Air Fryer Salmon: The Perfect Frozen Salmon Recipe

Let's be honest, we've all been there. It's 6 pm, you're famished, and the only thing in your fridge is a forgotten bag of frozen salmon. The idea of defrosting and then cooking it seems like a monumental task, so you reach for takeout. But what if I told you there’s a simple, delicious, and surprisingly quick way to cook frozen salmon that even a complete kitchen novice like me can master? Enter the air fryer, my new kitchen hero!

I used to be a bit of a cynic when it came to air fryers. Another gadget cluttering up my already-crowded counter, right? Wrong. The air fryer has become my go-to for everything from crispy chips to juicy chicken wings. And for frozen salmon? It's an absolute game-changer. It produces consistently moist, flaky salmon with a crispy skin, and it takes just a few minutes.

(Part 1) The Air Fryer: My New Kitchen BFF

Let's get real, the air fryer isn't just another kitchen fad. It's genuinely useful and makes cooking a breeze. I was sceptical at first, but now I can't imagine life without it. Here's why I'm such a fan:

The Pros of Using an Air Fryer

The air fryer's magic lies in its ability to circulate hot air around your food, creating a crispy, golden exterior without using lots of oil. That means healthier, tastier meals without the fuss.

• Fast Cooking: No more waiting for the oven to preheat! Air fryers cook food much quicker, saving you precious time for other things, like actually enjoying your dinner.
• Crispy Results: The air fryer’s secret weapon is its ability to achieve that perfect crispy texture on everything from chips to chicken wings, and, yes, even salmon!
• Healthier Choice: You can achieve that crispy texture without using loads of oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.
• Easy to Clean: Most air fryers have removable baskets, making them a breeze to clean. Just pop the basket in the dishwasher and you're good to go.

My kitchen skills were once limited to boiling water, but the air fryer has given me confidence. It’s so forgiving! Even if you're a bit of a novice like me, you can’t really go wrong with it.

(Part 2) Why Frozen Salmon?

Now, you might be thinking, "Why bother with frozen salmon? Surely fresh is best?" And you're not wrong. Fresh salmon is fantastic. But let's face it, frozen salmon is a real lifesaver. It's readily available, budget-friendly, and lasts for ages in the freezer. Plus, you don't have to worry about it going off quickly.

I find that frozen salmon often comes in convenient portions, perfect for single meals or when you're cooking for one or two people. No need to faff about with cutting up a whole piece of fish.

(Part 3) My Air Fryer Salmon Revelation

I've tried a few different methods for cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer, but this one is my absolute winner. It's foolproof and consistently delivers that perfect, flaky salmon texture. And best of all, it's incredibly easy. Let's break it down:

Ingredients

• 1 frozen salmon fillet (about 150g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional - I love dill or parsley)

Method

This is a simple recipe, but I've included some tips to help you nail it:

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

First, give the salmon fillet a quick rinse under cold water. Then, pat it dry with some kitchen paper. This will help it cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Now, you can season the salmon. I like to give it a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if I have one.

Step 2: Air Fry Time

Place the salmon fillet in the air fryer basket. You can either use a baking sheet for extra stability or just put it straight into the basket.

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remember, cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your salmon fillet.

This is where your air fryer’s “pause” button comes in handy. If you’re not sure if it’s cooked through, you can pause the air fryer, gently prod the salmon with a fork to check, and then resume cooking if needed.

Step 3: Add Some Flavor

While the salmon is cooking, you can prepare some garnishes. I often slice some lemon wedges and chop up some fresh herbs like dill or parsley to add extra flavour and a touch of freshness.

Extra Tips for the Ultimate Air Fryer Salmon

Here are a few more tips to elevate your air fryer salmon game:

• Don’t Overcrowd: Give each salmon fillet enough space in the air fryer basket to cook evenly. If you’re cooking multiple fillets, cook them in batches.
• Flip It: For a really crispy skin, you can flip the salmon halfway through cooking. Just be careful, it can be a bit slippery!
• Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavours. Try adding a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of paprika, or a squeeze of lime juice. You could even mix up some homemade seasoning with your favourite herbs and spices.

(Part 4) The Taste Test

The moment of truth. The air fryer timer beeps, and you can smell that unmistakable aroma of cooked salmon. Now, take a deep breath and prepare for a taste explosion.

The salmon is cooked to perfection: the flesh is moist and flaky, the skin is crispy and golden, and the flavours are just right. It's so easy to eat, you could just use a fork. No need for a knife!

The best part? You haven’t spent ages slaving over a hot stove. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, tops. Talk about a quick and easy dinner!

(Part 5) Serving Up Air Fryer Salmon

You can serve your air fryer salmon with anything you fancy, but here are a few ideas that work really well:

• Roasted Vegetables: A simple side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or sweet potatoes is always a winner.
• Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the salmon beautifully.
• Rice or Couscous: A fluffy bed of rice or couscous is a classic pairing for salmon.
• Creamy Sauce: If you’re feeling fancy, try a simple lemon butter sauce or a creamy dill sauce.

The beauty of air fryer salmon is its versatility. It’s so delicious that it works with pretty much any side dish. Plus, it’s so quick and easy to make that it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.

(Part 6) The Verdict

For me, the air fryer salmon recipe is a total game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and delivers delicious results every time. It’s become a go-to meal in my house and a real crowd-pleaser.

Plus, it's a great way to use up frozen salmon, saving you money and time. And it’s so forgiving that even the most inexperienced cooks can pull it off.

(Part 7) Air Fryer Salmon: Beyond the Basics

Now, you might be thinking, “Air fryer salmon sounds great, but what about variety? Can I jazz it up a bit?” Absolutely! The air fryer is a blank canvas for culinary creativity.

Flavour Fusion

Let’s explore some flavour combinations to elevate your air fryer salmon game:

Mediterranean Salmon

• Before cooking, drizzle the salmon with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Serve with a side of roasted cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of lemon juice.

Asian-Inspired salmon

• Coat the salmon with a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
• Serve with a side of steamed rice and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.

Spicy Salmon

• Mix a spice rub with paprika, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
• Rub the spice mixture onto the salmon before cooking.
• Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and a dollop of sour cream.

(Part 8) Air Fryer salmon faqs

Now that you’re ready to become an air fryer salmon master, let’s address some common questions:

1. Can I cook other types of fish in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Cod, haddock, tilapia, and even whole fish fillets work wonderfully in the air fryer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish. You can even experiment with different flavour combinations, such as a lemon-herb cod or a spicy tilapia. The possibilities are endless!

2. What about frozen salmon steaks?

Yep, you can cook frozen salmon steaks in the air fryer too. Just follow the same method, but increase the cooking time slightly. For a thicker steak, you might need to cook it for 12-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

3. How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 145°F (63°C) for salmon. If you’re using a skin-on fillet, the skin should be crispy and golden brown.

4. What if the salmon sticks to the air fryer basket?

To prevent sticking, make sure you pat the salmon dry before cooking. You can also spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. If the salmon does stick, try using a spatula to gently loosen it from the basket.

5. Can I use frozen salmon skin-on?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon skin-on in the air fryer. The skin will get crispy and delicious. Just be sure to flip the salmon halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. If you're using a skin-on fillet, you can remove the skin before serving, but it's perfectly edible!

(Part 9) Conclusion

So there you have it, the perfect air fryer frozen salmon recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and a real lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s also a great way to get creative in the kitchen, trying out different flavours and combinations.

The air fryer has truly revolutionized my cooking, and this recipe is proof that you don’t need a fancy, complicated recipe to create a truly scrumptious meal. Give it a go, and let me know how you get on!