Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer is one of the easiest ways to get a healthy, delicious dinner on the table - no thawing required. In just 15 minutes, you'll have perfectly cooked salmon that's tender, flaky, and full of favor.
Even as a dietitian, I've had plenty of moments where I know salmon is a great choice, but don't have the time or plan in place to cook it well. That's exactly why I love this method.
Air frying frozen salmon in simple: just lower the temperature slightly and add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
To make sure it turns out moist and flavorful every time - whether you're using wild or farm-raised salmon - I like to add a layer of pesto on top. It locks in moisture and adds incredible flavor.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy Recipe There's really no need to plan ahead for this salmon recipe.
- 2 Ingredients Just frozen salmon and pesto.
- How to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 360-375 degrees.
- Place frozen fillets in the lined basket.
- Air Fry for 7 minutes.
- Add pesto or seasoning.
- Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until salmon reaches 145 degrees.
- Serve and enjoy.
Dietitian Tip
Salmon is high in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. While my kids don't typically love salmon, they do enjoy it with its topped with pesto.
Ingredient Notes
- Frozen salmon filets Wild or farm-raised Atlantic salmon. Salmon is high in protein and is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. No need to buy skinless salmon fillets.
- Pesto Storebought pesto or one of my homemade pesto recipes, Pistachio Pesto or pesto with walnuts. The moisture from pesto helps to keep the salmon from drying out as it cooks.
How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
Here is a summary of the simple steps for making frozen salmon in the air fryer. For the full list of ingredients and complete instructions, scroll down to the recipe card.
- Remove the packaging from frozen salmon filets.
- Place frozen salmon fillets skin side down in a single layer on the bottom of the air fryer basket lined with aluminum foil, then air fry for 7 minutes.
- Spread a generous layer of pesto on each salmon filet, then air fry for another 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet reaches between 125- and 145-degrees Fahrenheit.
- Salmon is done when it's opaque throughout. Test for doneness by inserting a paring knife between the layers.
Frozen Salmon Cooking Time by Thickness
| Fillet Thickness | Cook Time | Check Internal Temp At |
| ¾ to 1 inch | 13-15 minutes | 11 minutes |
| 1 to 1.5 inches | 15-17 minutes | 13 minutes |
| 1.5 to 2 inches | 17-18 minutes | 15 minutes |
Complete Meal Pairings for Air Fryer Salmon
- Pasta or Rice with a Veggie This tortellini with Pesto and veggies covers them both. Orzo with broccoli and roasted asparagus and carrots are more tasty options.
- A Hearty Salad Depending on the day, I enjoy salmon with lemony Tuscan Kale Salad, lightened-up Caesar Salad, or a hearty Green Goddess Salad and a crusty piece of sourdough bread.
Helpful Tips
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- Moisture The secret weapon to prevent the number one problem when making air fryer salmon: drying out. The foil helps hold moisture on the bottom, while the pesto layer (can use olive oil instead), helps retain moisture and adds flavor.
- Spacing Do not overlap the salmon fillets. Only grease the part of foil that will come in contact with the salmon fillets.
- Timing Allow the salmon fillets time to defrost before adding the layer of pesto.
- Doneness Do not overcook salmon. Overcooked salmon gets chewy... you won't want to eat it. Cook time can vary depending on the air fryer used and the size and thickness of the salmon filets.
More Tips
- Coat the aluminum foil with cooking spray or use a basting brush to spread a thin layer of avocado oil on the foil before placing the salmon fillets on it. This is to keep it the salmon from sticking to the foil.
- This recipe calls for three-quarters of a cup of pesto which equals 6 ounces (2 ounces equals one quarter of a cup).
- Salmon is done cooking when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature of a digital meat thermometer reaches 125-145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, thawing is not required. You can cook salmon directly from frozen - just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Frozen salmon typically takes 12-16 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 375 degrees, depending on the type of salmon and thickness of the fillet.
Salmon is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees and flakes easily with a fork.
More Dinner Recipes
- 15-Minute Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
- Easy Ground Turkey Tacos
- Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade
- 15-Minute Pesto with Tortellini
Did you make this air fryer frozen salmon recipe and love it? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below to let me know. A 5-star review is the best compliment!
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @carrots.and.cookies for more easy recipes & nutrition tips!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon (Easy 15-Minute Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz Salmon filets 4, four-ounce frozen salmon filets
- ¾ cup Pesto
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer at 375 degrees for about two minutes.
- Place the frozen salmon filets skin side down in a single layer in your air fryer basket lined with foil.
- Air fry the salmon for 7 minutes to allow it to defrost.
- Add pesto: spread a layer of pesto (about 3-4 tablespoons) on each salmon filet.
- Return to the air fryer and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
- No Thawing Needed: Cook salmon straight from frozen - just follow the two-step cooking method.
- Why pesto works: It helps lock in moisture and adds flavor, which is especially helpful for frozen fish.
- Check Doneness: Salmon is done at 145 degrees or when it flakes easily with a fork. Don't overcook salmon.
- Fillet thickness matters: Thicker fillets may take 1-2 minutes longer to cook.
- Works for all types of salmon: wild caught or farm-raised salmon. You do you.
- Foil vs parchment paper: If using parchment paper instead of foil, use a piece of parchment paper the size of the salmon filet(s) to avoid the outer edges of excess parchment paper from burning as the salmon cooks.
Kevin says
Followed this to the letter and it was visibly raw. 2 additional minutes did nothing but brown the pesto.
Kristi says
Im sorry this recipe didn’t work for you. It may be due to the thickness of the salmon filet or difference in air fryers. I’ve made this recipe several times and, if anything, the salmon gets a little overcooked when I think it needs an extra few minutes.
I’m not sure what else to suggest other than cooking it for a few more minutes before adding the pesto to avoid burning the pesto.
Thanks for your your feedback!
Nate says
No temperature.
Kristi says
Good catch! I did say to preheat the air fryer at 375 degrees in the recipe card, but I can see how it would be helpful if I would have repeated the temperature of 375 degrees in step 4. I'll correct that now!