How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

Hi there! I’m Sarah, the cook behind Airfryer Diaries. I grew up by my mom’s side in the kitchen, watching her turn simple ingredients into comforting meals filled with love. After losing her, I turned to cooking as a way to keep her memory alive. Every recipe I share is inspired by those early moments especially the ones that taught me food is more than fuel; it’s connection.

This blog is my tribute to her. And today, I’m showing you how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer a quick, flavorful way to make healthy meals without stress or thawing.

Whether you’re rushing through a weeknight dinner or just craving something light and flaky, frozen salmon in the air fryer is your best friend. It cooks fast, stays juicy inside, and gets perfectly crisp on the edges. Plus, no thawing required.

We’ll go step by step through preparation, timing, flavor tips, what sides to serve, and how to avoid common mistakes. And yes, I’ll even cover how to keep salmon patties from falling apart, so you can make them without the mess.

Check out: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes for Busy Nights

Let’s get into it because great meals don’t need to be complicated. They just need to be made with care.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Cooking Frozen Salmon

Benefits of Air Frying Frozen Salmon at Home

Wondering how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer without thawing? You’re not alone—and yes, it’s surprisingly easy. The air fryer is perfect for quick, healthy meals. It crisps the outside, keeps the inside moist, and does it all in under 15 minutes.

No thawing, no oily pans just clean, fast cooking. You save time, cut calories, and still get great texture and flavor. It’s ideal for busy nights or when you forget to defrost dinner.

Check out: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes for Busy Nights

Air Frying vs Other Cooking Methods

Once you know how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, you’ll skip the oven for good. It’s cleaner, faster, and better for weeknight meals. Learn the best way to cook salmon right from the freezer no stress required.

Discover more like this: Top 10 Healthy Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

SARAH

Quick, healthy, and juicy frozen salmon fillets cooked straight in the air fryer no thawing needed. A flavorful dinner in under 15 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Tongs or Spatula
• Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

  

• Frozen salmon fillets skin-on or skinless
• Olive oil or spray to coat fillets
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Garlic powder optional
• Lemon juice optional, for serving

Instructions

 

• Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–4 minutes.
• Remove frozen salmon from packaging. If needed, separate fillets by running under cold water.
• Brush salmon with oil or spray lightly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Place fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
• Cook for 12–15 minutes depending on thickness. No need to flip. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Drizzle with lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Use a sugar-based glaze only in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking to avoid burning. Works well with dry rubs and simple marinades.

Keyword Air Fryer, Frozen, Healthy, Quick, Salmon

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Preparing Frozen Salmon for the Air Fryer

Do You Need to Thaw Salmon Before Air Frying?

Nope, you don’t need to thaw! One of the best things about knowing how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer is that you can skip defrosting completely. Just take the fillets out of the freezer, season them, and place them straight into the air fryer.

Thawing not only takes extra time, but it can also affect texture. Air frying frozen salmon cooks it evenly while locking in moisture so the flavor stays rich and the texture stays flaky.

Want to upgrade your air fryer game? Try an air fryer with rotisserie features for added cooking flexibility beyond just salmon.

How to Season Frozen Salmon Without Thawing

Even frozen, salmon can hold flavor well. Here’s how to do it:

1. Lightly brush with olive oil or use a quick oil spray.
2. Sprinkle seasoning salt, pepper, garlic powder, or a seafood blend.
3. Add a sauce or glaze in the last few minutes if desired.

A little oil helps seasoning stick, and cooking locks everything in. With these steps, you’re ready to air fry straight from the freezer.

Using a reliable model like the Ninja Air Fryer 4 Quart makes it even easier to cook frozen salmon perfectly every time.

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

Cooking Instructions for Perfectly Crispy, Moist Salmon

Learning how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer is all about timing and temperature. You don’t need to thaw or prep much just follow these simple steps:

Step-by-step air fryer frozen salmon recipe:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–4 minutes.
2. Remove salmon from packaging. If needed, separate fillets by running under cold water.
3. Brush lightly with oil, then season both sides with your favorite spices.
4. Place salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s space between fillets.
5. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. No flipping required.
6. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
7. Rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Store leftovers easily with these durable microwave-safe meal prep containers perfect for busy weeks.

This method works great for plain fillets, herb-seasoned versions, or even glazed salmon. If you’re using a sugar-based glaze, add it during the last 2–3 minutes to avoid burning.

If you’re working with a small kitchen, a compact air fryer works perfectly for single portions.
Check out this top-rated compact air fryer on Amazon.

Recommended Time and Temperature Settings

Here’s a quick chart for frozen salmon cook times in different air fryers:

Discover more like this: Best Air Fryer Fish Recipes for Beginners

Air frying salmon from frozen is fast, easy, and foolproof no more guesswork, no more dry fillets.

Tips to Prevent Overcooking or Undercooking

How to Check Salmon for Doneness

When learning how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, doneness is key. Use a thermometer to check for 145°F in the thickest part. The salmon should flake easily and appear opaque, not translucent.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Even air frying has pitfalls. Avoid these:

Check out: Top Air Fryer Cooking Tips for Beginners

Following these tips ensures your salmon stays flaky, juicy, and never dry.

Best Seasonings and Marinades for Air Fryer Salmon

Top Dry Rubs, Marinades, and Sauces to Try

Knowing how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer is only half the journey flavor is the other. Even straight from the freezer, frozen salmon can take on bold taste when seasoned the right way.

Simple Dry Rub Ideas:

• Lemon pepper + garlic powder + paprika
• Cajun seasoning + olive oil
• Brown sugar + smoked paprika + sea salt

Go-To Marinades (brush on mid-cook or last 3 mins):

• Soy sauce + garlic + honey
• Dijon mustard + maple syrup
• Olive oil + dill + lemon juice

Quick Sauces to Serve On Top:

• Garlic herb butter
• Tzatziki or yogurt-dill
• Teriyaki glaze or lemon cream

Low-Sodium and Sugar-Free Flavoring Options

Want something healthier? You don’t need salt or sugar for great taste.

Brush fillets lightly with olive or avocado oil first this helps seasoning stick to the frozen surface.

Don’t miss our: Low-Sodium Air Fryer Recipes for Heart Health

The right seasoning makes a huge difference. Whether you go sweet, spicy, or savory, you can transform frozen salmon into something special in minutes.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Air-Fried Frozen Salmon

Quick Veggie Side Dishes

Once you know how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, pairing it with fast sides makes weeknight dinners effortless.

Easy veggies to try:

• Air-fried asparagus
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Sautéed spinach with garlic

These cook in under 10 minutes and add color, texture, and nutrients to your plate.

Check out: Air Fryer Vegetable Sides

Low-Carb & Protein-Rich Sides

Balance your salmon with smart, filling options:

That’s the beauty of how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer you can build healthy meals in minutes, with zero stress.

How to Store and Reheat Air-Fried Salmon

Storage Tips

After mastering how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, don’t let leftovers go to waste.

How to store it right:

• Cool completely
• Keep in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Freeze for up to 2 months

Reheating Without Drying It Out

Microwaving salmon dries it fast. The air fryer keeps it moist and flavorful.

Reheat like this:

1. Preheat to 350°F
2. Heat for 3–4 minutes
3. Add butter or lemon on top (optional)

Learning how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer also means knowing how to enjoy it again just as good the next day.

Nutritional Benefits of Air-Fried Frozen Salmon

Once you learn how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, you’re not just saving time you’re also making a healthy choice. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation.

Other key nutrients include:

• High-quality protein
• Vitamin D and B12
• Potassium and selenium

It’s a complete protein that fits into keto, paleo, and Mediterranean diets.

Check out: Top Health Benefits of Eating Salmon Weekly

FAQs: Quick Answers About Cooking Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

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