Description
Learn how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer quickly and easily for a healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (0.5 lbs or 227g) frozen salmon fillets
- 1/21/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) olive oil, or cooking spray
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prep the Air Fryer: Get your air fryer nice and warm by preheating it. You will want it to reach the right temperature for those fillets to cook evenly. This should take just a few minutes, so do not wander off! Skipping the preheating can lead to uneven cooking.
- Place Salmon in Basket: Lay the frozen salmon fillets in the basket, making sure they do not overlap. You will want to see some space between them for proper airflow and cooking. If you crowd them, parts will come out undercooked and icy, which you definitely want to avoid!
- Season and Spray Lightly: Give those fillets a light spritz of cooking spray and sprinkle your favorite seasonings on top. As it cooks, you will start to smell that delicious salmon aroma filling your kitchen. Over-seasoning might mask the mild flavor of the salmon, so go easy!
- Check for Doneness: After about 15 minutes, peek at your salmon. It should look flaky and opaque. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked; the ideal internal temperature is between 125-135 degrees F for medium doneness. If it is underdone, pop it back in for a few minutes—do not just assume it is okay by looks!
- Add Lemon for Flavor: If you love a zesty touch, add fresh lemon slices on top during the last few minutes of cooking. You will start to see them sizzle and smell that fresh citrus aroma. Just remember, if you put them in too early, they might char and become bitter.
Notes
- Leftover cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Remove excess ice from frozen salmon for even cooking.
- When checking for doneness, ensure a thermometer reading between 125-135 degrees F indicates that it is done but still moist.
- Using skin-on fillets can help retain juices and keep the salmon from drying out. If your salmon turns out dry, it may be overcooked; keep a close eye on the temperature.
- When using lemon slices, add them in the last few minutes to prevent burning and maximize flavor.
- To reheat, place the salmon in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.
- Serve with steamed vegetables and rice.
- Add to a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Top with a yogurt sauce for extra flavor.
- Add herbs like dill or thyme for added flavor.
- Use different citrus slices, like lime or orange.
- Incorporate spices like cajun or garlic powder.
- Select frozen salmon fillets that are free from ice build-up for best results.
- Fresh lemons can be replaced with 11/2 teaspoon of bottled lemon juice.
- If lacking olive oil, substitute with avocado oil or cooking spray, which should be sprayed directly onto the fish, not the basket.
- Quality indicators for salmon include bright color and a fresh smell, avoiding any fillets with an off odor or discoloration.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 258
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 94mg