Air fryer frozen salmon is a game-changer for busy weeknight dinners, delivering restaurant-quality results in just 15 minutes. This perfectly cooked salmon fillet packs an impressive 34g of protein while keeping preparation hassle-free.
With minimal prep and cleanup, you’ll achieve that coveted crispy exterior and tender, flaky center that makes salmon so irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or kitchen novice, this foolproof method ensures consistently delicious results every time.
Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- Salmon Filets: 2 frozen pieces (6 ounces each), no need to thaw
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for brushing, ensures moisture retention
- Seasonings: ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
- Butter: 2 tablespoons melted, for rich flavor
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed, adds brightness
- Garlic: 1 clove grated, for aromatic touch
- Parsley: Fresh minced, perfect for garnishing
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheating: Set air fryer to 350°F/175°C for 5 minutes, spray basket with oil
- Initial Cooking: Place salmon skin-side down, brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, cook at 380°F/190°C for 6 minutes
- Garlic Butter Magic: Mix melted butter with lemon juice and garlic in a bowl
- Final Touch: Brush salmon with garlic butter mixture, continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until done
- Serving: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon squeeze, serve over rice or salad
Cooking Tips
Air frying salmon is super simple, but here are some helpful pointers! Make sure your salmon filets are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. You’ll know your salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and has a nice, light pink color throughout. If you like your salmon more well-done, add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. The butter-lemon-garlic coating creates a lovely golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Easy Swaps
Feel free to play around with this recipe! If you’re watching your dairy intake, swap the butter for olive oil or coconut oil. No fresh garlic? Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder instead. You can also switch up the flavors by adding different herbs – dill, thyme, or rosemary all work great with salmon. For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
Serving Ideas
This air fryer salmon is so flexible! Pair it with roasted vegetables and quinoa for a healthy dinner. For a lighter meal, flake the salmon over a fresh green salad with avocado. Love Asian flavors? Serve it over brown rice with steamed broccoli and a drizzle of soy sauce. The leftovers make an amazing salmon salad sandwich for lunch the next day!
Storage Tips
Keep your cooked salmon fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, warm it gently in the microwave or enjoy it cold on a salad. Just remember that seafood is best enjoyed within the first day or two after cooking for the freshest taste and texture.
Frozen Salmon In The Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 frozen salmon filets about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 clove garlic grated
- Fresh parsley minced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer using the pre-heat function or by heating it at 350ºF/175ºC for 5 minutes. Once preheated, spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Add the salmon skin side down to the air fryer basket and brush the filets with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook at 380ºF/190ºC for 6 minutes.
- In a small bowl, stir together the butter, lemon juice, and grated garlic. Brush the garlic butter over the salmon filets and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until your desired doneness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Enjoy this salmon on a salad, over rice, or with your favorite sides.
