Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer simplifies meal preparation and ensures a healthy, delicious dinner in no time. This method is super easy, and fits with my gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyle.
Salmon is a staple dinner at our house, and we try to eat it at least once per week. When we can, we get it fresh, but just in case, we always have a tail or fillet section in the freezer.
This used to mean that in the morning, we would move our fish from the freezer to the fridge so it would defrost in time for our evening meal.
Eventually, we learned that cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer is possible. The result tastes even better than defrosting it first.
We looked for recipes, probably just like you did today, and to our surprise, many of them added oil to this naturally oily fish. And, if they didn’t add oil, they seemed to add many other ingredients.
We tried some, and while the flavor was often nice, it didn’t take long to figure out that plain salmon cooked in an air fryer with just the skin on one side came out soft and flakey on the inside and somewhat crispy on the outside.
The fish’s flavor is divine, so our simple recipe for cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer was born.
How to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer
What you need:
- Frozen salmon fillets or tail sections
- Parchment paper
Do you have a favorite recipe? Why not share it with us? Whether you’ve got traditional Jewish food or anything gluten-free, we’d love to see what you can create.
Submitting your recipes is now easier than ever. Click here for our online recipe submission form.
Health benefits of salmon
Disclaimer: Statements regarding health benefits are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
According to Healthline, salmon is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. It is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and support heart health. In addition, it is high in protein, B vitamins, potassium, and selenium.
The American Heart Association highlights the benefits of incorporating fatty fish like salmon into your diet at least twice a week to aid in cardiovascular protection. Moreover, cooking with an air fryer reduces the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier cooking method that maintains the integrity of the fish’s nutrients.
4 Tips for cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer
- The parchment paper prevents the fish from sticking to the shelf or basket and makes cleanup a breeze.
- We find it comes out best when cooked with the skin side down.
- Cooking frozen salmon at 400°F should yield a crispy, slightly browned top. If you prefer a less crisp texture, adjust the temperature to 350°F.
- Fresh salmon can also be cooked in the air fryer; simply reduce the cooking time to 16-18 minutes for perfect results.
We love salmon and eat it often. Our air fryer salmon recipe is just one of many preparations. Our other favorite preparations are baked with spinach, Mediterranian style with capers, or if we have leftovers, we make salmon cakes.
Still want more options: 16 Delicious Gluten-Free Salmon Recipes for Dinner
Serving suggestions
We like to serve it with a slice of lemon, brown rice, and a green vegetable to add a variety of color to the plate. This air fryer salmon recipe pairs beautifully with a side dish of green beans, steamed asparagus, or a vibrant green salad.
For a complimentary dessert that keeps the meal gluten-free, try any of these:
- Decadent Gluten-Free Flourless Chocolate Cake
- Any of these 15 Gluten and Dairy-Free Brownies Recipes
- Our Gluten-Free Gingernut Biscuits
- Hannah’s dairy and Gluten-Free Almond Cookies
Some readers have asked . . .
Can I season the salmon before cooking it in the air fryer?
We each prefer to add salt, pepper, and lemon juice just before eating. Therefore, while you can add seasoning before cooking, we don’t.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
When fully cooked, the salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F when fully cooked. Always check the thickest part of the fillet to ensure it’s done.
Our easy air fryer salmon recipe
Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
Quick and healthy air fryer salmon recipe. Perfect for a busy night.
Ingredients
- 2/3 lb salmon fillet
Instructions
- Cut parchment paper to size and put it on an air fryer rack or basket, depending on what type of air fryer you use.
- Place the frozen salmon pieces, skin side down on the parchment paper, and place the rack or basket in the air fryer.
- Set the fryer for 15 minutes at 390°F.
- Remove the rack or basket from the air fryer and serve.
Notes
Cooking at 390°F should give a crispy and slightly browned top surface. If you prefer a softer top, lower the temperature to 380°F.
Fresh salmon can also be cooked by reducing time by about 3 minutes to 12 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 313Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 93mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 34g
Nutritional information isn't always accurate and it will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
If you enjoyed discovering how to cook frozen salmon in an air fryer, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.
Will you try this easy air fryer salmon?
You might also like these gluten-free mains. . .
Leave a Reply