Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Air fryer frozen salmon is my go-to for a quick and easy dinner—no thawing needed, and it’s ready in under 20 minutes.

Air Fryer Frozen Salmon 

I get asked all the time if you can cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, and the answer is a definite yes! The main difference between frozen and fresh salmon is the longer cook time, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty simple. One thing I do differently with frozen salmon is wait to baste it until it’s partly air fried.

The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper really sets this seafood recipe apart. Plus, that smoky paprika adds a pop of color, making the salmon look as good as it tastes.

This air fryer frozen salmon recipe is one I keep coming back to, whether I’m cooking for guests or just throwing together a quick meal for myself. It’s that good!

Why I Love This Recipe

• I love how I can have salmon ready for dinner in under twenty minutes.
• Even on nights when I forget to take something out, air fryer frozen salmon is always my go-to.
• This recipe is healthy, delicious, and the clean-up is simple.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this quick and flavorful air fryer frozen salmon:

• Frozen salmon fillets: This recipe works great with the bulk packs of salmon from Costco, Trader Joe’s, or Aldi, but any frozen salmon you have will do the trick.
• Fresh lemon juice: I can’t make this salmon without fresh lemon juice—it adds that perfect zing to the basting sauce.
• Avocado oil: Any neutral oil with a high smoke point will work here, but I like avocado oil for its light taste.
• Smoked paprika: I add smoked paprika for its rich color and smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika can be swapped in.
• Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for bringing out the best flavors in the salmon.
• Garlic powder: A little garlic powder gives the salmon that extra depth of flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Garnish to finish it off—totally optional but adds a nice touch.

How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

• Step One (prep the air fryer)
  Grab a basting brush and lightly coat the bottom of the air fryer with oil. You don’t need much, just enough so the salmon doesn’t stick.
• Step Two (get the salmon in)
  If your fillets have skin, place them skin-side down in the basket. They go in straight from the freezer without thawing. If you’re working with fresh fillets instead, my perfect air fryer salmon is the recipe to use.
• Step Three (start cooking)
  Set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook the salmon for 7 minutes. No preheating needed, just close it up and let it go.
• Step Four (make the lemon sauce)
  While the salmon is cooking, stir together lemon juice, avocado oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. It should look blended and ready to brush on.
• Step Five (baste the salmon)
  After the first cook time, take the salmon out and brush it with the lemon sauce. Any leftover sauce can be discarded.
• Step Six (finish it off)
  Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 6 to 9 minutes, until it flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. Garnish with parsley and serve right away.

Recipe Tips

Storage and Freezing Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers or need to store the salmon, here’s how I make sure it stays just as good.

• Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to two days to keep it fresh.
• The best way to reheat salmon is in the microwave—this method helps it retain its moisture and stays flavorful.
• If you need to freeze it, no worries. This salmon freezes well and still tastes great when reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should I preheat the air fryer before cooking frozen salmon?
  Nope. The fillets go straight into the basket from the freezer and start cooking right away.
• Can I add seasoning to frozen salmon before air frying?
  Wait a few minutes. Once the salmon starts to thaw in the air fryer, the seasoning will stick better and not just slide off.
• How do I know when frozen salmon is done?
  Check it with a fork. If it flakes easily and hits 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, you’re there. It usually takes about 12 minutes total.
• Can I cook more than one fillet at a time?
  Yes, as long as you don’t crowd them. A little space around each piece helps them cook evenly.
• Can I marinate frozen salmon?
  This recipe skips the marinade, but if you want that sweet-savory flavor, my air fryer maple glazed salmon is the one to try.
• What should I serve it with?
  I like it with rice or over greens with my homemade Italian dressing. It’s simple but works every time.

More Salmon Recipes Worth Trying

Frozen fillets are just the start. Here are a couple more salmon recipes I make when I’m craving something different.

• Miso Glazed Salmon – sticky and salty-sweet.
• Smoked Salmon Pasta with Lemon Dill Sauce – creamy and delicous.

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Print Recipe

5 from 5 votes

Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

This easy air fryer frozen salmon is ready in under 20 minutes with no need to thaw the fillets. Coated in a zesty lemon sauce, it’s a quick, flavorful, and hassle-free dinner option for busy nights.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time13 minutes mins

Total Time18 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Servings: 2 people

Calories: 284kcal

Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• measuring cups and spoons For accurate measuring.
• mixing bowls For combining liquid ingredients.
• Cutting board For slicing the lemon.
• Knife Making lemon slices.
• basting brush For basting the salmon.
• Air Fryer To cook the salmon.

Ingredients

• 2 tsps. avocado oil plus, more for basting, or any other high temperature cooking oil
• 2 (6 oz. each) frozen salmon fillets
• 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

• Use a basting brush to coat the bottom of the air fryer with oil.
  2 tsps. avocado oil
• If the salmon has skin, place it skin-side down.
  2 (6 oz. each) frozen salmon fillets
• Cook the salmon for 7 minutes at 390°F in the air fryer, no preheating needed.
• While the salmon is air frying, combine lemon juice, avocado oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Stir until well combined.
  1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp. smoked paprika, 1/8 tsp kosher salt , 1/8 tsp. garlic powder, 1/8 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
• After 7 minutes, remove the salmon from the air fryer and brush it with the lemon sauce. Discard any remaining sauce after basting.
• Continue cooking for an additional 6-9 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
  1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

Notes

Cooking time: The cooking duration will differ depending on the thickness of your salmon, so monitor it closely during the second round of cooking. Adjust the time as necessary based on the size of your salmon.

For optimal outcomes when making this air fryer frozen salmon, I recommend referring to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.

The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.

© noblepig.com. All content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing this recipe is encouraged and appreciated, but copying and/or pasting the full recipe to social media or other platforms is strictly prohibited.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Amount Per Serving (186 g)

Calories 284 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Fat 12g18%

Saturated Fat 2.4g15%

Polyunsaturated Fat 3g

Monounsaturated Fat 6g

Cholesterol 94mg31%

Sodium 147mg6%

Potassium 785mg22%

Carbohydrates 1.8g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 0.3g0%

Protein 40g80%

Vitamin A 111IU2%

Vitamin C 5mg6%

Calcium 85mg9%

Iron 1.4mg8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you made this Air Fryer Frozen Salmon? I’d love to hear how it turned out — leave a comment below and let me know.

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