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This Air Fryer Frozen Salmon is flaky, juicy, and full of flavor – all without thawing! It’s a quick, healthy dinner you can make in under 30 minutes. Just season, cook, and serve.

piece of air fryer frozen salmon after being cooked topped with lemon butter sauce, parsley sprig, and lemon

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Air Fryer Frozen Salmon (Without Thawing!)

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can cook air fryer salmon from frozen, the answer is YES – and it’s delicious! This Air Fryer Salmon recipe gives you tender, flaky fish in under 30 minutes, straight from the freezer. It’s one of the easiest weeknight meals you’ll ever make.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No thawing required – straight from freezer to air fryer
  • Ready in about 20 minutes
  • Healthy, high-protein, low-carb meal
  • Perfectly seasoned and full of flavor
  • Great for meal prep or last-minute dinners
ingredients to make air fryer frozen salmon

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

  • frozen air fryer salmon fillets
  • olive oil – Swap for melted butter or avocado oil.
  • lemon juice – Use lime juice or a splash of white wine vinegar.
  • garlic powder and paprika – Try onion powder, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne.
  • salt and ground black pepper

✨ Variations

  • Spicy Cajun: Add Cajun seasoning instead of paprika
  • Lemon Herb: Use dill, lemon zest, and a touch of thyme
  • Garlic Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan before the last 2 minutes of cooking

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🔥 Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket – keep a little space between fillets
  • Brush oil or butter over the salmon to lock in moisture
  • Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness (145°F / 63°C)
  • Start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking
closeup of a bite of salmon on a fork with lemon butter sauce

❓ FAQs

➡️ Can I cook air fryer salmon fillets without thawing?

Yes! This air fryer salmon from frozen method is made for that.

➡️ How long do I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?

Cook at 380°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness.

➡️ Can I use fresh salmon?

Absolutely – just reduce cooking time to 8 to 10 minutes.

➡️ What if my frozen salmon fillets are stuck together?

Run them under cold water for a few seconds to separate.

➡️ Can I make more than two fillets?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

➡️ What goes well with this salmon recipe?

Try roasted veggies, quinoa, rice, or a crisp green salad on the side.

air fryer frozen salmon topped with lemon butter sauce, parsley sprig, and lemon pieces

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piece of air fryer salmon on plate
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Servings: 2 servings

Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

By Jamie Sherman
Quick, flavorful Air Fryer Frozen Salmon – no thawing needed! Juicy, tender fillets ready in under 30 minutes for a healthy, fuss-free meal.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 3 minutes
Total: 23 minutes

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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 2 frozen salmon fillets, about 4 ounces each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 380°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Mix the seasoning. In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
  • Season the salmon. Brush the seasoning mixture over both sides of the salmon.
  • Air fry. Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  • Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with extra lemon juice and chopped parsley, if you like. Serve hot!

Notes

  • Cooking time may vary slightly by air fryer model and fillet thickness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Try serving this salmon recipe with my Lemon Butter Sauce!

Nutrition

Serving: 1fillet, Calories: 308kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 94mg, Sodium: 366mg, Potassium: 859mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 316IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 24mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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