Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer frozen salmon recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Frozen Salmon Fillets – You can use already frozen fillets from the store, or ones you froze yourself from another day. Just make sure they are similar in size, so they cook at the same rate. I find that narrow (approximately 5-6-ounce) fillets cook more evenly — and more quickly — than large pieces. My recipe here is designed to cook air fryer salmon from frozen, so if you have fresh salmon (already thawed), make my regular air fryer salmon instead. Olive Oil – This is my go-to for flavor and makes the fish crispy on the outside. Avocado oil works well, too. Lemon Juice – I just grabbed some bottled lemon juice because let’s be real, I hadn’t prepped at all. But fresh lemon juice would definitely be a game changer next time! Fresh Parsley – It’s totally optional, but tossing a tablespoon in there really brightens things up. If you’re out, you can substitute fresh dill, or a teaspoon of dried herbs also works. Spices – I stuck with the basics: garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. But if you’re in the mood for a kick, switch it up with my lemon pepper seasoning, or spicier Cajun or jerk seasoning. I go for these when it’s just us adults—my kids aren’t quite ready for the heat! If you lean towards sweet flavors, you’ve got to try my maple salmon marinade. It leaves a savory, sticky glaze on the salmon that’s just perfect out of the air fryer.
How To Cook Frozen Salmon In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually repurpose them for a whole new dish (see ideas below). Reheat: You might guess that the air fryer is my top choice for reheating salmon. Just dial down the temperature a bit from the initial cooking—too high and it’ll brown too much. A quick 2 minutes at 350 degrees F should do the trick. While the microwave can work in a rush, it tends to dry out the fish, so I’d stick with the air fryer if you can. Freeze: You can freeze cooked salmon wrapped in aluminum foil or in a freezer bag for up to 3 months (double wrapping works best). But like most fish recipes, this one tastes better fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer frozen salmon is for those nights when you didn’t have time to plan! So, I recommend sides that are just as easy:
Give the salmon space in the basket. If they fillets are stuck together when frozen, check after a couple of minutes and spread them out as soon as you can. If your salmon comes with skin, start with it skin side down. Then, flip it skin side up just before you hit that final cooking phase. This little flip helps get the skin extra crispy! Check the internal temperature for best results. My frozen salmon in the air fryer typically takes about 5 minutes in the first step and an 8-minute cooking time in the final step, but it can vary, so I always check with my meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet. I aim for 130-135 degrees F for that perfect, buttery flaky texture. If you prefer a different doneness, aim for 125 degrees F for medium rare, 130 degrees F for medium, 135 degrees F for medium well, or 140 degrees F for well done. No thermometer? Use a fork instead. This method is less foolproof, but you can check that your fish flakes easily with a fork instead. Make sure it doesn’t turn almost white—that’s overdone.
I often use my leftover salmon to whip up a salmon bowl or a creamy salmon salad, because I can throw in any leftover veggies I have with those. It’s also delicious swapped out for chicken in my Cobb salad, stirred into some fried rice, or mixed into pasta or zoodles smothered in Alfredo sauce.
Asparagus – This vegetable cooks the fastest, so it’s my go-to with salmon. You can make roasted asparagus or sauteed asparagus while you have your frozen salmon in the air fryer, or whip up air fryer asparagus in just a few minutes right after. Other Veggies – My other favorites are brussels sprouts (but they must be charred and crispy!), zucchini (in a gazillion different ways including zoodles), and eggplant (with plenty of olive oil). Sauteed broccoli also makes a quick side option. Salad – We always had fresh leafless salads growing up, like tomato cucumber salad or radish salad, but my daughter really loves kale salad with maple dressing. You can’t go wrong with just about any of my other healthy salad recipes! Starches – I’m more of a mashed cauliflower or cauliflower rice kind of girl, but if you need something more filling, a simple side of air fryer potatoes or regular rice will do the trick.
More Quick Air Fryer Recipes
I don’t know what I ever did without my air fryer! If you liked this quick and easy air fryer frozen salmon, try some of my other mains in your air fryer next:
My Tools For This Recipe
Air Fryer – Can’t make air fried frozen salmon without one! I’ve tried a few, and my current one is by far the best. The basket size is large, while the whole thing doesn’t feel too big. Instant Read Thermometer – This little gadget gives me an accurate temp in just seconds, so I always know exactly when my salmon is perfectly cooked.
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