How I Cook Frozen Salmon in My Air Fryer When I’m Short on Time (No Thawing Needed)

I used to dread the hassle of cooking salmon, especially when I forgot to thaw it ahead of time. Between busy workdays and personal commitments, waiting hours for fish to defrost just wasn’t realistic.

That all changed the day I discovered how easy it is to cook frozen salmon right in my air fryer — no thawing required. Suddenly, a quick, healthy, and delicious meal was just minutes away!

If you’re short on time but still want a nutritious dinner, cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer might just become your new favorite kitchen hack. Let me show you how simple it is.

Why I Love Cooking Frozen Salmon in My Air Fryer

Cooking frozen salmon in my air fryer saves me a ton of time on busy nights. When life gets hectic, I don’t have to worry about thawing salmon ahead of time or planning meals hours in advance. Just pop the frozen salmon in the air fryer, and dinner is ready before I know it.

Air frying is also a healthier way to cook compared to pan-frying or deep-frying. It uses little to no oil, so the salmon comes out perfectly cooked with a crispy exterior — without the extra fat and calories. It’s quick, easy, and good for me.

What You’ll Need

Before we get started, here’s a quick rundown of the simple ingredients and tools you’ll need to cook frozen salmon in your air fryer.

• Frozen salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless) - I recommend choosing wild-caught, skin-on salmon fillets if you can—they tend to have more flavor and the skin crisps up nicely in the air fryer. But skinless works just as well if you prefer it. Either way, make sure your fillets are evenly sized so they cook evenly.
• Air fryer - A good-quality air fryer is essential for this quick and easy cooking method. It circulates hot air around the salmon for a perfectly cooked texture without the need for extra oil.
• Seasonings - Keep it simple with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, or get creative with garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite herbs. Seasonings add flavor without any fuss.
• Optional sides that pair well - While the salmon cooks, you can prepare easy sides like steamed veggies, rice, or a fresh salad to round out your meal. These pair perfectly with the salmon’s light, flaky texture.

How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer is straightforward and fast. Just follow these three simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

1. Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure your salmon cooks evenly and gets a nice, crispy outside.
2. Season your frozen salmon: While the air fryer heats up, lightly brush or spray the frozen salmon fillets with a little oil (optional) and sprinkle your favorite seasonings on top. Don’t worry if the seasonings don’t stick perfectly — they’ll still add great flavor as it cooks.
3. Air fry the salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin) in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For best results, check the internal temperature with a thermometer — it should reach 145°F (63°C).

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

To make sure your frozen salmon turns out great every time, keep these helpful tips in mind before and during cooking.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket:  Give each fillet enough space so the hot air can circulate freely. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
• Cook skin-side down: If your salmon has skin, place it skin-side down in the air fryer basket. This helps the skin get nice and crispy while keeping the flesh tender and juicy.
• Check for doneness with a thermometer: Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure your salmon is fully cooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe and delicious results.
• Use the right temperature: Cooking at around 400°F (200°C) gives your salmon a great balance of a crispy outside and tender inside.
• Adjust cooking time: Keep in mind, cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the specific model of your air fryer. If your fillets are thicker or your air fryer runs cooler, add a few extra minutes as needed.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

To get the best results, it’s just as important to know what not to do. Avoid these common mistakes so your salmon cooks perfectly every time.

• Skipping preheat: Not preheating your air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy texture. Taking a few minutes to preheat helps the salmon cook consistently from the moment it hits the basket.
• Using too much oil: While a light spray or brush of oil can help with seasoning adherence and crispiness, using too much oil can cause soggy skin and unnecessary extra fat. Less is more when air frying.
• Not checking the thickest part for doneness: Salmon fillets aren’t always uniform in thickness. Make sure to check the thickest part with a thermometer or by flaking with a fork to ensure it’s fully cooked — undercooked fish can be unsafe to eat.
• Overcrowding the basket: Stuffing too many fillets into the air fryer at once limits airflow and leads to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed for the best texture and flavor.
• Ignoring your air fryer’s quirks: Every air fryer model heats a little differently. Pay attention to how your particular appliance cooks salmon and adjust time or temperature accordingly for optimal results.

Summary

Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer has truly changed the way I approach quick, healthy meals. It’s convenient, delicious, and perfect for busy days when time is tight but nutrition still matters.

To enjoy the best flavor and quality, I highly recommend trying our Wild Sockeye Salmon and Wild King Salmon from Alaskan Salmon Company — ours is sustainably sourced and packed with rich taste and firm texture that holds up beautifully in the air fryer. 

FAQs

Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer without thawing?

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of the air fryer is that it can cook salmon straight from frozen, which saves you time and planning. Just season and cook as directed — no thawing needed.

Do I need to flip the salmon?

If you place the fillets skin-side down, flipping isn’t necessary. The air fryer’s hot air circulation cooks the salmon evenly on all sides, and keeping the skin down helps it get crispy.

How long does it take to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer?

Typically, it takes about 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on the thickness of the fillets and your specific air fryer model. Always check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).