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Forgot to thaw your salmon? No problem. This quick air fryer frozen salmon method takes you from freezer to flaky, flavorful fillets in under 20 minutes. No defrosting needed, no mess, and no stress.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Recipe
I love recipes that feel like a little dinner upgrade but come together faster than takeout. This air fryer frozen salmon is one of those secrets. I was skeptical at first, but the moment I seasoned the salmon halfway through and saw how perfectly it cooked, I was sold. The air fryer works its magic on frozen fillets, giving you tender insides and just the right crisp around the edges.
This recipe is a lifesaver when you forget to thaw fish or just need a healthy, protein-rich dinner in a pinch. It’s gluten-free, paleo, and adaptable for keto eaters too. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted veggies, white rice, or a vibrant salmon bowl with kimchi and avocado.
If you enjoy meals like my teriyaki salmon in the air fryer or crispy air fryer drumsticks, you’ll love this one too.
Watch a Short Video of This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen Salmon Fillets: Look for 6-ounce fillets. Wild-caught is ideal, but any salmon will work. Keep the skin on if possible for texture and ease.
- Cooking Spray: Use avocado oil or olive oil spray to lightly coat your air fryer basket. This prevents sticking and helps crisp the skin.
- Seasoning Blend: A simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and ground black pepper. The key is adding it halfway through cooking so it actually sticks to the fish.
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Spray the air fryer basket or tray and place the frozen salmon fillets skin side down. Cook for 7 minutes.
Step 2: While that happens, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Step 3: After 7 minutes, remove the basket and sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the tops of the fillets.
Step 4: Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for another 6 to 9 minutes, depending on the thickness. You’re aiming for an internal temp of 125°F to 130°F for tender, medium salmon, or 145°F for fully cooked, per FDA guidance. Serve right away with your favorite sides.
Cook Time Guide by Fillet Size
- 6 oz fillet: 12 to 13 minutes total
- 8 oz fillet: 14 to 16 minutes total
- Thicker fillets (1+ inch): Check at 16 minutes and continue in 1-minute increments if needed
Tips & Variations
- Fresh Salmon: You can use fresh fillets too. Spray and season before cooking, and air fry at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes.
- Serving Ideas: Build a salmon bowl with white rice, greens, kimchi, avocado, cucumber, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo. Or serve with my chili lime tilapia for a duo dinner.
- Air Fryer Size: A 4 to 5 quart air fryer works best. It prevents overcrowding so the salmon cooks evenly.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes or on the stovetop with a little oil.
Make It a Meal
Pair your salmon with:
- A simple lemon vinaigrette over greens
- Steamed white rice or quinoa
- Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- A quick cucumber salad
Recipe FAQs
Yes. No thawing is needed. Just season partway through and cook until flaky.
About 12 to 16 minutes total depending on thickness.
Nope. Place it straight from the freezer into the air fryer.
Cook it just until done and season partway through. Cooking to medium (125°F to 130°F) gives a tender texture.
Pair Your Salmon with These Air Fryer Side Dishes
Recipe
10-Minute Roasted Air Fryer Tomatoes
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Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe (with Bacon)
Side Dishes
Gluten-Free Air Fryer Biscuits | Dairy-Free Option
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Easy Air Fryer Frozen Salmon (Tender & Flaky)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 frozen salmon fillets about 6 oz each
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F.
- Spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray, and add the frozen salmon skin side down.
- Cook for 7 minutes. While the salmon is cooking, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl and stir together.
- Sprinkle the top of the salmon all over with the spice blend.
- Place back in the air fryer for 6-9 minutes depending on the thickness of the salmon until it reaches 145 degrees F. (I personally like to cook it to medium – around 125-130 degrees – for a more tender texture, but 145 is the recommended temperature for food safety.)
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Serving: Serve with your favorite side dishes like rice and vegetables. I love to make a rice bowl with greens, avocado, kimchi, cucumbers, sriracha, and mayo. Feel free to squeeze lemon juice on top to add fresh flavor and brightness.
- Fresh Salmon: You can use fresh salmon fillets instead of frozen ones. You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time.
- Air Fryer: If you are looking to invest in an air fryer, I recommend getting one that is at least 4-5 qts. The larger size keeps you from overcrowding when cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a bit of cooking oil or air fry for 5 minutes at 375 degrees.
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Love your recipes and site! Do you think this would still be yummy without the paprika and black pepper? I am on the AIP elimination phase and cannot use either one. Is there another AIP-compliant spice that would be a good replacement? This girl is not a chef! Lol. Thanks!
Hi Kim – You can use any spice combo you like! Just salt would be fine as well, maybe with some onion and garlic powder. Hope you enjoy!
Can this recipe be doubled in the air fryer or can I only cook 2 filets at a time? I just got my air fryer and haven’t used it much.
No- you can double it if you want!