The Best Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

This frozen salmon in the air fryer is one of my favorite easy air fryer recipes. It is the perfect recipe for when you are short on time.  In less than 20 minutes, you can have a juicy and flaky piece of air fryer salmon from frozen...that means zero thawing required!

By far my favorite protein is salmon.  I love the flavor! It is rich in protein (all 9 essential amino acids), essential fats including omega-3 fatty acids, as well as many vitamins and minerals.  This frozen salmon in the air fryer is super easy to make when you are pressed for time.  I like to use frozen salmon so we can get a nice crust on the outside before the inside over cooks.  I also use this method with steak in the air fryer. The result is tender and flaky salmon with an amazing crust on the outside.

I love to cook my proteins in the air fryer, like my Air Fryer Chicken Thighs or Air Fryer Whole Chicken.  Other things really great in the air fryer are Air Fryer Cheesy Asparagus and Air Fryer Baked Eggs.

When it come to this air fryer salmon recipe, I like to use simple seasonings.  All I ever need is salt, pepper, and garlic powder. There are so many seasoning options out there though, so feel free to make this frozen salmon in the air fryer your own.

This salmon dish pairs perfectly with a salad. I love making the salmon in the air fryer and using it as my protein for a salad with blue cheese. I also like to serve it with air fryer asparagus.

Ingredients needed

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this air fryer salmon recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For a printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Frozen salmon fillets cut into 6 ounce portions - This recipe can work with one to four salmon fillets.  My favorite frozen salmon is packaged in individual vacuumed sealed packages and each filet is approximately 6 ounces and about 2 inches thick.  It is a farmed salmon but I do not find the benefits of wild caught salmon worth the price.  With that said, you are welcome to use wild caught salmon and this recipe works with skin on or skinless salmon.

Oil spray - You can use an olive oil spray or you can brush the salmon with your favorite cooking oil.

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste - I like to sprinkle a good amount of kosher salt and black pepper onto my salmon filets before cooking.  You may be wondering how it sticks to a frozen filet.  You will soon find out!

Garlic powder - this is optional.  I just sprinkle a little right out of the spice jar without measuring.

How to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer

This section explains how to make this frozen salmon in the air fryer recipe, step by step. For a full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Step 1 - Pre-heat the air fryer at 390F for 5 minutes.  Remove the frozen salmon from the plastic wrapping.  Spray the inside of the air fryer basket with oil spray (I like to use an oil pump with avocado oil so there is no residue left in the air fryer from propellants).  You can also use parchment paper or aluminum foil instead of oil spray.

Step 2 - Add the salmon filets to the basket or air fryer oven tray and spray the tops with oil spray.  Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. No need to season the skin side unless you plan on eating the skin.

Step 3 - Air fry the salmon at 390F for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 135F using an internal meat thermometer inserted halfway into the thickest portion of the salmon.  Let rest for 10 minutes.  The salmon should come up to 145F after resting (check with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the salmon).  If your salmon is thinner, the cook time will be shorter.  For thin salmon, check the temperature after 8 minutes. The salmon should easily flake with a fork.

Serve with your favorite side dish. My son loves salmon and rice or potatoes! Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 40 days.

Tips for the best air fryer frozen salmon

• If it is difficult to remove the frozen salmon from the plastic wrapping, run the salmon filets under cold water for a few minutes until the plastic releases from the salmon.
• A meat thermometer is essential to avoid overcooking or undercooking your frozen salmon in the air fryer.
• Salmon pairs well with lots of different seasoning variations but the most common would be a sweet glaze like honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup and also sour like a lemon juice and dill seasoning or lemon pepper, and garlic and herb.
• Try to find a thicker salmon filet if you can.  Thin salmon filets tend to overcook really quickly.

Is frozen salmon as healthy as fresh?

Almost all fresh salmon is frozen as soon as it is caught (unless you catch it yourself) to preserve freshness.  Then it is shipped to various markets and thawed.

Should I buy farmed or wild caught salmon?

This is totally at your discretion.  I think you should buy what you prefer and what you can afford.  Please do not let anyone shame you into thinking one is better than the other.  Both wild and farmed salmon have low levels of mercury and are both high in health benefits.

More easy salmon recipes

• Baked Salmon in foil - This recipe has an amazing seasoning that you could use for this frozen salmon in the air fryer recipe.  You could probably cut the seasoning recipe in half.
• Lemon Pepper Baked Salmon - This is another amazing seasoning recipe that could be used for this air fryer salmon.
• Air Fryer Salmon - Here is a great recipe if you salmon is already thawed.
• Pan Seared Salmon and Avocado Salsa - Make this air fryer frozen salmon a complete meal and pair it with this avocado salsa.

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