Make moist and flaky frozen Salmon in the air fryer with lemon, dill, and simple seasonings. It's a meal idea that's ready in under 30 minutes.
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If you're anything like me, there are nights when you forget to thaw dinner, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for takeout. That's exactly why I love making this air fryer salmon recipe. It's quick, fuss-free, and turns out surprisingly delicious every single time.
The combo of butter, garlic, lemon, and dill makes the kitchen smell incredible. Plus, the fish comes out perfectly flaky with minimal effort. It can also be served with my lemon butter sauce for salmon for a great last-minute meal.
For a complete dinner, I'll serve it with a side of roasted veggies or as a salmon salad. It's also delicious flaked into pasta or rice bowls for something simple without sacrificing taste. Once you make frozen salmon in your air fryer, you'll be adding it to your regular rotation.
Ingredients
- Frozen salmon fillet - A convenient, protein-rich main ingredient that cooks beautifully in the air fryer without needing to thaw.
- Fresh dill - Adds a fresh, aromatic herb flavor that pairs well with the richness of the salmon.
- Fresh lemon - Provides brightness and a hint of citrus that balances the buttery, savory flavors.
- Unsalted butter - Enhances the salmon's richness and creates a moist, flaky texture.
- Olive oil - Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity depth to the overall flavor.
- Granulated garlic - Brings a warm, savory flavor that complements both the salmon and the herbs.
- Kosher salt - Boosts the natural flavors of the salmon and seasonings without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper - Adds a mild heat and complexity that rounds out the dish.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
To start, lightly spray your air fryer tray (or basket) with oil and place the frozen salmon with skin side down. Insert tray (or basket) into the middle of the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 244°F (118°C) for 5 minutes. Frozen salmon will start to defrost while the Air Fryer oven is preheating.
On a plate, soak sprigs of fresh dill with olive oil. Reserve some fresh dill leaves for garnish before soaking in oil.
Divide fresh lemon. Reserve 3 thinly sliced lemons for garnish. Slice the remaining lemon into 4 equal pieces.
Remove the slightly defrosted salmon from the air fryer. Increase the temperature to 375°F (191°C) to preheat and set for 20 minutes.
Temporarily transfer the defrosted salmon to a plate. Using the same tray, place the soaked dill and top with 4 lemon slices.
Smother the salmon with softened butter, then season with granulated garlic, salt, and ground black pepper.
Return the defrosted fish fillet to a bed of dill and lemon with salmon skin down. Insert the tray back into the air fryer.
Cook salmon in the Air Fryer until it turns opaque, flaky, and fully cooked. The salmon is done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Transfer cooked fish to a plate and garnish with fresh slices of lemon.
Hint: Keep an eye on the thickness of your fillet, as thicker pieces may need a few extra minutes to cook the salmon through fully without drying out.
Variations
Here are some easy ways to customize this frozen salmon in air fryer recipe:
- Switch up the seasoning: Try Cajun seasoning for a Southern twist, or za'atar for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
- Add a sauce: Drizzle with teriyaki, miso glaze, chimichurri, or a creamy dill sauce to match the preferences of your guests or the rest of your meal.
- Use different herbs: Instead of dill, try fresh parsley, cilantro, or thyme to change up the aroma and taste.
- Incorporate heat: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if your guests enjoy a bit of spice.
- Serve with themed sides: Pair with coconut rice for a tropical flair, roasted potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort meal, or a cucumber salad for a Mediterranean vibe.
- For a dairy-free version, you can swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Tips
Top tip: Preheat your air fryer properly after defrosting the salmon to ensure even cooking and that perfect flaky texture.
Here are more helpful tips for making this recipe:
- Use thick fillets for the best texture and flavor. The thickness of the salmon matters. Thinner cuts may dry out faster.
- Don't skip the butter. It adds richness and keeps the salmon moist as it cooks.
- Layer the lemon and dill under the salmon to infuse it with fresh, aromatic flavor without overpowering it.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F, but wild salmon can be enjoyed medium rare at 120°F to 130°F.
- Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for a more tender bite.
Serving suggestions
This easy air fryer frozen salmon recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it easy to serve for casual dinners or more formal gatherings. Try it with a simple broccoli slaw salad which adds a crunchy texture to contrast the flaky salmon. You can also add a scoop of cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli for a low-carb, keto-friendly option that keeps things fresh and satisfying.
If you're looking to make it a more comforting or filling dish, serve the salmon with mashed potatoes, creamy mashed cauliflower, or air fryer sweet potatoes. I've also enjoyed it alongside sautéed green beans or asparagus for something quick yet elegant.
Storage
To store leftover salmon, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the salmon by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat, place the salmon back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes until it's warmed through. Be careful not to overheat it, as it may dry out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but the air fryer method ensures the salmon stays moist and flaky.
FAQs
Yes, you can! While this salmon in an air fryer recipe is designed for frozen fillets, you can cook fresh salmon instead. Simply reduce the cooking time by about 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, and skip thawing it while preheating.
No, you don't need to thaw the salmon before cooking. The air fryer does a great job of cooking frozen salmon directly, starting with a defrosting phase and then cooking it to perfection without drying it out.
Yes, you can air fry frozen salmon fillets together as long as there is enough space for the air to circulate around each piece in the air fryer basket or try. Be mindful that adding more salmon may increase the cooking time slightly, so check for doneness accordingly.
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Recipe
Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 frozen salmon fillet 7.05 ounces / 200 grams
- 5 grams sprigs of fresh dill reserve some for garnish
- 1 piece fresh lemon divided
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil add up to 1 tablespoon more if needed
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Lightly spray Air Fryer tray (or basket) with oil and place frozen salmon. Insert tray (or basket) into the middle of the air fryer.
- Start Air Fryer at 244°F (118°C). Set for 5 minutes. Frozen salmon will start to defrost in the Air Fryer while the Air Fryer oven is simultaneously preheating.
- On a plate, soak sprigs of fresh dill with olive oil. Reserve some fresh dill leaves for garnish before soaking in oil.
- Divide fresh lemon. Reserve 3 thinly sliced lemon for garnish. Slice the remaining lemon into 4 equal pieces.
- Remove the slightly defrosted salmon from the Air Fryer. Increase the temperature to 375°F (191°C) to pre-heat and set for 20 minutes.
- Temporarily transfer the defrosted salmon to a plate. Using the same Air Fryer tray, place the soaked dill and top with 4 lemon slices.
- Smother the salmon with softened butter, then season with granulated garlic, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Return the defrosted salmon to a bed of dill and lemon. Insert the tray into the cooking chamber.
- Remove the salmon from the Air Fryer once it turns opaque, flaky, and fully cooked through with an internal temperature reaching 145°F.
- Transfer cooked salmon to a plate and garnish with fresh slices of lemon.
Agnes Estabillo
This looks amazing! I haven’t tried it yet, but I definitely want to, how quick and simple it is. Can’t wait to make this soon!