Morey’s Salmon Air Fryer: Perfectly Cooked Frozen Salmon

When you need a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner solution, Morey’s Salmon Air Fryer cooking is the answer. These premium marinated wild-caught salmon fillets cook straight from frozen in your air fryer, delivering restaurant-quality results in just 12-15 minutes.

Whether you’re working with Morey’s Seasoned Grill, Steakhouse, or Lemon Herb varieties, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to achieve perfectly flaky, flavorful salmon every single time.

Why Morey’s Marinated Salmon is a Freezer Essential

Morey’s has been a trusted name in seafood since 1937, and their marinated wild salmon products have revolutionized weeknight dinners for busy families across America. Here’s what makes Morey’s frozen salmon fillets stand out from the competition:

Pre-Marinated Perfection: Each individually wrapped fillet comes pre-marinated in chef-inspired signature sauces, eliminating the need for any additional seasoning or prep work. The marinades are expertly crafted to enhance the natural flavor of wild-caught salmon.

Wild-Caught Quality: Morey’s uses premium wild-caught pink salmon and keta salmon from Alaskan waters, known for superior flavor, firm texture, and high omega-3 content compared to farm-raised alternatives.

Cook from Frozen: No thawing required. These fillets go straight from your freezer to your air fryer, making them perfect for those nights when you forgot to plan ahead.

Multiple Flavor Options: From bold Seasoned Grill to sophisticated Steakhouse and bright Lemon Herb, Morey’s offers varieties to suit every taste preference and meal plan.

Family-Owned Heritage: As a family-owned company with over 80 years of experience, Morey’s maintains high standards for quality, sustainability, and flavor in every product they create.

Individually Wrapped Convenience: Each fillet is vacuum-sealed separately, allowing you to cook exactly what you need without waste or the hassle of separating frozen pieces.

Understanding Morey’s Salmon Varieties

Morey’s offers several delicious marinated salmon options, each with its own unique flavor profile perfect for air fryer cooking:

Wild Salmon Seasoned Grill

This popular variety features a smoky blend of backyard barbecue seasonings including garlic, basil, salt, red pepper, paprika, and natural grill flavors. The marinade includes an olive oil blend that keeps the salmon moist during cooking while delivering bold, savory taste in every bite.

Best For: Classic weeknight dinners, pairing with roasted vegetables, serving over rice bowls, or anyone who loves traditional BBQ flavors.

Wild Salmon Steakhouse

The Steakhouse variety brings upscale dining to your kitchen with a sophisticated blend of black, red, and white peppers, garlic, red bell pepper, onion, and a touch of jalapeño and ancho chili. This bold seasoning creates a peppery, steakhouse-quality crust.

Best For: Special occasions, impressive dinner parties, pairing with mashed potatoes and asparagus, or when you want restaurant-quality salmon at home.

Wild Salmon Lemon and Garden Herb

This bright, fresh option features a zesty lemon marinade combined with garden herbs that complement the natural richness of salmon. The citrus notes cut through the fish’s natural oils while herbs add aromatic depth.

Best For: Light summer dinners, serving over salads, Mediterranean-style meals, or those who prefer brighter, fresher flavors.

Wild Salmon with Mike’s Hot Honey

A newer collaboration that combines Morey’s blackened salmon with Mike’s Hot Honey for a perfect balance of sweet heat. This innovative pairing has gone viral on social media for its incredible flavor combination.

Best For: Adventurous eaters, trendy dinner options, pairing with Asian-inspired sides, or anyone who loves the sweet-and-spicy flavor profile.

How to Cook Morey’s Salmon in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Morey’s marinated salmon in the air fryer is incredibly simple and produces consistently excellent results. Follow these detailed instructions for perfect frozen salmon every time:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and preheat for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking from the moment the salmon enters the basket and helps create that desirable golden-brown exterior.

While different sources suggest temperatures ranging from 380°F to 400°F, 400°F works best for Morey’s pre-marinated salmon because it helps caramelize the marinade while cooking the fish through completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of olive oil. This step is crucial—without it, the marinated salmon will stick to the basket, making cleanup difficult and potentially tearing your beautiful fillets.

Alternatively, you can use perforated parchment paper designed specifically for air fryers. Make sure it has holes to allow proper air circulation around the salmon.

Step 3: Remove Salmon from Packaging

Take the Morey’s salmon fillets directly from the freezer—do not thaw. Remove each fillet from its individual vacuum-sealed pouch. You’ll notice the marinade coating each piece.

Pro Tip: For bolder flavor, pour any excess marinade from the pouch over the fillet before cooking. This intensifies the taste and helps keep the salmon extra moist.

Step 4: Arrange Salmon in Air Fryer Basket

Place the frozen marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket with the flat side (non-skin side) facing down. If your fillets have skin, place them skin-side down. The skin acts as a protective barrier, preventing the delicate flesh from drying out.

Make sure the fillets don’t touch or overlap. Proper spacing is essential for even cooking and allows hot air to circulate around each piece, creating that perfect crispy exterior.

Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook the salmon in batches. Don’t overcrowd—it’s worth the extra few minutes to ensure perfect results.

Step 5: Air Fry the Frozen Salmon

For frozen Morey’s salmon, cook at 400°F for 12-16 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets:

• Thinner fillets (around 1 inch): 12-13 minutes
• Standard fillets (1 to 1.25 inches): 14-15 minutes
• Thicker fillets (1.5 inches): 15-16 minutes

No flipping required when cooking from frozen at this temperature for the full duration. The air fryer’s circulating heat cooks the salmon evenly from all sides.

However, if you prefer extra-crispy edges, you can flip the fillets at the 8-minute mark.

Alternative Two-Stage Method

Some cooks prefer a two-stage approach for frozen Morey’s salmon:

Stage 1 – Defrost: Cook at 390°F for 7-9 minutes to thaw the exterior Stage 2 – Finish Cooking: Continue cooking for 7-8 additional minutes until done

This method allows you to add extra seasoning or glaze after the defrost stage if desired, though Morey’s salmon is already perfectly seasoned.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

The salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check—this is the most reliable method.

Visual cues for properly cooked salmon:

• The fish easily flakes with a fork
• The flesh is opaque throughout (no translucent raw-looking areas)
• The exterior has a golden-brown color
• Any visible juices run clear

If you prefer your salmon slightly less done with a hint of translucency in the center, aim for 135-140°F. Remember that the salmon will continue cooking slightly as it rests.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the cooked salmon rest on a plate or cutting board for 2-3 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, ensuring maximum moisture in every bite.

If your fillets have skin, it should peel off easily after cooking. Simply slide a spatula between the flesh and skin to remove it, or leave it on if you enjoy crispy salmon skin (which many people do!).

Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy restaurant-quality marinated salmon made effortlessly in your air fryer.

Pro Tips for Perfect Morey’s Salmon in Air Fryer

Never Thaw Before Cooking: Morey’s salmon is specifically designed to cook from frozen. Thawing makes the fillets too soft and difficult to handle, and they may fall apart during cooking.

Don’t Skip the Cooking Spray: Even with the marinade’s oil content, a light spray on the basket prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the single most important tool for perfectly cooked salmon. Guessing leads to overcooked, dry fish or undercooked results.

Pour on Extra Marinade: The pouches often contain extra marinade liquid. Don’t waste it—pour it over the fillets before cooking for intensified flavor.

Watch Thicker Pieces: If you notice your fillets are particularly thick, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time and check the internal temperature.

Keep Skin On During Cooking: If your salmon has skin, leave it on while air frying. It protects the fish and crisps up beautifully. Remove it after cooking if you prefer.

Avoid Overcrowding: Better to cook in batches than to crowd the basket. Overlapping fillets steam rather than air fry, resulting in soggy instead of crispy salmon.

Check Early the First Time: Every air fryer model cooks slightly differently. The first time you make Morey’s salmon, check it a minute or two early to prevent overcooking, then note your perfect time for future reference.

Let It Rest: Those 2-3 minutes of resting time make a significant difference in moisture retention. Don’t skip this step!

Delicious Serving Ideas for Morey’s Air Fryer Salmon

Morey’s marinated salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with countless sides and preparations. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:

Classic Dinner Plate

Serve your perfectly cooked Morey’s salmon alongside roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, and a crisp side salad. The savory marinade complements traditional steakhouse sides perfectly.

Healthy Salmon Bowl

Create a nutritious grain bowl with a base of quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Top with the air-fried salmon, steamed edamame, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, avocado, and a drizzle of soy sauce or sesame ginger dressing.

Fresh Garden Salad

Break the cooked salmon into chunks and serve over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and your favorite vinaigrette. The Lemon Herb variety is especially delicious this way.

Salmon Tacos

Flake the Morey’s salmon and serve in warm corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado crema, and fresh cilantro. The Seasoned Grill flavor works beautifully in this Mexican-inspired preparation.

Pasta Perfection

Toss flaked Morey’s salmon with linguine, garlic, white wine, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for an elegant weeknight pasta dish that tastes like it came from an Italian restaurant.

Asian-Inspired Noodle Bowl

Serve the salmon over rice noodles with bok choy, snap peas, and a sesame ginger sauce. The umami-rich marinades complement Asian flavors perfectly.

Breakfast for Dinner

Top a toasted bagel with cream cheese, the air-fried salmon, capers, red onion, and tomato slices for a gourmet brunch-style dinner.

Salmon Rice Pilaf

Serve the marinated salmon over seasoned rice pilaf with roasted vegetables and a lemon wedge for a complete, balanced meal.

Best Side Dishes for Morey’s Salmon

Roasted Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, or green beans roasted with olive oil and garlic create the perfect nutritious accompaniment.

Sweet Potato Sides: Air fryer sweet potato fries, mashed sweet potatoes, or roasted sweet potato cubes add natural sweetness that balances the savory salmon.

Rice and Grains: Jasmine rice, wild rice blend, quinoa, or rice pilaf provide a neutral base that soaks up the flavorful salmon juices.

Fresh Salads: Caesar salad, arugula salad, cucumber tomato salad, or mixed greens with vinaigrette add freshness and crunch.

Potato Dishes: Garlic roasted potatoes, crispy baby potatoes, or creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting, satisfying meal.

Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides textural contrast and helps cut through the richness of the marinated salmon.

Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli, snap peas, or green beans keep things light and healthy.

Grilled Corn: Sweet corn on the cob or Mexican street corn adds summer vibes to your salmon dinner.

Nutritional Benefits of Morey’s Wild Salmon

Morey’s wild-caught salmon isn’t just delicious—it’s one of the healthiest proteins you can eat. Here’s what makes it nutritionally impressive:

Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Wild salmon provides substantial amounts of EPA and DHA omega-3s, which support heart health, brain function, cognitive performance, and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

High-Quality Protein: Each fillet delivers approximately 20-25 grams of complete protein, containing all essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair and maintenance.

Vitamin D Powerhouse: Salmon is one of the few natural food sources rich in vitamin D, crucial for bone health, immune function, mood regulation, and calcium absorption.

B Vitamin Complex: Packed with B12, B6, niacin, and other B vitamins that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and nervous system health.

Selenium Rich: This essential mineral acts as a powerful antioxidant, supports thyroid function, and may help reduce cancer risk.

Naturally Low in Calories: With approximately 150-200 calories per fillet (depending on size), Morey’s salmon fits easily into any diet plan.

Heart-Healthy Fats: The healthy fats in salmon help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Astaxanthin Content: This powerful antioxidant gives salmon its pink color and provides anti-inflammatory benefits plus skin health support.

By air frying instead of pan-frying with excessive oil, you keep the calorie count reasonable while maximizing all these nutritional benefits.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Frozen Fillets: Keep unopened Morey’s salmon packages in your freezer at 0°F or below. They maintain best quality for 6-12 months when properly stored.

Storing Cooked Salmon: Place leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Freezing Cooked Salmon: You can freeze cooked Morey’s salmon for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date.

Reheating in Air Fryer: The best way to reheat cooked Morey’s salmon is back in the air fryer. Preheat to 350°F and heat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. This method helps restore some crispiness to the exterior.

Reheating in Oven: Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.

Microwave Reheating: Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 45-60 seconds. This is the fastest method but won’t maintain the crispy texture.

Serving Cold: Leftover Morey’s salmon is delicious served cold over salads or in grain bowls, so reheating isn’t always necessary.

Cooking Morey’s Salmon: Alternative Methods

While the air fryer produces exceptional results, Morey’s salmon is versatile enough to cook using various methods:

Oven Baking Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove fillets from pouches and place on a foil-lined baking sheet, flat side down.

• From thawed: Bake 15-18 minutes
• From frozen: Bake 28-30 minutes

Check internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Stovetop Skillet Method

Lightly oil a nonstick pan and preheat on low-medium heat. Add fillets flat side down and cover.

• From thawed: Sauté 10-11 minutes
• From frozen: Sauté 14-15 minutes

Grill Method

Preheat grill to medium-high (350-375°F). Place aluminum foil lightly sprayed with oil on grates. Add fillets flat side down.

• From thawed: Grill 10-15 minutes
• From frozen: Grill 20-25 minutes

Instant Pot Method

Add 1 cup water to Instant Pot, place trivet inside, and set frozen fillets on trivet. Pressure cook on high for 3-4 minutes, then quick release. Check temperature.

Note: Morey’s does not recommend microwave cooking as it produces poor texture results.

Comparing Morey’s to Other Frozen Salmon Brands

Morey’s stands out in the frozen salmon market for several compelling reasons:

Wild-Caught vs. Farmed: Unlike many budget brands that use farmed Atlantic salmon, Morey’s exclusively uses wild-caught Alaskan salmon with superior flavor, firmer texture, and higher omega-3 content.

Pre-Marinated Convenience: Most frozen salmon requires you to add your own seasonings. Morey’s chef-inspired marinades are already applied, saving time and ensuring consistent flavor.

Individual Wrapping: While some brands freeze fillets together in a block, Morey’s individually wraps each piece for ultimate convenience and portion control.

Family Heritage: As a family-owned company since 1937, Morey’s maintains quality standards that newer corporate brands may not prioritize.

Sustainable Practices: Morey’s is an active member of the National Fisheries Institute and committed to responsible, sustainable seafood sourcing.

Price Point: At $3-5 per fillet depending on variety and retailer, Morey’s offers premium quality at a mid-range price—more than generic brands but significantly less than specialty boutique options.

Flavor Variety: The range of marinades from classic Seasoned Grill to trendy Mike’s Hot Honey gives you options beyond plain frozen salmon.

Meal Prep with Morey’s Air Fryer Salmon

Morey’s marinated salmon is perfect for weekly meal prep, helping busy families eat healthy without daily cooking stress. Here’s how to maximize efficiency:

Batch Air Fry: Cook 4-6 fillets at once (working in batches to avoid overcrowding) on your meal prep day. Store cooked salmon in individual containers for grab-and-go lunches.

Pre-Portion Containers: Divide cooked salmon, grains, and vegetables into meal prep containers. You’ll have 4-5 complete meals ready in the refrigerator.

Prep Sides in Advance: Wash and chop vegetables, cook rice or quinoa, and prepare sauces ahead of time. When you air fry Morey’s salmon, complete meals come together in minutes.

Freeze for Later: Stock up on Morey’s salmon when it’s on sale. The frozen fillets last months, giving you an emergency dinner option whenever you need it.

Variety is Key: Rotate between different Morey’s flavors throughout the week to prevent meal prep boredom. Monday might be Seasoned Grill, Wednesday Lemon Herb, Friday Steakhouse.

Flexible Serving: Cook the salmon once, then serve it different ways throughout the week—over salad Monday, in tacos Wednesday, with roasted vegetables Friday.

Where to Buy Morey’s Salmon

Morey’s marinated salmon is widely available at major grocery retailers across the United States:

National Chains: Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Albertsons, Food Lion, Stop & Shop, Giant, and many regional grocery stores carry Morey’s products in their frozen seafood section.

Club Stores: Some Costco and Sam’s Club locations carry larger family-size packages of Morey’s salmon at value pricing.

Online Retailers: Amazon offers various Morey’s salmon varieties with convenient home delivery, often in multi-pack options.

Specialty Food Sites: Easy Lunches and similar specialty food retailers sell Morey’s products online, sometimes in bulk quantities perfect for stocking up.

Price Range: Expect to pay $7-10 for a standard 2-fillet package, or $3.50-5 per individual fillet depending on variety and retailer.

Check Morey’s website for a store locator to find the nearest retailer carrying their products in your area.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Salmon Sticking to Basket: Always spray the basket with cooking oil before adding salmon. If it still sticks, try using perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.

Dry, Overcooked Salmon: Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes and use a meat thermometer. Pull the salmon at 140°F and let it rest to reach 145°F.

Undercooked Center: Your fillets may be thicker than average. Add 2-3 minutes to cooking time and always check internal temperature.

Uneven Cooking: Make sure fillets aren’t touching and are similar in thickness. Arrange them with equal spacing in the basket for proper air circulation.

Marinade Burning: If the marinade seems to be burning at 400°F, reduce temperature to 380°F and add 2-3 minutes to cooking time.

Fishy Smell: Morey’s wild salmon has a clean, mild flavor. If you notice a strong fishy smell, check the package date. Properly stored frozen salmon shouldn’t smell overly fishy.

Marinade Too Salty: If you find the marinade too salty for your taste, rinse the fillet lightly under cold water before air frying and don’t add extra marinade from the pouch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I thaw Morey’s salmon before air frying? No! Morey’s salmon is designed to cook directly from frozen. Thawing makes the fillets too soft and difficult to handle, and they may fall apart during cooking.

How long does Morey’s salmon take in the air fryer? Cook frozen Morey’s salmon at 400°F for 12-16 minutes depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 145°F internally.

Can I cook Morey’s salmon without an air fryer? Absolutely! You can bake it in the oven at 375°F, pan-sauté it, or grill it. See the alternative cooking methods section above for detailed instructions.

What’s the best Morey’s salmon flavor? It’s personal preference! Seasoned Grill is the most popular for its versatile BBQ flavor, but Lemon Herb is perfect for lighter meals and Steakhouse delivers bold, peppery taste.

Is Morey’s salmon already cooked? No, Morey’s salmon is raw and pre-marinated. It must be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F before eating.

Can I use the marinade in the pouch? Yes! Pour the extra marinade from the pouch over the fillet before cooking for more intense flavor. It’s perfectly safe and adds moisture.

How do I know when Morey’s salmon is done? The salmon is done when it reaches 145°F internally, flakes easily with a fork, and appears opaque throughout. A meat thermometer is the most reliable method.

Is the skin edible on Morey’s salmon? Yes, salmon skin is edible and nutritious. When air fried, it becomes crispy and delicious. You can also remove it easily with a spatula after cooking if you prefer.

Can I cook multiple fillets at once? Yes, but don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between fillets for air circulation. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.

What sides go best with Morey’s salmon? Roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, salads, and coleslaw all pair beautifully. See the serving suggestions section for more ideas.

Is Morey’s salmon healthy? Yes! It’s wild-caught, high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, low in calories, and rich in vitamins D and B12. It’s one of the healthiest proteins available.

How long does Morey’s salmon last in the freezer? Properly stored at 0°F, Morey’s frozen salmon maintains best quality for 6-12 months. Check the package for the specific best-by date.

Why Air Frying is Perfect for Morey’s Salmon

The air fryer has become the go-to method for cooking Morey’s marinated salmon, and for good reason:

Locks in Moisture: The rapid circulation of hot air creates a sealed exterior that traps moisture inside, preventing the salmon from drying out.

Crispy Marinade: The high heat caramelizes the marinade, creating a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flaky.

No Fish Smell: Unlike stovetop cooking, air frying produces minimal odor, so your kitchen won’t smell fishy for hours afterward.

Foolproof Timing: Set the timer and walk away. No flipping, no babysitting, no worrying about burning. The air fryer does all the work.

Healthier Cooking: Air frying requires minimal added oil compared to pan-frying, keeping the calorie count low while still achieving crispy results.

Energy Efficient: Air fryers preheat in minutes and use less energy than heating a full-size oven, saving money on utility bills.

Consistent Results: Once you find your perfect cooking time, the air fryer delivers identical results every time, taking the guesswork out of cooking salmon.

Final Thoughts

Morey’s Salmon Air Fryer cooking transforms weeknight dinners from stressful to simple. These pre-marinated, wild-caught frozen fillets deliver restaurant-quality flavor and texture with minimal effort, making them the ultimate solution for busy families who refuse to compromise on health or taste.

The combination of Morey’s chef-inspired marinades, premium Alaskan salmon, and the air fryer’s cooking magic creates perfectly cooked fish every single time. Whether you choose the bold Seasoned Grill, sophisticated Steakhouse, fresh Lemon Herb, or trendy Mike’s Hot Honey variety, you’re guaranteed a delicious, nutritious meal in under 20 minutes from freezer to table.

With no thawing required, minimal cleanup, and endless serving possibilities, Morey’s salmon in the air fryer proves that healthy eating can be effortless. Stock your freezer with a few packages, and you’ll always have a gourmet dinner option ready when you need it.

Recipe Summary

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