To cook frozen salmon, two popular methods are commonly recommended: using an air fryer or an oven.
Air Fryer Method (Preferred)
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- Place the frozen salmon fillets directly into the air fryer basket (skin-side down if it has skin).
- Air fry for 7 to 9 minutes to defrost.
- While defrosting, prepare a quick marinade with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the defrosted salmon with the marinade and air fry for another 7 to 9 minutes.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches at least 125°F and the salmon flakes easily.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Place frozen salmon in a baking dish and pour vegetable broth over it to keep it moist.
- Cover the dish with foil and poach in the oven for about 15 minutes to defrost without drying out.
- Discard the broth, apply the marinade (lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper).
- Bake uncovered for another 10 to 12 minutes until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F.
Both methods provide moist, flavorful salmon straight from frozen without needing to thaw first. The air fryer method is quicker and more convenient, while the oven method helps maintain juiciness through poaching. Additional tips include rinsing off ice glaze on frozen fillets before cooking, using olive oil or butter to prevent sticking, and adjusting cooking time based on fillet thickness. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches a safe internal temperature (125°F for medium, 145°F for fully cooked).
