This air-fried salmon is flaky and soft, with a little crunch on the edges, like a pan-sear. In the air fryer, you can cook both fresh and frozen salmon. This post shows you how to do both.
We really like salmon around here, so I wasn’t sure if cooking it in the air fryer would work. Even more so since we have a tried-and-true oven-cooked salmon recipe that we always use.
But I was interested to see if I could make tasty, flaky, and tender salmon in the air fryer. I’m happy to say that the answer is a resounding “yes!”
You can cook your salmon in the air fryer instead of the oven if you don’t want to turn it on in the summer or if you’re already using it to roast potatoes or vegetables. This way, you won’t have to worry about changing the temperature or cooking time for multiple things in the oven at the same time.
The good news is that the air fryer can cook both fresh and frozen salmon. Yes, you can cook frozen salmon without defrosting it first, which saves a lot of time.
Because everyone has been there: you forget to take the salmon out of the freezer and then you’re stuck on how to safely thaw it in time for dinner. Now you can just throw it frozen in the air fryer!.
This recipe is for YOU if you like salmon and have an air fryer at home.
Fresh salmon: I’m a big fan of the salmon at Trader Joe’s. I talk more about my love for this type of salmon in my recipe for blackened salmon tacos.
If the salmon is frozen, you don’t have to defrost it before cooking it in the air fryer, but if you can, you should. This will give the salmon the best texture when it’s done.
Garlic: To make sure the garlic blends well into the marinade and doesn’t stick to the salmon, I like to use a microplane to grate it in.
Dijon mustard: adds a tangy flavor to the salmon and pairs well with garlic and lemon!
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by providing a quick and healthy way to prepare meals. Their ability to circulate hot air makes air fryers an ideal appliance for defrosting salmon. Defrosting salmon in an air fryer is fast, easy, and prevents over-defrosting.
This easy guide will show you how to use an air fryer to safely defrost salmon fillets.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer to Defrost Salmon
Defrosting salmon in an air fryer provides several advantages over other defrosting methods
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Speed – Hot circulating air defrosts salmon faster than cold water or the refrigerator Fillets can defrost in as little as 10-15 minutes
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Convenience – Air fryers defrost hands-free. There’s no need to periodically check and flip fillets under cold running water.
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Prevents over-defrosting – The contained heat of an air fryer thaws salmon evenly without cooking or drying it out.
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Sanitary – Enclosed air fryers provide a clean environment for defrosting compared to messy cold water methods.
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Flexibility: Air fryers let you defrost salmon and cook it right away without having to switch appliances.
Using an air fryer is one of the quickest and easiest ways to safely defrost salmon for flawless results.
What You Need
Defrosting salmon in an air fryer only requires a couple supplies:
- Air fryer
- Frozen salmon fillet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional)
Any size air fryer will work though larger capacity models can accommodate bigger fillets or multiple portions. Make sure the salmon is frozen solid before defrosting.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for defrosting salmon in an air fryer:
1. Preheat Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 100°F. Low, even heat is ideal for defrosting.
2. Prepare Salmon
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Pat dry frozen salmon fillets with paper towel to remove any ice crystals.
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Place each fillet on a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil if desired. This prevents sticking and contains juices.
3. Place Salmon in Fryer
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Arrange fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd.
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Salmon should not overlap or touch when defrosting.
4. Defrost Salmon
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Defrost salmon at 100°F for approximately 10-15 minutes.
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Check frequently and remove fillets as they defrost.
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Defrost time varies based on fillet size and air fryer.
5. Flip Salmon
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About halfway through, flip salmon over for even defrosting.
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Salmon is ready when flesh is cool and receptive to touch.
6. Pat Salmon Dry
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Once defrosted, pat dry with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
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Salmon is now ready to use in recipes or for cooking.
7. Cook or Refrigerate Salmon
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For best quality, cook salmon immediately after defrosting.
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Refrigerate if not using right away and cook within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze.
And that’s it! Following this simple air fryer salmon defrosting method saves time and provides perfect results. Adjust defrosting times based on the size of your fillets.
Tips for the Best Results
Use these tips for safely defrosting fresh tasting salmon in an air fryer:
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Defrost in a single layer – Do not overcrowd the basket.
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Monitor frequently – Check often to prevent over defrosting.
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Use low heat – 100°F provides gentle, even heat for defrosting.
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Defrost fully – Salmon should be cool and firm, not icy.
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Dry thoroughly – Remove excess moisture before cooking or storing.
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Cook immediately – For best quality, use defrosted salmon right away.
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Adjust times – Larger fillets may take a few minutes longer.
With the proper technique, an air fryer can thaw frozen salmon fillets to a ready-to-eat state in under 15 minutes.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about defrosting salmon in an air fryer:
How long does it take to defrost salmon in an air fryer?
- Defrost time ranges from 10-15 minutes depending on size. Larger fillets may take up to 20 minutes.
Can you defrost frozen salmon directly in an air fryer?
- Yes, air fryers can safely defrost frozen salmon fillets.
Should you flip salmon during air fryer defrosting?
- Flipping halfway helps ensure even defrosting, but not required if the fish defrosts fast.
What temperature should you defrost salmon at?
- 100°F is ideal. Higher temps risk cooking fish. Always use low heat.
Can you refreeze salmon after defrosting in an air fryer?
- It’s unsafe to refreeze previously frozen salmon after defrosting.
Can you cook salmon immediately after defrosting in an air fryer?
- Yes, air fryer defrosted salmon is ready to cook in recipes right away.
The Takeaway
Defrosting salmon in an air fryer is an easy, fast, and effective technique for preparing fresh fish. The circulating hot air gently thaws frozen fillets in as little as 10-15 minutes without risk of over-defrosting. Follow the proper methods for ideal results. Air fryers provide a convenient hands-free way to defrost salmon anytime.
How to Make Fresh Salmon in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Cut piece of salmon into even filets if not already cut.
Step 2: Add marinade ingredients to a small bowl.
Step 3: Whisk marinade until combined.
Step 4: Brush marinade onto salmon filets covering all sides (except the skin).
Step 5: Cook the salmon in an air fryer that has been heated to 390 degrees F for 7 to 8 minutes, or until it reaches 145 degrees F inside.
How to Make Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
Ideally you would defrost the salmon before cooking (and cook according to the fresh salmon instructions above). Here’s how to cook it from frozen in the air fryer if you forget or don’t have time.
Step 1: Cook frozen salmon in the air fryer at 390 degrees F for 7 minutes to defrost.
Step 2: Brush defrosted salmon with the marinade. Cook for another 7-9 minutes, or until salmon reaches internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Expert Tips
- Check internal temperature at the thickest part of the salmon. If it reads at least 135 degrees F, you can take it out and let it rest for five minutes. After that, the temperature should rise to 145 degrees F.
- The cook time can be cut in half if the salmon piece is less than 1 1/2 inches thick. Check it after 5 minutes.
- There should be no more pink salmon after 7 minutes of cooking. Put it back in the air fryer and check on it every 1 to 2 minutes until it’s done.
- 145 degrees is the recommendation for food safety. On the other hand, some chefs cook salmon to medium, which is about 125 degrees F on the inside. Food for thought!.
- Preheat your air fryer or consistent cook times!
Air Fryer Salmon FAQs
Should I thaw frozen salmon before cooking in the air fryer?
If you want the texture to be the most like fresh salmon, you should thaw the salmon before cooking it in the air fryer. But you can still cook it in the air fryer if you can’t let it thaw first. It just takes twice as long as cooking fresh food.
Does frozen salmon taste different?
In my opinion, it’s a little more dry after cooking than fresh.
Is frozen salmon as healthy as fresh?
Yes! Freezing any food, whether it be produce or proteins, helps to lock in all the nutrition.
Do you recommend wild-caught or farmed salmon?
I recommend whatever falls in line with your values, your budget, and your taste preferences. Wild-caught fish isn’t always better for you or better for the environment, but not all farm-raised fish is the same. A well-known Boston seafood chef once told me, “Think of farmed fish the same way you think about farmed vegetables: some do it right, others do it cheaply.” I’ve also worked with seafood councils before, so I know how environmentally friendly their farming methods can be.
What are the nutrition benefits of salmon?
Salmon is high in a number of vitamins and minerals, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are well studied for their role in heart health and cardiovascular disease prevention.
What type of air fryer do you have / recommend?
I use a Phillips XXL Air Fryer which has a 3lb / 4 qt capacity. I did a lot of research and asked colleagues and friends for recommendations and this one came out on top. (affiliate link – at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase)
For more air fryer inspiration, check out my other recipes below!
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