Best way to cook frozen salmon in air fryer

Don’t Thaw! Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer for Perfection

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Let’s set the scene: It’s 6 PM on a Tuesday, you’ve just walked in the door after a long day, and you suddenly realize you forgot to take the salmon out of the freezer this morning. Sound familiar? I’ve been there countless times. For years, I avoided cooking frozen fish because I thought defrosting was a mandatory, time-consuming first step. But friends, I have found the ultimate shortcut that completely changed my weeknight routine. Forget tedious thawing and complicated techniques; this method for cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer delivers perfectly flaky, healthy results in less than 20 minutes. It’s truly a game-changer for busy people who want delicious, healthy food fast. Get ready, because I’m about to share my favorite air fryer hack with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Quick Air Fryer Salmon

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients to achieve incredible flavor when cooking frozen salmon. Here’s what I recommend keeping on hand:

  • Frozen Salmon Fillets: Look for individually vacuum-sealed portions. They cook better in the air fryer and keep the moisture locked in.
  • Olive Oil or Avocado Oil Spray: This prevents sticking and helps the seasonings adhere to the fish.
  • Basic Seasoning Blend: My go-to is salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Feel free to use your favorite pre-made seasoning mix (like lemon-dill or Old Bay).

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Cook Frozen Salmon Perfectly

This method is all about the “two-stage cooking” process. We start by partially cooking the frozen salmon to allow the seasoning to stick, then we finish it to perfection. Here is exactly how to do it:

  1. Prep Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket or tray with a light coat of cooking oil to prevent the skin from sticking.
  2. Initial Cook (Frozen): Place the frozen salmon fillets directly into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes. At this point, the fillets will still be slightly frozen in the center, but the outer layer will have softened enough to easily absorb the seasonings.
  3. Seasoning Time: Carefully remove the basket from the air fryer. Brush or spray the top of the salmon fillets with a small amount of oil. Sprinkle generously with your chosen seasoning blend.
  4. Final Cook (Seasoned): Place the seasoned salmon back into the air fryer. Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Serve Immediately: Remove the salmon fillets from the air fryer. The outside should be slightly crispy, and the inside moist and flaky. Serve with your favorite side dishes, like roasted vegetables or rice.

Pro Tips and FAQs for Delicious Results

To ensure you get perfect results every single time, I’ve gathered a few extra tips based on my experience and answered the most common questions I hear about this method:

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure there is space between the fillets so the hot air can circulate around each piece evenly. If you have too many fillets, work in batches.
  • Avoid Adding Sauce Too Early: If you want to use a glaze or sauce (like teriyaki or honey garlic), add it during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. If you add it to the frozen fish, it will just run off or burn.
  • Check for Doneness: The cooking time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your specific salmon fillets and your air fryer model. The most reliable way to check for doneness is using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C).
  • Crisp Up the Skin: If you want the skin extra crispy, once the salmon is cooked through, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

I hope this quick and easy air fryer hack helps simplify your weeknight cooking as much as it did mine. Enjoy!

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