Can You Put Frozen Salmon in an Air Fryer?

If you’ve ever stood in front of your freezer at dinner time wondering if you can you put frozen salmon in an air fryer, you’re not alone. The short answer is yes, you absolutely can—and it’s one of the easiest ways to cook salmon straight from frozen with no thawing required.

Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer takes just 12-16 minutes and delivers perfectly flaky, moist fish with minimal effort. Whether you’re short on time or simply forgot to defrost, this method will become your new go-to for quick, healthy weeknight dinners.

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Why Air Frying Frozen Salmon Works So Well

Air fryers circulate hot air around food, creating an even cooking environment that’s ideal for frozen fish. Unlike traditional oven cooking, the air fryer’s concentrated heat thaws and cooks salmon efficiently without drying it out.

Key benefits of air fryer salmon from frozen:

No defrosting necessary—cook straight from the freezer
Ready in 12-16 minutes total
Crispy skin with tender, flaky interior
Healthier than pan-frying with minimal oil needed
Easy cleanup with no splatter

The best part? You don’t sacrifice quality for convenience. When done correctly, frozen salmon cooked in an air fryer rivals fresh fish in both texture and flavor.

Choosing the Right Frozen Salmon for Air Frying

Not all frozen salmon is created equal when it comes to air fryer cooking. Here’s what to look for:

Best types of frozen salmon:

Atlantic salmon: Higher fat content keeps fish moist during cooking
Skin-on fillets: The skin crisps beautifully and protects the flesh
Center-cut portions: Uniform thickness ensures even cooking
1 to 1.5-inch thick fillets: Ideal thickness for the two-stage cooking method

Individually wrapped frozen salmon portions work best since they resist freezer burn and cook more evenly. Look for wild-caught varieties from brands like Costco, Whole Foods, Gorton’s, or Morey’s for quality results.

How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

There are two proven methods for cooking air fryer frozen salmon, depending on your preferred temperature and timing.

Method 1: Two-Stage Approach (390°F-400°F)

This method ensures the salmon thaws properly before finishing.

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes
Remove any ice from frozen salmon fillets and pat dry
Place salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket
Air fry at 390°F for 6-9 minutes (this defrosts the fish)
Brush with olive oil or avocado oil and season with salt and pepper
Add lemon slices on top if desired
Continue air frying for 5-8 more minutes until salmon flakes easily

Total cooking time: 12-16 minutes depending on thickness

Method 2: Single-Stage Method (400°F)

For a simpler approach, some recipes recommend cooking at a consistent temperature.

Instructions:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes
Lightly spray basket with oil
Place frozen salmon skin-side down
Cook for 10-12 minutes total, checking for doneness

Both methods work excellently. The two-stage approach gives you more control over seasoning, while the single-stage method is faster and simpler.

Seasoning Ideas for Air Fryer Salmon

Simple seasonings work best since you want the salmon’s natural flavor to shine through.

Classic options:

Salt, pepper, and fresh lemon slices
Olive oil with garlic powder and paprika
Cajun or lemon pepper seasoning (add after initial thawing to prevent burning)

Glazes and sauces:

Honey garlic glaze (coconut aminos, honey, minced garlic)
Teriyaki sauce
Dijon mustard coating
Maple syrup with soy sauce

For more creative air fryer salmon recipes and flavor combinations, check out these delicious air fryer salmon recipes that take your frozen fish to the next level.

How to Know When Your Air Fryer Salmon Is Done

Proper doneness is crucial for both safety and taste.

Visual cues:

Salmon should be opaque throughout
Flesh flakes easily when scraped with a fork
Edges should be slightly crispy and browned
Skin (if present) should be crispy

Temperature guidelines:

USDA recommendation: 145°F (63°C) internal temperature
For medium doneness: 125-135°F (52-57°C) for more moist, tender results

Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet for accuracy. Many chefs prefer cooking salmon to medium (around 125°F) for optimal texture, though those who are pregnant or immunocompromised should follow the FDA guideline of 145°F.

Tips for Perfect Frozen Salmon Every Time

Before cooking:

Remove excess ice or water by patting with paper towels
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook 1-2 fillets at a time for best results
Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking

During cooking:

Place salmon skin-side down to protect the flesh and crisp the skin
Don’t flip the salmon—the air fryer’s circulation cooks it evenly
Apply oil and seasonings after the initial thaw stage to prevent burning

For best results:

Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness (thinner = less time, thicker = more time)
Each air fryer model heats differently, so monitor your first batch closely
Avoid using too much oil, which can make the skin soggy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple process, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping the preheat: Not preheating leads to uneven cooking and less crispy results
Overcrowding the basket: This restricts airflow and causes soggy, unevenly cooked salmon
Using too much oil: A light spray is all you need; excess oil prevents crisping
Not checking the thickest part: Always verify doneness at the thickest section
Seasoning too early: Add seasonings after the initial thaw phase to prevent burning

What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Pair your perfectly cooked salmon with complementary sides for a complete meal:

Vegetable sides:

Air fryer frozen broccoli or asparagus
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Steamed green beans
Sautéed bok choy

Starch options:

White rice or cauliflower rice
Quinoa or farro
Roasted sweet potatoes
Air fryer frozen potatoes

Fresh additions:

Mixed green salad with vinaigrette
Cucumber salad
Coleslaw

The mild flavor of salmon pairs beautifully with both bold and subtle flavors, making it incredibly versatile.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Salmon

Refrigerator storage: Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer storage: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating methods:

Air fryer: 350°F for 3-4 minutes
Microwave: Medium power for 30 seconds with a splash of water
Stovetop: Gentle warming in a covered pan

For best texture, avoid reheating salmon at high temperatures, which can dry it out.

Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

If you have fresh salmon instead of frozen, the cooking process is even simpler:

Fresh salmon cooking times:

Farm-raised Atlantic salmon: 400°F for 7-9 minutes
Wild-caught salmon (thinner): 390°F for 5-7 minutes

Simply brush fresh fillets with oil, season, and cook in one step—no thawing phase needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook salmon in the air fryer without thawing? Yes! That’s the beauty of this method. You can cook frozen salmon directly from the freezer with excellent results.

Do you need to flip frozen salmon in the air fryer? No. Place salmon skin-side down and leave it. The circulating air cooks it evenly without flipping.

What temperature should I cook frozen salmon? Most recipes use 390-400°F. The two-stage method uses 390°F for thawing and cooking, while the single-stage method maintains 400°F throughout.

How long does it take to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer? Expect 12-16 minutes total, depending on thickness. Thinner fillets need about 12 minutes, while thicker center-cut portions may need up to 16 minutes.

Can you cook frozen salmon with skin in the air fryer? Absolutely! In fact, skin-on salmon works best. The skin gets crispy while protecting the flesh from drying out.

Does frozen salmon taste as good as fresh? When cooked properly in the air fryer, frozen salmon is remarkably close to fresh in both taste and texture, especially when using high-quality frozen fillets.

Final Thoughts

So, can you put frozen salmon in an air fryer? Not only can you, but you absolutely should! This cooking method delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy dinner fast.

The key is choosing quality frozen salmon fillets, preheating your air fryer, and following the proper temperature and timing guidelines. Whether you opt for the two-stage thawing method or the simpler single-stage approach, you’ll have perfectly cooked, flaky salmon in under 20 minutes.

No more waiting hours for fish to thaw or dealing with last-minute dinner stress. With your air fryer and a few frozen salmon fillets in the freezer, you’re always prepared for a nutritious, delicious meal that’s ready before you know it.