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Get ready to make the best air fryer frozen salmon. It's unbelievably tender and flaky, with just a slight crispiness on the edges – so close to pan-seared perfection! We've tried many recipes before but never thought our results could be this good using an air fryer.
Whether you're starting with fresh or frozen fish, we'll show how it can be done right at home; if you love salmon like us, don't wait any longer - let's get cooking!
Ingredients You Will Need
- Frozen Salmon
- Fresh Salmon
- Lemon
- Dijon Mustard
- Salt
- Olive Oil
- Black Pepper
- Garlic
Notes on Ingredients
- Fresh Salmon
If you're looking for a new favorite seafood dish, head to your nearest Fresh or Central Market! Their salmon is usually fantastic. Give them a try - they won't disappoint!
- Frozen Salmon
If you're short on time, don't worry about defrosting your food before air frying—you can still get a delicious texture. Does frozen salmon taste as good as fresh salmon? Fresh is always best. But if you have the luxury of preparing, it'll make for an even more delicious meal!
- Olive Oil
Any oil will do the trick - whether it's an olive, sunflower, or coconut variety! Get creative and find just the right one to boost your meal.
- Lemon Juice
This marinade packs a punch with the addition of brightness and acidity for an intense flavor experience.
- Garlic
Who doesn't love the delicate flavor of garlic in a marinade? With their sharp little teeth, microplanes are excellent for ensuring that every bite of your salmon is infused with garlicky goodness - no chunks included!
- Dijon Mustard
Salmon gets a zesty kick with this particular ingredient - it's delicious when paired with garlic and lemon for an unforgettable flavor experience!
- Salt and Pepper
That goes without saying!
How To Make Fresh Salmon In The Air Fryer
1. Slice a delicious piece of salmon into evenly-sized filets - perfect for creating your mouthwatering masterpiece!
2. Get creative in the kitchen and whip up a tasty marinade! Combine your favorite ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne for delicious flavor.
3. Make sure to whisk that marinade until it's a perfect blend - your dish will thank you for the extra effort!
4. Give your salmon filets a flavorful kick by brushing on a delicious marinade, making sure not to neglect any sides - but don't worry about the skin!
5. Fire up your air fryer and savor some delicious salmon. Cook it for 7-8 minutes at a sizzling 390°F until its internal temperature reaches at least 145°F - the perfect bite every time! You can preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes as well but it is not mandatory.
How To Make Frozen Salmon In The Air Fryer
No worries if you're running short on time or forgot to thaw your salmon! With this handy air fryer technique, you can quickly prepare dinner. Let's jump right into cooking delicious, frozen fish like a pro chef!
1. Fire up the air fryer. You do not need to defrost your salmon before cooking it. It will just need extra cooking time. Cook your frozen fish at 390 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes.
Please note that cooking times will vary depending on the type of air fryer and also the slice of salmon you're cooking. For thicker slices, you may need slightly more cooking time. Make sure to check on it as it cooks. Serve with a spritz of lemon for an easy yet delicious meal!
2. You can season your salmon with a marinade as desired. It should be safe for consumption once it reaches 145 degrees F! (use an internal meat thermometer). Also if the salmon fillet turns white, it should be ready for removal from the air fryer.
Expert Tips
- To ensure your salmon is perfectly cooked, insert a thermometer into its thickest part. When the temperature reads 145 degrees F or more, you can confidently remove it from heat and let it rest for five minutes – this gives time for the internal temp to rise an extra 10 degrees!
- Got a thin salmon filet? No problem! Just reduce the cooking time to 5 minutes and check it. Place the salmon fillets close in the air fryer basket but don't overlap them.
- You don't want to rush cooking your salmon, but if it hasn't reached the desired temperature after 7 minutes of cook time- no worries! Just pop it back in the air fryer and give it a check every 1-2 minutes until you get that perfect finish. Air fry salmon for an additional 7-9 minutes of cooking time, or until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the salmon.
- Get ready to cook up something delicious! Preheat your air fryer for consistent and mouthwatering results every time. Leftover air fryer salmon will keep well for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container and in the fridge.
Interesting questions related to cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer
What is the best type of salmon to cook in an air fryer?
There are several different types of salmon that work great for cooking in an air fryer. Choosing the best type for your particular dish really comes down to personal preference and the flavor profile you'd like to achieve.
In general, wild-caught Alaskan sockeye salmon is considered one of the highest quality fish available and it can be cooked in an air fryer with fantastic results. Its firm texture holds up well in an air fryer, which means you won't end up with a dried-out piece of fish after cooking it this way as opposed to other methods such as grilling or frying. Sockeye also has a high fat content, meaning it will stay nice and moist when cooked using this method - plus, its red color looks beautiful on a plate!
Another popular option is farm-raised Atlantic salmon because its flesh retains more moisture during heating than most other types do. This makes it ideal for an air fryer since dryness can be one of the biggest concerns when cooking certain proteins this way.
Plus, depending on what spices or seasonings you choose to use with your salmon fillets, they can take on all sorts of delicious flavors while still keeping their juicy inside intact - perfect for those who love experimenting with food!
Whichever type you end up going with though make sure that you preheat your air fryer before adding your food so everything cooks evenly and consistently throughout - no matter how lean or fatty the cut may be!
And if possible opt for fresh over frozen varieties whenever possible since there's less chance for added preservatives or chemicals found in their frozen counterparts which could affect taste negatively otherwise.
What is the best temperature to cook air fryer salmon?
When it comes to air fryer salmon, the best temperature is between 375-400°F. This gives you a perfectly cooked salmon with a crisp exterior and moist, flaky interior. Baking times vary depending on the thickness of your fillets or steak, ranging from 7-10 minutes for thin fillets and 10-15 minutes for thicker steaks.
To ensure your salmon is thoroughly cooked through safely and evenly, use an instant read thermometer to check its internal temperature – when it reaches 145°F (or 63°C), your fish will be done! If you don't have an instant read thermometer on hand, look at the color of your salmon; if it's opaque or white looking throughout then you can be sure that it's ready to eat.
Remember: when dealing with delicate proteins like salmon in the air fryer there are a few important tips to remember. Be sure to lightly oil or coat with nonstick cooking spray not only for flavor but also so that the meat doesn’t stick during cooking – otherwise you might end up with pieces sticking all over the basket instead of turning into crunchy perfection!
Also make sure your air fryer baskets are lined properly before cooking so food doesn't fall through onto heating elements below. Lastly, always preheat your air fryer for optimum performance and even heat distribution!
