How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer: Easy Recipe for Perfectly Crispy & Juicy Salmon

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a game-changer for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. No need to thaw or prep for hours—you can go from freezer to plate in no time. The air fryer locks in the salmon’s natural flavors while giving it a perfectly crispy exterior, making it both healthy and delicious.

This method is not only quick but also incredibly simple, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a nutritious protein option, frozen salmon in the air fryer is a foolproof choice. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.

Ingredients

2 frozen salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Ensure your salmon fillets are frozen and individually wrapped to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

Tools And Equipment

To cook frozen salmon in an air fryer effectively, you need a few essential tools and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

An Air Fryer: Opt for a medium or large model with adjustable temperature settings to evenly cook the salmon.
Tongs: Use silicone or coated tongs to handle the salmon fillets without damaging their texture.
Cooking Spray or Brush: A spray bottle or silicone brush to apply olive oil ensures an even coating for crispness.
Meat Thermometer: Use a digital meat thermometer to check if the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
Parchment Paper or Air Fryer Liners: These prevent sticking and make cleanup faster. Use perforated liners for proper airflow.
Small Mixing Bowl: For blending seasoning ingredients like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Kitchen Towels: Handy for blotting the salmon fillets dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning.

With this setup, you can ensure your frozen salmon cooks evenly, achieves a crispy exterior, and retains its moisture inside.

Directions

Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer is a straightforward process that guarantees tasty and perfectly cooked salmon. Follow these steps to achieve a crispy exterior and moist interior.

Prep The Ingredients

Remove the frozen salmon fillets from their packaging.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a kitchen towel to remove any excess ice crystals.
In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Lightly brush or coat the salmon fillets with the seasoning mixture, ensuring even coverage on both sides.

Preheat The Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 390°F and allow it to preheat for 3 minutes.
While preheating, line the fryer basket with parchment paper or an air fryer liner to prevent sticking.

Cook The Frozen Salmon

Place the seasoned salmon fillets into the preheated air fryer basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation.
Air fry at 390°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through cooking using silicone or coated tongs.
If needed, lightly reapply the seasoning during the flip for enhanced flavor.

Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the salmon has reached an internal temperature of 145°F.
If the salmon isn’t fully cooked, air fry for an additional 2 minutes, checking again for doneness.
Once done, transfer the salmon fillets to a plate and rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Optional: garnish with lemon wedges for added brightness.

Tips For Cooking Frozen Salmon In Air Fryer

To achieve perfectly cooked frozen salmon in your air fryer, follow these expert tips to ensure a flavorful and satisfying dish every time.

Do Not Thaw the Salmon: Cook the salmon directly from frozen. Thawing can cause the fillets to become watery and affect the texture. The air fryer works best with frozen fillets, locking in moisture and producing a crispy finish.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to 390°F. This ensures even cooking and prevents the salmon from sticking to the basket. Preheating helps create a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the fish tender inside.
Pat the Fillets Dry: After removing the salmon from its packaging, use kitchen towels to pat it dry. This removes excess ice or condensation, allowing the oil and seasonings to adhere better to the surface.
Season Generously: Blend garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper with olive oil to create a flavorful coating. Brush or rub the mixture generously over the frozen fillets to enhance the flavor and create a golden crust.
Avoid Overcrowding: Place the fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space for air to circulate. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so cook in batches if you have multiple fillets.
Flip Halfway Through Cooking: For even cooking and a balanced crispness, flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time of 12-15 minutes. Use silicone or coated tongs to prevent tearing the delicate fish.
Check Temperature for Doneness: Use a digital meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F. This ensures the fish is fully cooked while remaining moist and tender.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow your salmon to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking. Resting helps the juices redistribute, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or garnish with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish that complements the natural flavors of the salmon.

By following these tips, you’ll make the most out of your air fryer and enjoy a perfectly cooked piece of frozen salmon with minimal effort.

Serving Suggestions

Your air fryer salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments for a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your dish:

With a Simple Salad: Serve your salmon alongside a crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The freshness complements the rich flavor of the salmon.
Paired with Rice or Quinoa: A bed of fluffy jasmine rice, wild rice, or quinoa makes an excellent base. Add a drizzle of soy sauce or lemon-infused olive oil for extra flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, brussels sprouts, or carrots. Their caramelized flavors enhance the savory notes of the salmon.
Topped with Sauces: Add a dollop of dill yogurt sauce, garlic butter, or a homemade spicy aioli. These creamy elements balance the crispy salmon exterior.
With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery sweet potato mash provide a comforting pairing that highlights the salmon’s texture.
Zoodles or Pasta: Pair your salmon with zucchini noodles or spaghetti tossed in a light garlic and olive oil sauce for a low-carb or classic option.
As Tacos or Sandwiches: Flake the salmon into tacos with a zesty slaw and avocado or create a sandwich with crusty bread, arugula, and a smear of herb mayo.

Finish your plate with a garnish of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. These thoughtful pairings turn your simple air fryer salmon into a gourmet experience.

Conclusion

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a game-changer for quick, flavorful meals. With minimal prep and simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked salmon with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. The versatility of this method makes it ideal for busy schedules, while the easy cleanup adds to its appeal.

Whether you’re serving it with fresh sides or turning it into tacos, this recipe ensures a delicious and healthy option every time. With the right tools, seasonings, and a little care, your air fryer can transform frozen salmon into a restaurant-quality dish in minutes.