Delicious Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Recipe (How to Cook)

Prepare delicious air fryer frozen salmon in a few simple steps. Salmon fillets (or filets, whichever you prefer) are a great option for numerous diets and provide essential nutrients that foster a healthy lifestyle. While fresh salmon, or any fresh fish, is optimal when all things are equal, air fryer frozen salmon is my favorite way to prepare a quick, tasty fish feast!

Pairings

This is part two of my three-part series of frozen fish recipes. Once you commit to this light and healthy meal option, I always like to have my sides ready too. Fresh green beans pair nicely with this dish. I’d also recommend steamed or grilled asparagus. If you’re in the mood for some southwestern flair, add some corn, pineapple, black beans, and rice to your plate. It’s a great way to fill out your menu.

Did you know salmons change the color of their body on their way from the ocean to the freshwater habitats during the mating season? Pretty cool, huh? Learn more tidbits about salmon at justfunfacts.com here.

Nutritional Facts

The following nutrition information is provided by the USDA for 3 ounces (85g) of raw, wild Atlantic salmon. Source - verywellfit.com

• Calories: 121
• Fat: 5.4g
• Sodium: 37.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 17g

Salmon is also naturally free of carbohydrates, including fiber and sugar. Therefore, if you’re on a low-carb diet, this meal is a must-have for any new plan. The fatty acids will vary based on whether it’s farm-raised or wild-caught.

Types of Salmon

All salmon is not created equal. There are various types of salmon, and each type has multiple names. The top six according to thespruceeats.com are king salmon (chinook), silver salmon (coho), pink salmon (humpback), sockeye salmon (red), Atlantic salmon (salmo salar), and chum salmon (dog/silverbrite/keta). Learn all about the differences, flavors, and other fun facts from the website. I prefer Atlantic or sockeye, which I used for this recipe.

Cooking Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

I like to follow the same cooking formula for all my posts. My hope is that the sequence, ingredients, and simplicity of the process help you to fall in love with air frying. This amazing machine can turn anyone into a good cook. That’s a fact.

Needs: Air Fryer, Air Fryer Basket, Salmon (Frozen), Cooking Spray, Oil, Lemon Juice, Pepper, Brown Sugar, Garlic Powder, Spices, and Greens

Step 1: Wipe your basket

Always wipe your air fryer basket with some olive oil using a paper towel to prevent sticking. You can also use a non-aerosol EVOO mister and spray your basket. Try to limit the use of cooking sprays, they will damage your basket over time.

Step 2: Heat

Preheat your air fryer to 380 for 5 minutes.

NOTE: You should pre-heat your air fryer for the best results. This will allow you to get a nice, even cook across your tilapia. You need the hot air to circulate so you get that crispy texture. And if you have time, thaw your salmon in water for 5-10 minutes too.

Step 3: Prepare topping mixture

If you just applied some lemon juice and dropped it in the fryer, that would taste great. However, I prefer to spice it up to enhance the flavor of my fish. Create a spice mixture that suits your pallet. I’ll use lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and some maple syrup. Whisk these ingredients together in a small bowl and set off to the side. You’ll add this after you flip the salmon.

Step 4: Oil and Arrange

Add a little olive oil to each salmon filet and arrange them in a single layer on the bottom of the air fryer, allowing for some space between each piece. This will ensure the best results.

Step 5: Cook Time

I typically use timing combinations that are easy to remember. This is easy. 6+6 equals deliciousness!

Cook for 6 minutes. Then open the basket and flip them over. Add your sauce mixture here, generously covering the top of the salmon.

Cook for another 6 minutes. Open and check the fish. Once it turns light pink, you’re done. A common mistake is to overcook your fish. Salmon cooks quickly and the amount of time varies based on the thickness. You may need to adjust your cook time up or down 1-2 minutes per side based on the size of your filet.

Remove from basket and serve. You’ll want to serve this immediately. Cooked salmon cools down quickly.

NOTE: All air fryers are not created equal so you may need to adjust the time by a few minutes. The best thing to do is keep trying! Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and make sure you hit around 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Plating and Sides

If you watch The Food Network you know that plating is everything. I’m a Food Network junkie, hence the name of this blog. Punch up your meal with some trendy plates, bowls, and serving trays. If it looks good, it has to taste good!

Salmon is very versatile. The crisp skin, low odor, and light flavor work well as a quick lunch or full-blown dinner entree. Add some greens, fruit, and the drink of your choice to enhance the experience. It’s a classy pivot from finger foods, fried foods, and pasta!

Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings. A salmon bowl is a nice variation. Just combine your favorite veggies, sauces, and greens. Yes, it tastes just as good when it’s piled high in a bowl.

Clean-up is a Snap

After you finish cooking your frozen salmon, it’s clean-up time. And that’s the best part about air frying. No mess here, it’s all self-contained. Just soak your basket while you eat, then rinse, wipe, and store after you’re done eating.

The Junkie Lifestyle

I close out all of my posts by emphasizing the same thing. Air frying is a lifestyle. It’s quick, fun, and casual. Just fry, eat and repeat! Salmon is the most popular fish in modern diets due to its vast health benefits so it benefits you to try it. And that’s my tip for today.

If you’re in the mood for another quick fish meal check on my recipe for frozen tilapia. That light, creamy whitefish is fantastic too.