How To Cook Frozen Salmon (Best Methods)

Frozen salmon in the air fryer is perfect for a fast weeknight meal.  With this recipe, the salmon is cooked from frozen, and turns out with a succulent savory sweet crust on the outside from the brown sugar and soy sauce.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Spoiler, my preferred method on how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer. It’s the exact kind of time-saving recipe I love on a busy weeknight.  Plus you can use it on pasta, in salads, or even to make salmon tacos.  I think you are going to love it as much as I do.

Here are some reasons you should try it out:

No thawing required – Whether it is at the end of the day or the middle of the day, the idea of thawing out salmon for a meal is not fun. Which is why this recipe is perfect!  When you air fry frozen salmon there is no thawing needed!  

Healthy – This air fryer frozen salmon recipe provides loads of protein and healthy fats for a mid day or end of day meal.  Meaning more energy to keep going! 

Fast – In this recipe, the salmon cooks up in 15 minutes or less making it perfect for any busy weeknight.

Love using the air fryer? Consider making these other delightful dishes during the week; Air Fryer Shrimp, Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Can salmon be cooked from frozen in the air fryer?

It is fine to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer.  As a matter of fact I recommend this method over the oven anytime.  Thawed salmon can actually get a little soft when you cook it.  But air fryer frozen salmon gets a nice crisp on the outside which I love.

Here are some other “cook from frozen” recipes: Chicken breast in the air fryer, Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer and Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer

How long does it take to cook frozen salmon?

Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer and oven depends on how big your salmon filet is and how you like your doneness. 

This guide is using my air fryer method below, or cooking your salmon in the oven/ baking frozen salmon for these lengths of time at 190°C /375°F. Add 8 minutes on for the oven time.

Here are the internal cooking temperatures to follow:

Medium – 125 -130℉ (51 – 54℃) or around 10 minutes cooking time.

Medium Well – 130 -135℉ (54 – 57℃) or around 12 minutes

Well Done – 135 -145℉ (57 – 63℃) or around 15 minutes

*Keep in mind that these times are approximate and may vary depending on the size of your fish filet and the type of air fryer you are using.

Ingredients

Frozen Salmon – Frozen salmon is great for many reasons, but here are two of my favorites.  One, it will keep in the freezer for 3 months, so you don’t have to worry about cooking it right away like you do with fresh salmon. And two, frozen salmon is flash frozen when it is caught for optimal freshness and nutrient levels.  Making it super healthy.

Seasoning – For this recipe, I keep it simple.  I love salty and sweet on salmon which is why I have chosen to use brown sugar and soy sauce.  The combination takes this air fryer salmon recipe over the top!

See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

Salmon is a highly versatile fish that you can use for many different meals.  In order to make the salmon perfect for you, change up the seasoning to reflect whatever recipe you are making.  I like Cajun seasoning and Mexican seasoning.

If you don’t have frozen salmon, it is perfectly fine to cook fresh salmon in the air fryer as well. Though you will need to cook the fish for less time than what is required for frozen salmon.  Use a meat thermometer to gauge the internal temperature of the fish and cook it to your desired doneness.

Serve the salmon with some healthy and tasty side dishes; Cauliflower Rice, Gochujang Aubergine and Air Fryer Green Beans

How to cook frozen salmon in the airfryer

Preheat air fryer to 400℉ (200℃)

1. Add the frozen salmon fillets to the airfryer and cook for 6 minutes at 356°F (180°C) so the salmon can defrost slightly. At this stage if your fillets are stuck together, use a knife to separate them (Image 1). 
2. Combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, rapeseed oil and dried coriander (Image 2). 

3. Use an oil brush to coat the salmon, then continue to cook for a further 7 – 9  minutes at 392°F  (200°C) (Image 3).   

4. Cook until your salmon fillets are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°C (63 °F).  Serve up and enjoy!  (Image 4). 

For some more easy air fryer recipes to pair with the salmon, see my : Airfryer Potatoes, Airfryer Hash Browns and Frozen Jacket Potato in Air Fryer

Need inspiration for some main meal salmon recipes? Try my; Easy Salmon Fishcakes, Salmon Tray bake with Asparagus or Viral Salmon Rice Bowl (Tiktok Recipe)

How to cook frozen salmon in the oven

Preheat your oven to 190°C /375°F.

1. Line a baking sheet with foil. Evenly space the salmon fillets apart to reduce the amount of steaming. Place another sheet of foil to help lock in the heat.
2. Depending on your desired level of doneness (using the timings above), remove the foil half-way through the cook time.
3. Let it rest for 2-5 minutes, then dig in!

Storage, Reheat and Meal Prep

In the fridge: keep the cooked salmon in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I wouldn’t suggest refreezing it as most packets state that you shouldn’t refreeze.

For meal prep: I loooove to batch cook frozen salmon so that I can pair it with lots of different lunches throughout the week. To reheat, either incorporate into the final stages of a recipe to heat up that way, or microwave for increments of 30 seconds until piping hot.

Here are some of my favorite salmon recipes use with this meal prep: salmon rice bowl , creamy salmon pasta, fish risotto (using salmon instead!).

For a more filling meal, try serving these yummy dishes with your salmon: Simple Tricolore Salad, Easy Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe or The Crispiest Halloumi Fries

FAQs

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How to cook frozen salmon

by Mimi Harrison

Print

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time: 2 minutes mins

Cook Time: 13 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

£2.38

mains

Asian

Servings: 2

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

MetricUS Standard

Best methods on how to cook frozen salmon for a rich, tender, and flaky result. With no thaw!

Ingredients

• ▢ 240 g 2 fillets frozen salmon (£4.75)
• ▢ Optional fresh coriander to serve

Cupboard Essentials

• ▢ 1 tsp brown sugar
• ▢ 3 tbsp soy sauce
• ▢ 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
• ▢ 1 tsp dried coriander

Method

Preheat air fryer to 400℉ (200℃)

• Add the frozen salmon fillets to the airfryer and cook for 6 minutes at 350°F (180°C) so the salmon can defrost slightly. At this stage if your fillets are stuck together, use a knife to separate them.
• Combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, rapeseed oil and dried coriander. Use an oil brush to coat the salmon, then continue to cook for a further 7-9 minutes at 400°F  (200°C).
• Cook until your salmon fillets cook to an internal temperature of 145°C (63 °F).
• Serve up and enjoy!

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon.
• Separate the salmon pieces as soon as they're thawed enough in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and optimal color.
• If your salmon has released a lot of water, drain half way through before you increase the temperature. Add some more seasoning and oil, then continue cooking. 

Nutrition

Servings: 2 servings

Fat: 27g

Calories: 361kcal

Carbohydrates: 4g

Protein: 25g