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Golden herb-seasoned salmon fillets served with lemon beside an air fryer.

Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Cook frozen salmon straight from the freezer in the air fryer using a two-stage method that helps the seasoning stick while keeping the fillets juicy and flaky.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 frozen salmon fillets, about 5–6 ounces each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Method
 

  1. Place the frozen salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down when applicable. Remove any loose surface ice first.
  2. Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes to soften the frozen exterior.
  3. Open the basket. Blot away excess surface moisture if needed, brush the salmon with oil, and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Continue air frying at 400°F for 7 to 11 minutes, checking thinner fillets early.
  5. Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer. Continue cooking in 1 to 2 minute intervals as needed until the salmon reaches 145°F.
  6. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

Air fryer models and salmon thickness vary, so use the cooking time as a starting range. If several fillets are frozen together, cook them briefly until they loosen enough to separate safely, then arrange them in one layer and continue cooking. Sweet glazes are best added during the later cooking stage so they do not darken too quickly.