With just six simple ingredients, you can't go wrong with this delicious Air Fryer Frozen Salmon recipe. Ready in under 15 minutes, and no prep required! Talk about a great way to have a healthy meal on the table fast! (And without comprising on the flavor!)
Salmon is something that I always have in our freezer. Not only is it extremely healthy and good for the brain, but it's really so fast and simple to make. On the days that I have no plan for dinner or realize that I'm running really low on time, frozen salmon literally comes to my rescue time and time again. Air fryer salmon is probably the easiest seafood to make that gives me that tenderness that I love.
I like to buy my salmon in bulk at some of the bigger box stores and then just have it handy, ready to go when I need it. This is a simple way for me to grab a couple of salmon fillets and toss them in the air fryer for dinner. Without needing to thaw them! That just leaves the need for a quick side dish or veggie, and it's like I was meaning to make it all along!
If you're a fan of fish, make sure to check out my Keto Salmon Recipe as well as my Pan-Seared Cod with Cilantro-Lime Butter. Both are simple as well but have amazing flavors.
Ingredients
The teriyaki sauce is really optional for the air fryer frozen salmon recipe. You can use your favorite seasoning, pesto, or just a little salt and pepper on your salmon.
Soy sauce - I like to use a low sodium soy sauce for mine but feel free to use whatever you have in your fridge or pantry.
Brown sugar substitute - This adds a light sweetness to make a bit of a glaze on the top of the fried salmon.
Garlic - Fresh garlic adds so much delicious flavor. Just make sure to chop it up or buy it already minced.
Fresh ginger - A little bit of fresh ginger goes a long way!
Apple cider vinegar - This creates the perfect balance for the sweetness and flavor of the cooked salmon.
How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Even though this recipe is super easy to do, this is still a shortened version of the recipe. The entire recipe with detailed directions and measurement of ingredients is listed below.
Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
Step Two: Add in the frozen salmon filets skin side down and cook for 8 minutes.
Step Three: Mix the ingredients for the sauce (if using) and once the timer goes off, drizzle on top and cook the salmon for another 3-4 minutes of time.
Make sure that the salmon has an internal temperature of 125-140 degrees before removing and serving. You can drizzle or brush more of the sauce on if desired.
Variations + Substitutions
Garlic powder: If you don't have fresh garlic, the powder can work in a pinch. (But the fresh garlic really is so much better!)
Cayenne Pepper: If you're a fan of heat, add some cayenne pepper into your mixture as well. Just be sure that everyone who's eating the cooked salmon likes spicy, too.
Common Questions
How do you know when salmon is cooked all the way?
The easiest way to know that air fryer frozen salmon is fully cooked is to check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should be between 125-140 degrees. Make sure that you're checking the temperature in the thickest part of the salmon.
The other method is to make sure that the salmon is flaky. Once it's done cooking, use a fork and try to flake off a few pieces. This will show you if it's a bit tough and needs to cook a bit longer or not.
How do you store leftover salmon?
Salmon that is cooked and being saved as leftovers needs to be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. This holds in the flavors and will keep it having the best taste possible. You can also use it make salmon patties.
What can you do with leftover salmon?
I love leftovers but I do like to try and make different dishes with them if possible. Leftover salmon can be used as a topping for salad or even put onto a low-carb cracker or bread for a snack. I really love eating salmon salad the next day!
Can you use fresh salmon for this recipe?
If you have fresh salmon, it will work just fine for this recipe! You will need to alter the times since it's not frozen. Just be sure to spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray so that the fillets don't stick. You can also line with aluminum foil, too.
What side dishes go well with air fryer frozen salmon?
This is really up to you and your eating habits but there are a lot of foods that will pair well with cooked frozen salmon fillets. Rice is always a popular option, but that does tend to be higher in carbs. You can also cook up quinoa, sweet potatoes, asparagus, or other steamed veggies, or other small proteins to pair with this simple dish.
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz frozen salmon (two 4-oz fillets)
Teriyaki Sauce (optional)
- ¼ cup coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute such as Golden Lakanto
- 1 teaspoon garlic chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400. Spray the basket or rack with cooking spray.
- Add the frozen salmon and cook for 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix together the sauce ingredients. Drizzle half the sauce on the salmon and cook for an additional 4 minutes. The internal temp of the salmon should be 125-140.
- Serve immediately with the remaining sauce.
Katie says
I love how simply this comes together! It's so flavorful and delicious and cooked well.
Jenn says
I had no idea you cold air fry frozen salmon! This is a dinnertime game changer!!! Thank you!
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It's really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Hanna says
I haven't tried Salmon in the air fryer yet but now I'm going to. This looks amazingly flakey! I can't wait to try your teriyaki glaze.
wilhelmina says
This salmon was so delicious! I love that the air fryer took all the guesswork out of cooking for me. It was easy to get the perfect flakey texture. Great recipe!
Lori in OH says
Definitely want to try this - so simple and quick!! 😀