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If you've ever stood at the freezer at 5:00 PM wondering what to make for dinner, this recipe is your answer. This air fryer frozen salmon is flaky, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes, no thawing needed. With a simple honey garlic glaze, it's a healthy air fryer meal your whole family will love.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Recipe
Quick air fryer meals are my favorite for obvious reasons. This is one of my favorites because it’s a total time-saver and packed with flavor. I've tested it with several types of salmon fillets (Costco's wild-caught frozen ones are my go-to!), and every time, it turns out juicy on the inside with perfectly crispy edges. Plus, that honey garlic sauce? You'll want to use it on everything!
We eat salmon a lot in my house. My kids love it, my husband loves it, and I love how quick and nourishing it is. Salmon is full of heart-healthy Omega-3s and is naturally gluten-free and high in protein, making it one of our go-to healthy air fryer meals.
Cooking salmon in the air fryer makes things even easier. No need to thaw just season and cook. The honey garlic glaze adds sweet and savory richness, and it's made from just a few pantry staples. You can serve this with cauliflower rice, veggies, or white rice for a quick weeknight dinner that checks all the boxes.
If you enjoy air fryer fish recipes, don't miss my Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites or 15-Minute Air Fryer Halibut.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Frozen Salmon Fillets: Skin-on fillets work best for texture. I use wild-caught frozen salmon from Costco. No thawing required!
- Avocado Oil Spray: Helps prevent sticking and gives the salmon a bit of crispiness. Olive oil spray works too.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness. You can substitute maple syrup if needed.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh is best, but jarred works. Garlic powder in a pinch.
- Coconut Aminos: A soy-free, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that brings rich umami flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste. Pepper is optional but adds a nice bite.
This honey garlic glaze also makes a delicious marinade for other proteins like chicken or shrimp.
How to Cook Frozen Salmon
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil.
Step 2: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a single layer (you may need to work in batches). Air fry the frozen salmon for 6 minutes.
Step 4: Meanwhile, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt to make your glaze.
Step 5: After 6 minutes, brush the glaze generously over the salmon. Reserve some glaze for any additional fillets.
Step 5: Continue air frying for 5-6 more minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temp of 145°F.
Serve warm with white rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite veggie side!
Fresh Salmon Variation
Using fresh fillets? Preheat the air fryer the same way. Brush the raw fillets with glaze and cook for 6-7 minutes, skin-side down, or until flaky and fully cooked.
Storage + Reheating Tips
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or warm gently on the stovetop.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the air fryer.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! This recipe is designed for frozen fillets, no need to defrost.
A glaze like this honey garlic sauce works best since it caramelizes and adds flavor while cooking.
It should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F internally. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results.
Absolutely! Just work in batches so the salmon cooks evenly without overcrowding.
Whether you're short on time or forgot to thaw dinner, this easy air fryer frozen salmon recipe is here to save the day. It's quick, full of flavor, and pairs perfectly with your favorite sides.
And don't miss my Easy Salmon Pasta with Creamy Labneh Sauce for another way to enjoy air fryer salmon!
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
The BEST Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Gluten Free Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Air Fryer Pork Chops (No Breading)
Easy Air Fryer Frozen Salmon (No Thaw Method!)
Equipment
- Air Fryer This is the 4 qt Ninja!
Ingredients
- 4 6-oz frozen salmon fillets
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- ¼ tsp salt
- Avocado oil spray, for the basket
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 for 3 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the salmon fillets into the basket skin-side down (you may need to cook 2 at a time depending on the size of your air fryer).
- Air fry for 6 minutes.
- Remove the basket and brush or pour some of the sauce over each of the salmon fillets to completely coat them (leaving half of the sauce for the remaining 2 fillets).
- Continue to air fry for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is browned on top.
- Serve with rice or cauliflower rice and your favorite veggie and enjoy!
Honey Garlic Sauce
- Mix the coconut aminos, honey, minced garlic, and salt together in a bowl and set aside.
Notes
- Fresh salmon: Preheat to 400 for 3 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket and place the fresh salmon skin-side down in the basket. Brush with the sauce to coat. Air fry for 6-7 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve and enjoy!
- Leftover Salmon: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes or over the stovetop for best results.
- Freezer: To freeze, store your cooked salmon in an airtight container or bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer.
Nutrition
All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While I fact check them using My Fitness Pal, please note that they may not always be 100% accurate and depend on ingredients used. Weigh your total and divide by the number of servings for the most accurate grams per serving size.
Super easy and delicious. Seriously could not have been easier to throw together