This Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer recipe turns frozen or fresh salmon into a tender, flaky, and delicious dinner in less than 20 minutes. You don't even have to defrost the salmon fillets, perfect for those busy nights when you didn't set anything out!
Serve it with Air Fryer Baby Potatoes and Air Fryer Broccolini for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer recipe
This Frozen salmon in Air Fryer recipe is a lifesaver if you need to know. There's no thawing required, and this fish dinner comes out tender and flaky, with a slightly crisp crust every time. The simple seafood seasoning really makes the fish delicious and lets the flavors of the salmon shine. If you are in a pinch and need a healthy dinner, but forgot to thaw anything, this is what you need to make.
I was a late adopter of an air fryer. My Brother gave me one for Christmas a few years ago, insisting that I needed to get on board. I finally gave it a try, and I've been a fan ever since. It's perfect for busy families who want healthy food. I knew you could make food straight from frozen in it, and so I wanted to test frozen salmon to see if it works. It does! Now, I do think the salmon tastes a bit better when you thaw it in the fridge and cook it thawed, but if you are short on time and forgot to thaw it, yes, this does work, and it tastes great.
This air fryer frozen salmon is also low-carb, gluten-free, paleo, keto, and very healthy!
This frozen salmon in air fryer recipe is one of my family's go-to meals, and I've tested to best way to cook it! I've also included directions to make the salmon from thawed or fresh, if that's what you have.
Didn't remember to defrost? Make Air Fryer Salmon from Frozen Salmon! Share on X
Why You'll Love this Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer recipe...
- This Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer recipe is fast, with no thawing required.
- It's a healthy dinner! Salmon is naturally high in protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- This is a versatile recipe that you can season in many ways to complement the rest of your meal.
- It's a fuss-free fish dinner! No getting the house smelly either.
- It's fast! The entire dinner is ready in less than 20 minutes. Air frying is so easy, and the taste is amazing too.
Ingredients:
Here's an overview of what you'll need to make this frozen Salmon in Air Fryer recipe, but keep scrolling for the full recipe amounts.
- Salmon Filets: You'll need Atlantic Salmon fillets that are about 6 ounces and an inch thick. I like to use Atlantic Salmon because is has a higher fat content and cooks nicely in the air fryer without getting dried out. You can get the kind with the skin removed or skin-on. You can also use wild-caught salmon, but it is often thinner and will need a little less time to cook. You can also use fresh or thawed fillets. I included those instructions below.
- Seafood Seasoning: I like to use a blend of seafood seasoning on my salmon. My personal favorite is the Everglades Fish & Chicken Seasoning. It tastes so delicious on salmon and is my go-to for cooking fish for my family. I also love Chef Paul Blackened Redfish Magic Seasoning or my own Blackening Seafood Blend. This Old Bay Seasoning is also a great option. You could also do a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Olive Oil Spray: I like to use an olive oil spray when cooking to use less of it and get an even coating. You can buy one like this or use an olive oil sprayer and fill it with your own.
- Salt & Pepper: A hearty sprinkle of salt and pepper brings out the flavors.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon garnishes are perfect with the salmon.
Instructions:
This is an overview of the instructions to make this Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer, but the full, detailed, printable recipe is below in the recipe card.
Cook from Frozen:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees.
- Spray the tray with non-stick spray or cooking spray
- Put the frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer tray, skin side down. Spray with olive oil spray (not the non-stick spray) and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and seafood seasoning.
- Bake for 14-17 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flaky.
- Serve with lemon wedges and lemon juice.
Cook from Fresh or Thawed:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees.
- Spray the tray with non-stick spray.
- Put the fresh or thawed salmon fillets in the air fryer tray. Spray with olive oil spray (not the non-stick spray) and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and seafood seasoning.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flaky.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
When is Salmon Done?
Salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes with a fork. If you use a meat thermometer, you can tell when it's done. The USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145, which is well done for food safety.. If you have health concerns, that is safe for you. I find that to make the salmon tough though. I cook my salmon at medium, which is closer to 125-130, but do that at your own risk. The fish comes out tender and not dried out this way.
Salmon in Air Fryer Variations
I love this frozen Salmon in Air Fryer recipe as written, but here are some fun variations.
- Mix up the Seasoning: You can use whatever type of seasoning matches the rest of your meal on this fish and air fryer salmon recipe, customizing it for your dinner. A few of my other favorites are Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Herbs de Provence, Cajun Seasoning, Italian Spice Mix, Mexican Taco Seasoning, and Everything but the Bagel Seasoning.
- Make it Dijon: Add some Dijon mustard on top for a delicious crust.
- Make it Teriyaki: Add your favorite bottled teriyaki dressing.
FAQ
Storage & Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon of the Air Fryer Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked pieces of salmon in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to three months.
Can you cook salmon from frozen in the air fryer?
Yes! It doesn't come out quite as good as thawing it out beforehand, but it works and still tastes good in a pinch. It takes a bit more time than cooking thawed salmon, closer to 15 minutes. Fresh is best, but this is a great backup option when you don't have fresh or thawed fish.
What is the best salmon to use?
I like to use Atlantic Salmon for this because it doesn't dry out as fast as wild-caught salmon in the air fryer. Atlantic Salmon fillets are widely available in most grocery stores, making this a great fish dinner, even if you don't live near the coast.
Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
This frozen salmon in an air fryer recipe is perfect for busy families or even singles. You can easily get a healthy dinner on the table, even if you didn't plan ahead. I like using fresh salmon best, but even I need to do this in a pinch sometimes, and I'm so glad to have this fuss-free meal for the family. Serve it with rice like shown, with a salad, or make it into salmon tacos. You can't go wrong with this!
If you've been wondering if you can cook frozen salmon right out of the freezer in the air fryer, the answer is YES! It's such a fabulous tool for healthy cooks, and I'm so glad my Brother got me one and made me try it. Now I can't imagine life without it! There are so many side dishes you can serve with this to make it a meal. You can start with any of my 25+ Side Dishes to Serve with Salmon, or here are a few ideas below.
Didn't remember to defrost? Make Air Fryer Salmon from Frozen Salmon! Share on XServe it with:
- Garlic Green Beans
- Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli
- Parmesan Garlic Roasted Asparagus
- Everything Bagel Roasted Potatoes
- Sautéed Kale with Lemon and Garlic
- Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Parmesan Ranch Roasted Cauliflower
- Mediterranean Chopped Salad
- Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
- Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
- Cottage Cheese Alfredo
- Healthy Broccoli Slaw
- Roasted Broccoli and Carrots
- Grilled Asparagus in Foil
- Cilantro Lime Rice
More Healthy Salmon Recipes:
- 18 Salmon Recipes to Try
- Crab Stuffed Salmon
- Pistachio Crusted Salmon
- Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Oven Baked Salmon with Rosemary
- Baked Blackened Salmon
- Parmesan Panko Salmon
- Everything Bagel Salmon
- Lemon Pesto Salmon
If you make this Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 frozen salmon fillets , about 6 ounces
- 1 teaspoon teaspoon blackening or seafood seasoning
- olive oil spray
- salt & pepper
- garnish: Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees.
- Put the frozen salmon directly into the air fryer basket.
- Spray the fillets with olive oil spray. Generously salt and pepper them and sprinkle your blackening or seafood seasoning on top.
- Bake for 14-17 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flaky.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Follow the same instructions and bake for only 7-10 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flaky.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
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