Ever forgotten to defrost dinner? Don’t panic! Your air fryer has your back. You can quickly and easily cook frozen salmon in the air fryer — no thawing required. In just a handful of minutes, you can whip up a flaky, flavorful meal that tastes like you planned ahead (even if you didn’t).
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
Defrosting frozen ingredients ahead of time is one of those tasks that often slips through the cracks at my house. But here’s the thing — you don’t actually need to thaw salmon filets ahead of time. In fact, cooking it straight from frozen is one of the best ways to cook salmon, thanks to your trusty air fryer.
Air fryer salmon is not only fast and easy to make, but it’s also perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy dinner without all the prep work. This method transforms frozen salmon into a delicious meal with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ready to learn how to make your new favorite weeknight meal? Let me show you the proven method that delivers perfect results every single time.
In This Article
How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
If you’re like me (and I know I am), there are plenty of nights that you forget to defrost something for dinner until it’s officially too late. But here’s the magic of cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer — you don’t need to plan ahead. Seriously!
That frozen block of fish sitting in your freezer can go straight into your air fryer. Add a few simple ingredients, and before you know it, you’ll have a healthy, flaky, perfectly cooked alpha-gal friendly dinner.
Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Cook the salmon to thaw it out a bit.
- Add olive oil and seasoning.
- Cook to perfection.
- Serve with your favorite sides, like creamy mashed potatoes, crispy roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans.
Related Article: How to Safely Use Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer
How to Enjoy Your Air Fryer Salmon
Air fryer salmon is like the little black dress of dinner options — it’s versatile, elegant, and works for almost any occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a no-fuss weeknight meal or something that feels a bit more special, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer salmon.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Keep It Simple
Sometimes, less is more. Pair your air fryer salmon with a side of roasted vegetables (think asparagus or Brussels sprouts) and your favorite starchy side. A fluffy mound of rice, a buttery baked potato, or even some crusty bread can turn your salmon into a cozy, comforting meal.
Build a Salmon Bowl
For a more colorful option, try a salmon bowl. Start with a base like quinoa, brown rice, or mixed greens. Add toppings like avocado slices, shredded carrots, pickled onions, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or a citrus vinaigrette. It’s a healthy dinner that feels indulgent, thanks to all those vibrant flavors and textures.
Make Salmon Tacos
Who doesn’t love tacos? Flake your air fryer salmon into bite-sized pieces and load them into warm tortillas. Top with a crunchy slaw, some salsa, and a dollop of creamy avocado crema. It’s an easy way to give Taco Tuesday a gourmet twist.
Dress It Up
Feeling fancy? Use your air fryer salmon as the centerpiece of a composed dish. Place it on a bed of risotto, serve it alongside a creamy dill sauce, or pair it with a bright citrus salad. You’ll look like you spent hours in the kitchen (but I will keep your air fryer secret).
Storing Leftover Salmon
So, you’ve mastered air fryer salmon, but you couldn’t quite finish it all — no worries. Storing leftover salmon is easy, and you can enjoy it again without losing any of its deliciousness.
To store leftover salmon, let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes to room temperature. Then place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent fridge odors from seeping in. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking, and it will stay good for up to three days.
If you’re reheating your leftover salmon, use a gentle method like the air fryer at 300°F to avoid drying it out. You can also reheat it gently in the oven or microwave, covered to retain moisture.
Sage Advice: Since your leftover salmon started out frozen, avoid refreezing it to prevent texture issues and the risk of bacterial growth.
What Should I Do with Salmon Skin?
Once you’ve cooked up your frozen fish in an air fryer, don’t toss the salmon skin. If you have a four-legged friend (like my doggie boys, Hudson and Oliver), it’s an amazing treat.
Salmon skin is not only safe for dogs, but it’s also packed with health benefits. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help promote a shiny coat, reduce inflammation, and support overall joint health. However, it’s important to serve salmon skin in small quantities, treating it as an occasional treat and not a meal replacement. Giving your pup too much fat — even healthy fat — can upset your dog’s stomach.
Sage Advice: If you have any questions or concerns about feeding your dog a salmon skin treat, be sure to contact your veterinarian.
To delight my dogs (and reduce kitchen waste), here’s what I do:
- After gently removing the salmon skin from the cooked salmon filets, I cut it into small, quarter-sized pieces.
- I store the pieces of salmon skin in an airtight container in the fridge.
- At mealtime, I mix a few pieces of salmon skin into my dog’s food bowl. They love it!
Just remember to use the skin within 3-5 days, don’t refreeze it, and toss any leftovers that have overstayed their welcome in the fridge.
Sage Advice: If your salmon skin has been heavily seasoned, don’t share it with your dog. Spices like garlic or onion powder can cause digestive upset or more serious health issues for dogs.
Easy Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 frozen salmon filets (no need to defrost first!)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F following the manufacturer’s directions.
- Line your air fryer basket with aluminum foil. Place the salmon filets skin side down in a single layer on the foil.
- Cook the frozen salmon for 7 minutes.
- Drain any liquid on the foil, then brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook another 5-7 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove the salmon skin and serve.
Notes
- The cooking time will vary based on the size of your salmon filets and the type of salmon you’re cooking. Be sure to check the internal temperature of your fish to be sure it’s fully cooked.
- If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can tell your salmon is done when it flakes with a fork.
- For a citrusy twist, add thin lemon slices to the salmon right after adding the olive oil and seasoning in step 4 above.
- Or whisk fresh lemon juice, a clove of minced garlic, and a dash of Dijon mustard and brush it on the fish after adding the olive oil in step 4.
- Go beyond basic salt and pepper by incorporating other spices in step 4. Great options include garlic powder, lemon pepper seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne pepper
Nutrition
Please Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated. It should only be used as an approximation.
TBH, I was skeptical this would work, but I was short on time and gave it a shot. I’m honestly shocked at how perfectly the salmon turned out—definitely never defrosting again!
This was so good. I can’t wait to make it again!