Recipe Snapshot

PREP + COOK TIME: 25 minutes
METHOD: Air Fryer
OTHER TOOLS: basting brush
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 10

Frozen salmon in the air fryer is the simplest, no-mess way to add seafood to your menu! Cooked straight from the freezer, this healthy air fryer salmon recipe makes a quick and easy dinner. The sweet, tangy glaze gives it a gourmet taste that couldn’t be easier!

overhead view of 2 white dinner plates, each with 1 salmon fillet alongside white rice, broccoli and lemon slice, with 2 gold forks, blue and white striped dishcloth and white air fryer in background

What’s To Love About This Recipe

In this recipe, the salmon cooks straight from frozen. There is no need to thaw first, and it’s an easy choice when you haven’t planned dinner or need to use up what’s in your freezer.
This quick and easy weeknight meal can make it to your table in under 30 minutes! Add some veggies, rice, or quinoa and enjoy a balanced plate that works for plenty of dietary needs.
The flavorful glaze is a delicious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It elevates an average salmon fillet to bring a whole meal together.
Salmon is an excellent protein to add to your weekly rotation and has plenty of heart-healthy benefits like omega-3s and vitamin B.
If you’ve been hesitant to cook seafood at home, the air fryer is the perfect way to try it out! It’s also a go-to method for nights when you want minimal cleanup.
Whether you’re meal prepping a few servings or feeding a larger group, the air fryer works well to cook the fish just right and get it on the table fast!

Ingredients Needed

Salmon fillets – Choose similar-sized fillets for even cooking. Wild-caught salmon is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Popular frozen brands to purchase are Trident Seafoods and the Kirkland brand from Costco.
Olive oil – This adds a light golden glaze to adhere the seasoning and to crisp up the edges.
Herb and garlic seasoning – Choose your favorite grocery-store blend or mix up a simple blend at home. This adds a nice, balanced seasoning with a well-rounded, yet neutral herbal flavor.
Cajun seasoning – Cajun seasoning adds a bit of smoke and spice, and you can adjust more or less for your heat preference. I personally love my homemade blend with simple ingredients, but any Cajun blend will work.

For the glaze:

Mayonnaise and yellow mustard – Together, these condiments create a creamy base with just the right amount of tanginess. (Avocado oil mayo adds a tasty, extra-rich flavor, too!)
Stone-ground mustard – The intact mustard seeds in stone-ground mustard provide a nice texture contrast and rustic element to the glaze.
BBQ sauce – Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to add depth and a slight amount of sweetness. Hickory, citrus, or sweetened sauces would all be great options.
Honey – Honey thickens the glaze and keeps it smooth, while also rounding out the sweetness.
Lime juice – A splash of lime juice brightens up the glaze and complements the rich flavors. (Even better if you have a fresh lime wedge to squeeze!)

parchment lined wooden cutting board with 3 salmon fillets, surrounded by 1 lime, small bottle of olive oil, along with small white bowls of mayo, yellow and stone ground mustard, BBq sauce, seasonings and honey

How To Make Frozen Salmon In The Air Fryer

Rinse frozen salmon fillets under running water for 30 seconds, then pat them dry to remove any ice.
Brush the tops with olive oil, sprinkle with seasoning, and place them skin side down in the air fryer.

parchment lined wooden cutting board with 3 salmon fillets, small bottle of olive oil and hand busting one fillet with a white basting brush

parchment lined wooden cutting board with 3 salmon fillets that have been seasoned, and a white bowl of seasonings

Begin cooking at 390 ℉ for 6-7 minutes until the salmon begins to thaw.

overhead view of black air fryer with 3 seasoned salmon fillets

In the meantime, mix together the rest of the ingredients for the glaze.

2 white bowls with bbq sauce and mayo mixture, alongside a lime

bowl of bbq sauce/mayo mixture with squeezed lime half alongside a gold spoon

Brush the glaze across the tops of the salmon fillets and continue cooking for 6-8 minutes or until cooked through to 145 ℉.

3 air fried salmon fillets with mayo/bbq sauce mixture on top, with white bowl of mayo mixture with gold spoon on side

Pro Tips

Use similar-sized salmon fillets for even cooking in the air fryer.
Avoid overcrowding by cooking fillets in batches if needed. This allows for even air circulation, producing crisp edges and the perfect amount of doneness without overcooking.
Salmon (thawed or frozen) is done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches 145 ℉ internally. Use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate results.
Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the fillets.
To reduce cooking time by 3-4 minutes, thaw the salmon first by adding the sealed packages to a bowl of warm water, or leave it out on the counter briefly to defrost.
If desired, remove the skin before serving.

closeup of cooked air fryer salmon on a plate with broccoli in background

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Try this method with single-serve portions of frozen cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi and adjust cooking times as needed.
Both skin-on and skinless salmon fillets will work in the air fryer. Leaving the skin on helps retain moisture during cooking. If you choose a skin-on fillet, be sure to place the skin-side down while cooking.
Swap out Cajun seasoning for lemon pepper, Italian herbs, or smoked paprika for variation. A simple mix of salt and pepper works well, too!
Spice up the recipe with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze.

Oven-Baked Salmon

Prepare the salmon with olive oil and seasonings.
Bake at 400 ℉ for 18-20 minutes (skin-side down) until the salmon flakes easily and reaches 145 ℉.
Prepare the glaze as directed and brush it across the salmon just a few minutes before removing it from the oven.

How To Serve Air Fryer Salmon

Serve a simple, healthy dinner with air fryer salmon fillets and sides like roasted vegetables, rice, Instant Pot Quinoa, or a fresh Balsamic Tomato Salad.

Add Air Fryer Corn on the Cob or Air Fryer Asparagus for simple veggie sides that don’t skimp on flavor!

For a unique variation, use flaked salmon (from freshly cooked fillets or leftovers) in wraps, tacos, or over pasta dishes, or enjoy it cold with salads, tacos, or a poke-style bowl. It’s a great way to add protein variation into your meal plan and keep things tasty and enjoyable!

closeup of fork with salmon, with white dinner plate with salmon, broccoli and rice in the background

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat salmon in the air fryer at 350 ℉ for 3-4 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, being careful not to overcook.