How to Cook Salmon from Frozen in an Air Fryer – The Easiest Healthy Fish Dinner

Cooking salmon from frozen in an air fryer is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a healthy fish dinner at home. With an air fryer you don’t even need to thaw the salmon fillets first! In just 15-20 minutes you can have tender, flaky, restaurant-quality salmon ready to enjoy.

I love making salmon in the air fryer because it turns out perfectly moist and delicious every time. The circulating hot air cooks food evenly without drying it out. Air frying also requires little to no oil, keeping this heart-healthy fish meal light.

Best of all, cleanup is a breeze since you don’t have any pans to scrub! I’m all about quick, fuss-free dinners, so cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer has become a regular rotation in my meal plan.

Benefits of Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer

With these main points in mind, an air fryer is the best way to cook frozen salmon fillets:

• No thawing required – Air frying works beautifully from frozen, so you can skip the hassle of thawing.

• Quick cooking time – Fillets are done in 15-20 minutes max, even from frozen. Much faster than thawing and oven baking.

• Tender and flaky texture – The circulating hot air cooks the salmon perfectly without drying it out.

• Flaky edges—When you air fry, you get tasty, crunchy edges that you can’t get in the oven.

• Healthy – Salmon is packed with nutrients like protein, omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals. When you air fry it, you can cook it with little to no extra fat or oil.

• Easy cleanup – With no pans to wash, cleanup is a breeze.

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why cooking salmon from frozen in an air fryer should be your new go-to! Keep reading to learn exactly how to nail this recipe.

What You Need to Air Fry Frozen Salmon

Air frying frozen salmon couldn’t be easier. You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen:

• Frozen salmon fillets – Look for individually wrapped fillets without ice buildup or freezer burn. I like buying wild-caught salmon.

• Air fryer – Any brand will work! My favorite is the Cosori Air Fryer.

• Vegetable oil or olive oil spray – For lightly oiling the basket to prevent sticking. Avocado oil spray works too.

• Salt and pepper – For seasoning the salmon. Feel free to use other seasoning blends too.

• Lemon slices – Fresh lemon brightens up the salmon beautifully.

And that’s it! Now let’s get to cooking.

How to Air Fry Frozen Salmon Step-By-Step

Follow these simple steps for tender, flaky, lightly crispy salmon cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

• Preheating is a must for air frying frozen foods. This helps thaw the outsides of the fillets so they cook evenly. Preheating for 5 minutes at 400°F is perfect.

• Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil. This prevents sticking.

Step 2: Add the Frozen Salmon

• Place the frozen fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.

• Air frying works best with a bit of space between fillets for even air circulation. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.

Step 3: Air Fry for 7 Minutes

• Cook at 400°F for 7 minutes initially. This thaws the outsides of the frozen fillets so they can cook fully.

• no flipping is needed at this stage. Just let them thaw.

Step 4: Flip and Season Salmon

• After 7 minutes, open the air fryer and gently flip each fillet using a spatula.

• Brush lightly with oil or spray with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.

• Top each fillet with a thin slice of lemon.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

• Cook for 8-10 more minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily. The timing depends on thickness; thinner fillets take less time.

• For 1-inch thick fillets, cook 8-10 minutes more. For 1/2-inch fillets, only 5-7 more minutes are needed.

• Check for doneness by inserting a fork. The salmon should flake apart easily when it’s ready.

Step 6: Remove, Rest, and Enjoy!

• Use tongs to remove the fillets from the air fryer to prevent breaking them.

• Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute so the salmon stays moist.

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet. Season again to taste if desired.

• Enjoy your tender, flaky, perfectly cooked salmon! Leftovers keep well for 2-3 days refrigerated.

And that’s it! In around 15 minutes, you can have delicious, crispy air fried salmon ready to eat. Way faster, easier, and healthier than delivery!

Tips for the Best Air Fried Frozen Salmon

Here are a few handy tips to ensure success when making this easy air fryer frozen salmon:

• Pat off excess ice and moisture before cooking. This prevents steaming and mushiness.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air frying works best with some space around each fillet.

• Brush with oil halfway through. This helps achieve a nice crispy top.

• Use a meat thermometer if unsure of doneness. Salmon is safely cooked at 145°F.

• Let the salmon rest before serving. This locks in moisture for a tender, juicy fillet.

• Add fresh lemon and season again just before eating. This adds a final punch of brightness.

How Long to Air Fry Frozen Salmon

The air frying time depends on the size and thickness of your frozen salmon fillets:

• 1-inch thick fillets: Cook 7 minutes, flip, then 8-10 more minutes at 400°F.

• 1/2-inch thick fillets: Cook 7 minutes, flip, then 5-7 more minutes at 400°F.

• Salmon portions: Cook 7 minutes, flip, then cook 5 more minutes.

Always check for doneness by inserting a fork and looking for flakes. Adjust the timing as needed based on your particular air fryer model and size of fillets.

Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Cooking Chart

Use this handy air fryer frozen salmon cooking chart for reference:

Thickness	Cook Time at 400°F
1-inch thick fillet	7 minutes, flip, then 8-10 minutes
1/2-inch thick fillet	7 minutes, flip, then 5-7 minutes
Salmon portions	7 minutes, flip, then 5 more minutes

5 Tasty Ways to Serve Air Fried Salmon

Once you’ve mastered the basic air fryer frozen salmon recipe, try one of these fun ways to serve your fish:

• Salmon salad – Flake into a fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, avocado, and a vinaigrette.

• Salmon rice bowl – Serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa with roasted veggies.

• Salmon tacos – Flake into warmed corn tortillas with spicy mayo and cabbage slaw.

• Salmon sandwich – Add to a bagel or bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.

• Salmon pasta – Toss with whole wheat pasta, lemon, garlic, and Parmesan.

However you choose to serve it, air fried salmon fillets make for a quick, easy, and healthy dinner option the whole family will love. Give this handy recipe a try tonight!