Hey y’all! Looking for a super easy yet absolutely delicious meal that’s ready in no time? This Frozen Salmon In Air Fryer recipe delivers perfectly tender, flaky salmon with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even impressing your friends at a last-minute get-together. With just a handful of ingredients and no thawing required, you can create a healthy, restaurant-quality main dish in less than 20 minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Frozen Salmon In Air Fryer Recipe
- No thawing required—cook straight from frozen for ultimate convenience.
- Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Results in juicy, flaky salmon every single time without overcooking.
- Minimal ingredients and easy cleanup, all in one air fryer basket.
- Healthy, protein-packed meal with endless flavor possibilities.
Ingredients for Frozen Salmon In Air Fryer
- 2 frozen salmon filets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of half a lemon (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Frozen Salmon In Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat The Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a crispy edge.
Step 2: Prep the Salmon
Brush the tops of the frozen salmon filets with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. If desired, add lemon zest for extra brightness.
Step 3: Air Fry The Salmon
Place the seasoned frozen salmon filets in the air fryer basket, skin side down if using skin-on. Make sure they’re not overlapping. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
Step 4: Finish Cooking
After 8 minutes, carefully flip the filets and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Plate the salmon with lemon wedges. Serve hot and enjoy the moist, flaky deliciousness!
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips
- Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel after cooking for extra-crispy skin.
- Use a digital meat thermometer to check doneness for best results (here’s a helpful guide).
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—give each filet space for even air circulation.
Frozen Salmon In Air Fryer Variations
- Asian-Inspired: Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds before air frying.
- Tangy Honey Mustard: Brush with a mix of Dijon mustard and honey before seasoning.
- Herbed Lemon: Top with Italian seasoning and thin lemon slices for a Mediterranean flair.
Required Equipment for Frozen Salmon In Air Fryer
- Air fryer (basket or tray style, at least 4-quart capacity)
- Measuring spoons
- Basting brush
- Digital meat thermometer (recommended)
How to Store Air Fryer Salmon
Allow leftover salmon to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4 minutes. You can also freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Frozen Salmon In Air Fryer
- Serve alongside garlic roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad for a vibrant contrast.
- Pair with steamed asparagus, quinoa, or your favorite grain bowl.
- Top with a dollop of tzatziki, dill sauce, or fresh salsa for extra zing.
- Try with these healthy salmon side dish ideas.
Pro Tips for Perfect Frozen Salmon In Air Fryer
- Don’t skip preheating your air fryer—this helps the salmon cook evenly and get that deliciously crisp exterior.
- Experiment with spice blends or a light brushing of pesto after air frying for extra flavor (more inspiration here).
- Always let salmon rest for 2 minutes post-cooking to let juices redistribute for moist, flaky results.
Frozen Salmon In Air Fryer FAQ
- Can I use skin-on or skinless salmon for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Both work great. Skin-on helps keep the salmon moist, but skinless is just as tasty and easy to prep.
- How do I know when my air fryer salmon is cooked through?
- Look for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The fish should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.
- Can I cook more than two filets at once?
- You can if they fit in a single even layer. Avoid stacking or overlapping for the best results.
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 17 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 frozen salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
-
1Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
-
2Brush both sides of the frozen salmon fillets with olive oil.
-
3In a small bowl, mix together the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the salmon fillets.
-
4Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook for 7 minutes.
-
5Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
-
6Remove salmon from the air fryer, serve with lemon wedges, and enjoy.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
