Cooking frozen salmon can be a convenient and delicious way to prepare a meal, especially when you don’t have the time to thaw it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen salmon using various methods.
Cooking Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is an excellent tool for cooking frozen salmon quickly and evenly.
Steps:
Preheat and Defrost: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Place the frozen salmon fillets directly in the air fryer basket, skin side down if they have skin. Cook for 7-9 minutes to defrost the fillets[1][5].
Season and Cook: After defrosting, brush the salmon with a little olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Lay lemon slices over the fillets if you prefer. Return the salmon to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-7 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) and flakes easily with a fork[1][5].
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked to your liking. For more moist fillets, you can aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C)[5].
Cooking Frozen Salmon in the Oven
Baking frozen salmon in the oven is another straightforward method.
Steps:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Remove the frozen salmon fillets from their packaging and run them under cold running water to remove ice crystals. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help seasonings stick[3].
Season and Bake: Season the salmon fillets with onion and garlic powders, salt, pepper, and oil. Place them on a greased sheet pan and drizzle with more oil. Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 20 minutes[3].
Broil for Crust: After 20 minutes, the salmon should be thawed. Scrape off any white spots and broil the fillets for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a crispy and crusty texture. Ensure not to overbake[3].
Serve: Let the salmon sit for 5 minutes before serving. You can serve it with lemon and your favorite side dishes like brown rice and roasted broccoli[3].
Cooking Frozen Salmon on the Grill
Grilling frozen salmon can add a nice smoky flavor to your dish.
Steps:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 190°C or 375°F). Remove the salmon from its packaging, wash away any ice crystals, and dry it with a paper towel[2][4].
Season and Wrap: Grease a sheet of foil with cooking oil and place the salmon in the middle, skin side down. Season the salmon with your preferred seasonings, such as lemon or orange. Fold the foil to create a loose tent around the fish[2][4].
Grill: Place the foil packet on the grill and cook for 16-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Be cautious when opening the packet due to hot steam[2][4].
Cooking Frozen Salmon in a Pan
Pan-searing frozen salmon is another viable option.
Steps:
Prepare and Heat: Rinse the frozen salmon under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove ice crystals. Heat a tablespoon or two of oil in a pan over medium heat[4].
Cook: Add the salmon skin-side up when the oil starts to shimmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes before flipping the fillet and seasoning the browned side. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for an additional 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon[4].
Most Important Facts About Cooking Frozen Salmon
Defrosting: Regardless of the cooking method, it’s crucial to remove any excess ice or frost from the frozen salmon fillets before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent a mushy texture[1][3][4].
Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure it is cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F (62.7°C). However, for more moist fillets, you can aim for 125°F (52°C)[1][5].
Cooking Times:
Air Fryer: Defrost for 7-9 minutes, then cook for an additional 3-7 minutes[1][5].
Oven: Bake for 20 minutes, then broil for 10 minutes[3].
Grill: Cook in foil for 16-20 minutes[2][4].
Pan: Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, then an additional 6-10 minutes on the second side[4].
Seasoning: Always season the salmon after defrosting or during the cooking process to ensure the flavors penetrate evenly[1][3][5].
Even Cooking: Use methods like foil packets on the grill or covering the pan to trap steam and ensure the salmon cooks evenly and thoroughly[2][4].
By following these guidelines, you can achieve perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful salmon even when starting with frozen fillets.
