve immediately with steamed vegetables, rice, or a side salad.