A succulent and speedy meal of Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Fillets that require no thawing
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Emma Lawson | 
14.06.2025

Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Fillets: Juicy, Fast, No Thaw Needed

No time to thaw? No problem. These air fryer frozen salmon fillets cook straight from the freezer, locking in moisture and coming out perfectly juicy with a crispy top.

Prep Time

2m

Total Time

14m

Cook

16m

Yield

2 servings
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Fillets

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Salmon

Ingredients for Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Frozen fillets, no prep required

  • 2 frozen salmon fillets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried dill or parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings and Variations

  • Drizzle of lemon juice or tahini
  • Top with sesame seeds or fresh herbs
  • Add a honey mustard glaze in last 3 mins

Use Even Thickness

Uniform fillets cook more evenly — if one is thicker, let it cook a few minutes longer or cut in half.

How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

Crispy skin, juicy center — no thawing required.

  1. Preheat air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Brush frozen fillets with olive oil and season generously.
  3. Place skin-side down in basket, leaving space around each.
  4. Air fry for 14 minutes, no flipping needed.
  5. Check internal temp reaches 63°C (145°F). Serve hot.

Boost Flavour

  • Add glaze in final 3 minutes to prevent burning
  • Use garlic herb butter post-cooking for richness
  • Serve with a squeeze of lemon for balance
A mouthwatering dish of Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Fillets cooked to perfection without the need to thaw

Frozen Salmon Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 320 | Protein: 34g | Carbs: 0g | Fat: 20g

What to Serve with Frozen Salmon

  • Over a bed of air fryer asparagus or broccoli
  • With garlic quinoa or wild rice
  • Next to mashed sweet potatoes or couscous

Final Thoughts on Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

This air fryer method turns frozen salmon fillets into a gourmet-style dinner with no thawing and barely any cleanup. It’s ideal for those last-minute meals when time is short but quality still matters. You can keep the seasoning simple or dress it up with a glaze or sauce. The result is juicy, flaky, and beautifully crisp every single time. Whether you’re cooking for one or planning meal prep, this is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to cook fish. Don’t let frozen fillets go to waste — transform them into a restaurant-worthy dinner.

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Frozen Salmon FAQs

Do I need to thaw salmon first?

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Not at all — air fry it from frozen for maximum convenience and no mess.
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How long should I cook frozen salmon?

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At 200°C (390°F), it takes around 14 minutes depending on thickness.
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How do I stop it from drying out?

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Use a light coating of oil and avoid overcooking. The air fryer locks in moisture well.
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Can I add seasoning while frozen?

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Yes — just brush with oil first so seasonings stick to the surface.
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