Air Fryer Frozen Salmon is the easiest way to prepare frozen salmon with a short cooking time of just 15 minutes. You don't even need to thaw the salmon first!
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Cooking salmon in the air fryer is a breeze. Even better when you can use frozen salmon straight out of the freezer without needing to defrost it first! It's quick, easy, and full of great flavor. Serve it over a plate of coconut rice and fruit salsa, and you have a perfect air fryer dinner that's ready in no time!
Ingredients
- Frozen Salmon Fillets: Your frozen fillets should be about 5-6 ounces each. We were able to fit two frozen salmon fillets in our air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket! Your salmon fillets need to be able to fit into the basket in a single layer without overlapping.
- Oil: We're using avocado oil, but you can also use light olive oil. See our guide to oils in the air fryer.
- Chili Seasoning: We're using our homemade chili seasoning. It is truly delicious, similar to Cajun seasoning, and a great pairing with salmon. To make it, you will need chili powder, garlic powder, sugar, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. If you prefer another seasoning, feel free to use that instead.
- Lime Wedges (optional): This is optional, but a squeeze of lime adds a pop of vibrant freshness to this air fryer salmon recipe! Fresh lemon juice is also a great choice if you prefer lemon to lime. For best flavor, make sure to use fresh lime or lemon wedges.
Want to cook fresh salmon in the air fryer? See our guide to making Air Fryer Salmon Bites! This is one of the most delicious salmon recipes, and it's very easy to make. Perfect for game day!
How to Air Fry Frozen Salmon
Step 1
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Once preheated, remove the basket and spray with oil. Place the frozen salmon fillets into the air fryer basket in a single layer. If using skin-on salmon, place it skin-side down.
Step 2
Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes. This will thaw the salmon.
Step 3
After defrosting, remove the salmon from the air fryer basket and spray or brush both sides of the fish with oil.
Step 4
Evenly coat each salmon fillet with chili seasoning on both sides.
Step 6
Place the salmon fillets back into the air fryer basket in a single layer. (Skin-side down for skin-on salmon.)
Step 7
Air fry for 7-9 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 130-140°F when checked with an instant read thermometer.
Step 8
Allow the salmon to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Serve with a squeeze of lime, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Air frying time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon, so be sure to keep a close eye on the internal temperature of your fillets using an instant read meat thermometer. Thinner fillets will cook much more quickly, so you’ll need to reduce the time if your fillets are on the thin side.
- Avoid using pressurized cooking spray. Instead, use oil in a spray bottle, like avocado oil or light olive oil.
- You may use skin-on or skin-off salmon. Salmon skin contains many nutrients and helps to keep the salmon moist during cooking.
- The USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145ºF. We prefer to cook salmon to between 125-135ºF, then allow it to rest for 3-5 minutes. This ensures a moist and flaky fillet that isn't dried out but is cooked to temperature.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Storage Instructions
- Salmon leftovers can last for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but we recommend enjoying any leftover salmon within 2-3 days.
FAQ
We recommend you use our defrosting method for best results, but you could allow your salmon to thaw overnight in the refrigerator if you prefer. Just be sure to preheat your air fryer and keep an eye on the temperature using a meat thermometer.
We recommend you defrost the salmon first, then season and air fry rather than cooking straight from frozen without defrosting.
Air Fryer Frozen Recipes
- Frozen Shrimp
- Frozen Chicken Wings
- Frozen Pork Chops
- Frozen Meatballs
- See all of our air fryer frozen recipes!
Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 Frozen Salmon Fillets about 5-6 ounces each
- 1 Tablespoon oil divided between the 2 fillets; we recommend avocado oil or light olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Seasoning
- Lime wedges for squeezing over cooked salmon optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Once preheated, remove the basket and spray with oil from a sprayer bottle.
- Place 2 Frozen Salmon Fillets into the air fryer basket in a single layer. If using skin-on salmon, place it skin-side down.
- Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes. This will thaw the salmon.
- After defrosting, remove the salmon from the air fryer basket and spray or brush both sides of the fish with 1 Tablespoon oil.
- Evenly coat each salmon fillet with 1 Tablespoon Chili Seasoning on both sides.
- Place the salmon fillets back into the air fryer basket in a single layer. (Skin-side down for skin-on salmon.)
- Air fry for 7-9 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 130-140°F when checked with an instant read thermometer.
- Allow the salmon to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Serve with a squeeze of lime, and enjoy!
Notes
-
- Air frying time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon, so be sure to keep a close eye on the internal temperature of your fillets using an instant read meat thermometer. Thinner fillets will cook much more quickly, so you’ll need to reduce the time if your fillets are on the thin side.
-
- Avoid using pressurized cooking spray. Instead, use oil in a spray bottle, like avocado oil or light olive oil.
-
- You may use skin-on or skin-off salmon. Salmon skin contains many nutrients and helps to keep the salmon moist during cooking.
-
- The USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145ºF. We prefer to cook salmon to between 125-135ºF, then allow it to rest for 3-5 minutes. This ensures a moist and flaky fillet that isn't dried out but is cooked to temperature.
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