Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

Name: Easy Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 6- oz frozen skinless salmon fillets; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛-¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Lemon wedges (for serving)

By Samantha ErbPublished Jul 24, 2024

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4.41 from 84 votes

Total Time 25

Servings 2 servings

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I have to share my best recipe for making frozen salmon in the air fryer. My recipe is foolproof and results in a flaky flavorful fish every time!

fork cutting piece of soft and flakey salmon fillet cooked in air fryer

My Favorite Way to Air Fry Frozen Salmon

I love a good salmon recipe, but let’s be honest. I can’t say I always remember to take it out of the freezer to let it thaw. Hence, how I first started cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer.

I remember the first time it happened. I came home from a long day and went to grab the salmon to air fry it. I opened the fridge and realized it was still in the freezer. At this point, I had already tested tons of other frozen foods in the air fryer, so I figured why not try salmon.

I seasoned the salmon and air fried it, and I was really impressed with the texture and flakiness the fish still had. Now, when I’m looking for a dinner option, I’ve found myself purposefully pulling the salmon out of the freezer to make this recipe.

And, if love a good air fryer seafood recipe, try my recipes for air fryer cod, air fryer shrimp, air fryer tilapia, air fryer flounder, and air fryer salmon using fresh fish.

prepared ingredients for air fryer frozen salmon

Frozen Salmon Air Fryer Recipe Ingredients

Frozen salmon – I used about 6 oz sized fillets
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Cayenne pepper
Fresh lemons — for serving

How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F.

STEP TWO: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne. Brush the mixture on the top and bottom of each fillet.

STEP THREE: Place the salmon a single layer inside the air fryer basket and cook for 12 to 18 minutes until it reaches 145 degrees F.

place seasoned frozen salmon fillets in air fryer

Substitution and Variations For Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Defrost the salmon by removing it from the air fryer basket or tray after 6 minutes of air frying. I love to do this to add other seasonings on it and then I cook it for another 6-12 minutes to let it finish cooking.
Add a spicy kick using a little cayenne or some Cajun or blackened seasoning. I have used all three, and each is delicious on a fillet.
Grate some lemon or lime zest on top of the salmon before cooking to give it a citrusy twist. I serve this recipe with lemon, but I will zest a little on top if I want that extra lemon flavor.
Use fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Add some sweetness by throwing a little brown sugar in the seasoning.
Brush the salmon with maple syrup for a delicious glaze.

flip salmon fillets to cook evenly in air fryer

What to Serve with Air Fry Frozen Salmon

Salmon is a healthier fish protein that’s high in omega-3s and fatty acids, so I like to keep the rest of my dinner on the healthier side by pairing it with air fryer asparagus, air fryer baby carrots, or air fryer frozen green beans.

If I’m feeling a little more indulgent, I will treat it like a true fish fry with coleslaw and a side of fries like my air fryer french fries, air fryer tater tots, or even frozen fries in the air fryer.

air fryer frozen salmon fillet on plate with lemon slices

Frozen Salmon in the air Fryer FAQs

Does Salmon Need to be Thawed Before Air Frying?

No, I created my recipe to use frozen salmon straight from the freezer. Thawed salmon will air fry at a different time and temperature, like in this fresh air fryer salmon recipe.

How Long to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

I find cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer takes about 15 minutes to cook when it’s preheated at 390 degrees. Thinner fillets can take as little as 12 minutes while thicker fillets may take up to 18 minutes.

Storage Tips for Salmon Fillets

Let the leftover salmon fully cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

plate with two air fryer salmon fillets with lemon slices

Can I Leave the Skin When I Cook Air Fryer SAlmon From Frozen?

Leaving the skin on salmon is a matter of preference. If I have skin-on salmon in the freezer, I leave it on, but I also buy skinless fillets. My recipe works either way! Just cook it skin side down in the air fryer.

How to Know When Air Fryer Salmon is Done Cooking

Salmon should be cooked until it reaches 145 degrees F at its thickest point using an instant-read thermometer. The fillets should also flake easily when pressed gently with a fork. If it doesn’t flake, I let it cook for another 2 minutes and then try again.

air fryer salmon fillets on white plate with lemon slices

Does Frozen Salmon Taste as Good as Fresh Salmon?

I find fresh salmon tastes fresher than frozen salmon. That said, when I air fry frozen salmon, it still tastes incredible, especially when being in a pinch for dinner. So, aim for air frying fresh salmon, but it’s completely okay to forget it and air fry it from frozen when needed.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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4.41 from 84 votes

Easy Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

By: Samantha Erb

A flaky and flavorful way to make frozen salmon in the air fryer. It's so easy and perfect for last minute weeknight dinners!

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings: servings

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne. Brush the mixture on the top of each fillet.*
Place the frozen fillets in a single layer inside and cook for 12 to 18 minutes, depending on thickness, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

*Alternatively, you can cook the salmon without the seasoning for 6 minutes, then brush it onto the defrosted fillets and continue to cook for 6-12 minutes until cooked through.

Nutrition

This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.

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4.41 from 84 votes (81 ratings without comment)

6 Comments

Sue says:

June 10, 2024 at 4:30 pm

I must say that I was skeptical. Air frying frozen salmon ?? Who knew. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a tad salty for me but that is easily remedied. I will definitely make this again and change it up just a little.

1. Sam says:
  
  June 12, 2024 at 6:22 pm
  
  Hi Sue, So glad you enjoyed it!
Myshika says:

December 18, 2025 at 9:01 pm

My family loved this! I always dry out my salmon and it turns out bland no matter what I do, but not this time!

1. Sam says:
  
  December 19, 2025 at 1:25 pm
  
  Hi Myshika, I’m so glad you loved the recipe! This quick and easy recipe is a staple in my house too.
Melanie Burger says:

February 1, 2026 at 9:26 pm

Added about a quarter tsp of dill to the spice mix but otherwise made as written. It was super easy and very delicious. Definitely going into the regular rotation.

1. Sam says:
  
  February 2, 2026 at 12:44 pm
  
  Hi Melanie, Dill sounds like a great addition! Thank you for your feedback.