I love that air fryer frozen salmon is ready to enjoy in less than 20 minutes, making it my ideal dinner option for busy weeknights. Plus, I don’t have to thaw the fillets beforehand; I can cook them directly from the freezer, which simplifies dinner preparation.
“Can you put frozen salmon in an fryer?” …I get asked that a lot. And the answer is a resounding yes! When making air fryer frozen salmon compared to fresh, the only big difference is the longer cooking time. Additionally, with frozen salmon, I do refrain from basting until it has been partly air fried as well.
The fresh lemon, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper are the perfect complement to the salmon. Moreover, the deeply colored paprika turns a boring looking piece of salmon into a visual feast of the eyes.
Whether I’m serving guests or making myself lunch or dinner, this air fryer frozen salmon recipe is something I make again and again!
If you love the idea of making salmon in the air fryer, you should also try my original recipe for air fryer salmon (if you have fresh salmon -not frozen) and my air fryer maple glazed salmon (if you prefer something with a marinade). Both are amazing! If you love making dinner bowls, make my air fryer salmon bites instead.
Why I Love This Recipe
- I love being able to enjoy salmon for dinner in less than twenty minutes.
- Even if I forget to take something out for a meal, I can always rely on making air fryer frozen salmon.
- This salmon recipe is a healthy and delicious meal and clean-up is a breeze!
Ingredients
- Frozen salmon fillets: This air fryer frozen salmon recipe is perfect for the salmon fillets you buy in bulk at Costco, Trader Joe’s, or Aldi, as well as any other frozen salmon you have on hand.
- Fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is essential for salmon; it adds acidity to the basting mixture and I can’t imagine doing without.
- Avocado oil: Any neutral, high temperature cooking oil works well.
- Smoked paprika: I enjoy adding smoked paprika for two reasons: its color and flavor. If smoked paprika is unavailable, you can use regular paprika as a substitute.
- Salt and pepper: Flavor enhancers.
- Garlic powder: Adds more flavor to the fish.
- Fresh parsley: Used as a garnish, so it’s optional.
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Frozen Salmon Preparation
- Step One: To begin, I generously coat the bottom of my air fryer with cooking oil using a basting brush.
- Step Two: Following that, if my salmon is skin-on, I will place it in the air fryer with the skin side down to start.
- Step Three: Subsequently, in the air fryer, I initially cook the salmon at 390°F for 7 minutes and do not bother to preheat.
- Step Four: Meanwhile, while the salmon is air frying, I combine the lemon juice, avocado oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Basting the Salmon
- Step Five: Following the initial 7 minutes, I’ll carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and proceed to brush both sides with the lemon-paprika mixture. It’s important to note: Dispose of any remaining sauce after completing the basting process.
- Step Six: Subsequently, after basting, I’ll continue to air fry the salmon for an additional 6-9 minutes or until it achieves the desired flakiness and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Step Seven: As a final touch, I prefer to garnish the salmon with fresh parsley, enhancing not only its flavor but also its visual presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- Bed of Greens: Serve this air fryer frozen salmon on a bed of mixed greens with my favorite creamy Parmesan dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Additionally, pair the salmon with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
- Quinoa or Rice: I love serving this salmon with a simple cooked quinoa or rice. Sometimes it’s all you need!
Recipe Tips
- It’s helpful if your salmon fillets are both the same size. This helps with them finishing at the same time.
- Feel free to open your air fryer and check the salmon towards the end of the second cooking period. Use a fork to test if the salmon is cooked and flakes easily.
- This salmon makes great leftovers, so don’t worry about having extra.
Storage and Reheating for Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
- I keep the any salmon leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.
- Additionally, I find the air fryer frozen salmon reheats best in the microwave, where it retains its moisture nicely.
- Moreover, the salmon does freeze perfectly if you need to go that route.
Want More Air Fryer Recipes Featuring Seafood
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Air Fryer Frozen 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 oil the bottom of the air fryer.2 tsps. avocado oil
- If the salmon has skin, position it with the skin side facing downwards.2 (6 oz. each) frozen salmon fillets
- Cook the salmon for 7 minutes at 390°F in the air fryer; no preheating required.
- While the salmon is air frying, combine lemon juice, avocado oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix well until 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 have elapsed, take out the salmon from the air fryer and brush it with the lemon sauce. Dispose of any remaining sauce after basting the salmon.
- 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. Serve immediately.1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
Notes
Nutrition
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