Easy Air Fryer Frozen Salmon (No Thaw!)

There’s nothing more satisfying than the aroma of perfectly cooked salmon wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s done without any thawing needed. This Easy Air Fryer Frozen Salmon recipe takes just about 25 minutes from frozen to fabulous, making it an effortless weeknight dinner. The air fryer ensures the salmon is flaky on the inside while retaining a slightly crispy exterior.

This recipe is perfect for busy individuals or families looking for quick, healthy meal options. It’s ideal for a last-minute dinner and can be stored in the fridge for up to two days if any remains. Enjoy this Easy Air Fryer Frozen Salmon (No Thaw!) any day of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The air fryer cooks salmon perfectly without needing to thaw it.
• Flavors penetrate the fish beautifully with the homemade glaze.
• Cleanup is a breeze with minimal dishes used.
• Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious salmon dish.

For the Salmon

• 2 frozen salmon fillets, (6 oz)

For the Glaze

• 2 tbsp coconut aminos
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp dried ginger

For Serving

• Diced chives, (optional topping)

Consider using soy sauce as a substitute for coconut aminos.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use soy sauce instead of coconut aminos.
• Fresh herbs can replace dried ginger.
• Switch chili powder for paprika for a milder flavor.
• Use butter instead of a glaze for a richer flavor.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to prepare your salmon.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit for effective cooking. Even if your specific model doesn’t have a preheat function, doing this for a few minutes will help the salmon cook evenly.

Prepare your cooking basket

Spray the air fryer basket with oil or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the salmon from sticking and simplify cleanup.

Cook the salmon

Place the frozen salmon fillets skin side up into the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the heat to start cooking the salmon through.

Make the glaze

While the salmon cooks, prepare the glaze by combining all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Mix well to ensure even flavor distribution.

Flip and finish cooking the salmon

After 10 minutes, carefully flip the salmon and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes. Check for doneness; it should flake easily with a fork.

Glaze the salmon

In the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, quickly remove the salmon from the air fryer and brush the glaze onto the top side. Return the salmon to the air fryer to finish cooking until done.

Serve and enjoy

Once cooked through, remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve hot, optionally topped with diced chives for added flavor and freshness.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: No, salmon loses quality when frozen.
Reheat: Warm in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the salmon fillets are of similar thickness for even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer for the best air circulation.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aim for 145°F internally.
• Customize the glaze with your favorite herbs for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice for added texture.
• Enjoy with a fresh salad for a light and healthy dinner option.