Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
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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.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
Frozen salmon in the air fryer is the exact kind of time saving recipe I love on a busy weeknight. There is no thawing required, it cooks up in 15 minutes or less (depending how you like it) and creates a perfectly cooked, healthy weeknight lunch or dinner.
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.
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 depends on how big your salmon filet is and how you like your doneness. I am personally a “well done” kind of girl when it comes to fish, so 15 minutes is best for me.
However there are plenty of people who like their salmon Medium-medium well. In that case, you will want to cook your frozen salmon in the air fryer for around 10 minutes and then check the internal temperature of the fish with a meat thermometer until it is done to your liking.
Desired Doneness
Making sure your fish is cooked the way you like it is important when you are air frying salmon. I recommend using a digital instant read meat thermometer to gauge the internal temperature of your fish so you get it just right.
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℃)
- 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).
- 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)
Tips for the best results
- Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer.
- If you don’t like the skin, you can remove it before cooking.
- As soon as you’re able to separate the salmon (once thawed enough inside the airfryer), do so. This will ensure the salmon cooks evenly and gets the best colour.
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
Some people like the skin, some don’t. I personally love the crispy texture of the skin (especially when airfried) and love the nutrients it provides.
When you overcook salmon it can become dry. Be sure to check the internal temperature of your salmon as you cook it in the air fryer. Do not let the temperature go over 145℉ (74℃).
If you tried this Frozen Salmon In the Airfryer recipe, it would be mean so much to me if you could leave a review & a star rating to let me know how you found it! I love hearing about your experiences – it motivates me to keep creating more and more recipes for you guys 💛 Let’s get cooking! – Mimi x
Frozen Salmon in the Airfryer
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 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.
- 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 392°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.
- Remove the skin before cooking if you don't like it.
- Separate the salmon pieces as soon as they're thawed enough in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and optimal color.
Nutrition
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