Cooking salmon in the air fryer has become a popular trend in recent years due to its simplicity and efficiency.
But did you know you can also cook frozen salmon in an air fryer?
Yes, you heard it right!
This handy kitchen gadget turns frozen fish fillets into culinary masterpieces in minutes.
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, ensuring a delicious, healthy, and quick meal for you and your family.
What You’ll Need to Cook Frozen Salmon Fillets
Cooking frozen salmon fillets can be a convenient and delicious option for a quick meal.
But what exactly do you need to ensure a successful cooking experience?
Here’s a breakdown of the essential items you’ll need to prepare those mouthwatering frozen salmon fillets.
- Frozen Salmon Fillets: You can use as many as you need, just make sure they fit in the air fryer without overlapping.
- Air Fryer: Any model will do, but remember, the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the model.
- Olive Oil: A light coating will help the seasoning stick to the salmon and prevent it from sticking to the air fryer.
- Seasoning: You can use your favorite fish seasoning, or simply salt and pepper. Lemon pepper, garlic powder, or a dill seasoning also work well with salmon.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a nice freshness to the salmon.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives make a nice garnish and add an extra layer of flavor.
- Cooking Spray: To prevent the salmon from sticking to the basket of the air fryer.
Remember to also have a good quality kitchen thermometer on hand to ensure your salmon is cooked to the correct temperature.
How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
Here are the detailed steps for cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer:
Preheat the air fryer: Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Preparation: While the air fryer is preheating, remove the frozen salmon fillets and remove any excess ice from the frozen salmon fillets. Brush lightly with olive oil. If the salmon still has skin, place it skin side down in the air fryer basket.
Cook: Place the seasoned salmon fillets into the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. Cook fillets at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-12 minutes.
Check: After the initial cooking time, check to see if the salmon is cooked through. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If not done, continue cooking, checking every 2 minutes.
Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove salmon from air fryer and let rest for a few minutes. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top, garnish with herbs of your choice and serve.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Cooking frozen salmon in an air fryer is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious fish. To ensure the best results, follow these tips for perfectly cooked salmon fillets that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
First and foremost, preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the air fryer to reach the optimal temperature, promoting even cooking and a delightful crunch.
When it comes to seasoning, keep it simple. Sprinkle your frozen salmon fillets with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a touch of lemon zest or your favorite herbs and spices for an extra burst of taste.
Proper placement of the salmon fillets in the air fryer is essential for uniform cooking. Make sure to leave enough space between the fillets to allow the hot air to circulate and crisp up each piece. Brushing the fillets with a light coat of olive oil will further enhance their texture and prevent sticking.
Once the salmon is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorsome bite.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Frozen Salmon?
Cooking frozen salmon is a quick and convenient option for a healthy and delicious meal. The exact cooking time for frozen salmon depends on various factors, such as the cooking method and the thickness of the fillets.
In general, cooking frozen salmon in the oven or on the stovetop will take approximately 25-30 minutes. This allows the salmon to thaw and cook thoroughly, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature.
If you prefer using an air fryer, the cooking time can be significantly reduced to around 10-12 minutes. The hot air circulation in the air fryer helps to cook the salmon evenly and gives it a crispy exterior.
When using a grill, the cooking time for frozen salmon can range between 10-15 minutes. Remember to flip the fillets halfway through to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
It’s important to note that the thickness of the salmon fillets plays a significant role in determining the cooking time. Thicker fillets will require more time to cook compared to thinner ones. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. The salmon is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
In conclusion, the cooking time for frozen salmon can vary depending on the cooking method and the thickness of the fillets. Whether you choose to bake, fry, grill, or use any other cooking method, always ensure the salmon reaches the recommended internal temperature for safe consumption. With these guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked frozen salmon in no time.
Conclusion
All in all, cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer is an easy, quick, and healthy way to get restaurant-quality results at home.
This Michelin-inspired technology ensures perfectly cooked, delicious salmon fillets every time with minimal effort and cleanup.