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Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Recipe

Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

iamwinfred
This air fryer frozen salmon recipe is the dinner move you keep in your back pocket for nights when you completely forgot to plan ahead. No thawing, no soggy microwave defrost, just frozen fillets straight into the basket and a honey garlic lemon glaze brushed on halfway through. In under thirty minutes you get flaky, glazed salmon with crisp edges and zero fuss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 fillets
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer Basket style, wide enough for fillets in a single layer
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Silicone basting brush Holds up to heat, easy to clean
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 4 frozen salmon fillets about 6 ounces each, skin on or skinless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until honey dissolves and mixture is glossy.
  • Take salmon fillets straight from the freezer with no thawing. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil. Place frozen fillets in a single layer, leaving space between each for air circulation.
  • Set air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Air fry frozen fillets for 8 minutes with no seasoning or glaze. The edges will start to turn opaque.
  • Carefully open the air fryer and pull out the basket. Using a silicone basting brush, coat the top of each fillet generously with half the glaze.
  • Slide the basket back in and continue cooking at 390°F for 6 to 8 more minutes. Halfway through, brush the remaining glaze over the fillets. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F in the thickest part.
  • Remove salmon from the air fryer and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Never thaw the fillets before starting. Partial thawing throws off the timing in this recipe.
  • Pat any visible ice crystals off the fillets before placing them in the basket, if you notice frost buildup.
  • Do not skip the resting step. Salmon carries over slightly in temperature once it comes out of the air fryer.
  • Buy fillets that are roughly the same thickness so they finish cooking at the same time.
  • Line the basket with a perforated parchment liner if you want easier cleanup, since the glaze can leave residue.
  • Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small drizzle of sriracha to the glaze.
  • Dijon herb version: Swap honey for Dijon mustard and add a teaspoon of dried dill.
  • Soy ginger version: Replace lemon juice with rice vinegar and add grated fresh ginger and a splash of soy sauce.
  • Store cooled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1filletCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 34gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 580mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg
Keyword air fryer salmon, easy salmon dinner, frozen salmon recipe, honey garlic salmon
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