How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

I was extremely hesitant to buy an air fryer because I didn’t want another bulky appliance that I was only going to use for a couple weeks during our honeymoon phase, like I did with my instapot. Then someone said the magic words “you can cook frozen salmon in air fryer” needless to say, I instantly succumbed to the peer pressure from all of my family and friends. Afterall, i’m only human. After about a month of using this technique I can confidently say you can pretty much cook any fish in an air fryer.

Can You Cook Frozen Salmon in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in an air fryer. Every since I found this out, i’ve almost abused the system. It’s so easy and I don’t even need to plan to properly thaw the salmon earlier in the day! It’s the quickest and most convenient way to cook salmon from frozen without having to defrost it first. However, it’ll take a little longer to cook than defrosted or thawed salmon, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It is important to make sure the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) to ensure it is fully cooked (125°F if you read my last article… IYKYK). Additionally, be sure to brush or spray the salmon with oil or cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket.

At What Temperature is Salmon Done in n Air Fryer?

The recommended temperature to cook salmon in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). To ensure the salmon is fully cooked, the internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). Or if you read my last article and don’t like dry salmon I would cook it to 125°F (IYKYK). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon, especially if you are cooking thicker pieces of salmon. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets, so it is important to check the temperature with a thermometer to ensure it is cooked to the appropriate temperature.

What’s the Difference Between Cooking Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer with Skin or No Skin

There are a few differences to keep in mind when cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer with skin versus without skin:

Cooking Time: Salmon with skin may take slightly longer to cook in an air fryer compared to salmon without skin. The skin acts as a protective layer, which can slow down the cooking process. To ensure that the salmon with skin is cooked through, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Texture: Salmon with skin tends to have a slightly different texture than salmon without skin. When cooked in an air fryer, the skin can become crispy and add a bit of crunch to the dish. However, some people may find the texture of the skin to be unpleasant, in which case they may prefer to remove the skin before cooking.

Flavor: Salmon skin can add flavor to the dish. You can also remove it from the filet and fry them up into salmon chips! They’re incredible. If you like the taste of salmon skin, then you may prefer to leave it on while cooking in the air fryer. However, if you find the flavor to be overpowering, then you can remove the skin before cooking.

Nutrition: High in omega-3 and complete amino acids, salmon skin is extremely nutrient dense.

Overall, the decision to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer with or without skin is a matter of personal preference. Both methods can produce delicious results, and it's up to you to choose the one that you prefer.

How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to have a healthy and delicious meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Remove the frozen Alaskan salmon fillet(s) from their packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
4. Season the salmon fillets with the holy trinity – salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Consider using MANNKITCHEN's salt and pepper cannon. Their cannon gives you great control over the texture, a wide grinding range, and consistent results, making it perfect for adding just the right amount of salt and pepper. You can use the code AKSALMONCO to get 10% off your purchases!
5. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down (if your fillet has skin).
6. Cook the salmon fillet(s) for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. If your salmon fillet is particularly thick, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
7. Check the internal temperature of the salmon fillets with a meat thermometer. The salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Once the salmon is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer basket with tongs or a spatula.
9. Serve the salmon fillets hot with lemon wedges, if desired.

Pro Tip: Pull out the air fried salmon when it is slightly undercooked. Then as it rests it will cook to perfection and your wild alaskan salmon won’t be dry at all!

How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer with Skin

Cooking salmon in an air fryer with skin is a great way to achieve a crispy and flavorful result. Here's how to do it:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Remove the frozen salmon fillet(s) from their packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
4. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the seasoned salmon fillet(s) in the air fryer basket, skin side down.
6. Cook the salmon fillets for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
7. Flip the salmon fillets over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the skin.
8. Check the internal temperature of the salmon fillets with a meat thermometer. The salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
9. Once the salmon is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer basket with tongs or a spatula.
10. Serve the salmon filles hot with lemon wedges

Conclusion

If you remember anything from this article, its that you can cook frozen salmon in an air fryer. When you just don’t have time to properly thaw out your wild alaskan salamon or you just forget. This is a great cooking method that takes almost no prep time and will still cook your salmon to perfection. You will need to mess around with different cook times depending on your desired texture an if you’re using farmed or wild salmon. Since wild salmon is a lot leaner with healthy omega-3 vs its farmed salmon that has high amounts of omega-6 (which people with american diets, dont need more of) you won’t need to cook it as long. Which if you’re reading this article is probably a great thing!