Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

This Air Fryer Frozen Salmon is a delicious and healthy dinner recipe that the whole family can get behind. The combination of saffron-coated salmon filets and a lemony dill/caper yogurt sauce creates a party in your mouth that you’ll want to enjoy again and again!

The BEST Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Cooking salmon in the air fryer has been done before, but not like this vibrant frozen salmon recipe! The salmon is brushed in a saffron mixture of water, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, and dill to add some serious flavor, and it gets even better with the creamy lemon, dill, and caper yogurt sauce. It’s one of those easy air fryer recipes that tastes like something from a restaurant. 

I air-fried the salmon, but you can pan-fry or bake it in the oven if you’d like. And feel free to serve it with whatever side or base you want. It would be delicious with white rice or potato if you eat carbs, or you can serve it up on top of a fully loaded salad. It’s super versatile!

Why You’ll Love It

• It makes for a healthy meal that can be easily whipped up any night of the week.
• A great option for low-carb, keto, or paleo diets. 
• It’s a simple dish with a whole lot of flavor!
• You can easily customize it by pairing it with your favorite side dish.

Health Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which has been shown to help reduce inflammation and promote heart and brain health. Eating salmon can help lower bad cholesterol levels and support healthy blood pressure levels. It’s also a great source of lean protein, helping you stay full longer and aiding your weight loss goals. 

In addition, salmon is packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, selenium, and iron. Research suggests that eating salmon regularly can help improve your skin, hair, and nails by providing your body with the nutrients it needs. All of these benefits make salmon an ideal choice for a healthy diet.

Made with Simple Ingredients

• Salmon: I used about 1 pound of frozen salmon for this recipe. Use fresh salmon filets if you wish! Just remember to adjust the total cooking time accordingly.
• Saffron: Saffron adds slightly sweet and floral notes to the salmon, giving it a depth of flavor that is one-of-a-kind.
• Lemon: Salmon and lemon are a match made in heaven! A little bit of fresh lemon juice goes a long way! I used it for the saffron mixture, yogurt sauce, and as a garnish at the end.
• Salt & Pepper: Salt and pepper bring out the natural salmon taste and elevate this dish to the next level.
• Garlic: I used garlic powder and clove to boost this recipe’s flavor profile.
• Dill: Using dried dill for the salmon seasoning and freshly chopped dill for the sauce gives this salmon that unforgettable taste you can’t replace.
• Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is the base for the sauce and adds a refreshing creaminess to the palate so that everything is perfectly balanced. 
• Capers: Capers add a tangy, briny, and salty flavor that takes this dish up a notch.

Optional Additions

Lettuce & Arugula: Toss in some healthy greens to increase your meal’s nutritional benefits.

Red Onions: I roasted red onions for that smoky, pungent flavor that is just addictive!

Squash: Squash is a great healthy substitute for potatoes or other starches, and it’s just as (if not more) delicious with this salmon!

Red Chili Flakes: Adds a kick of heat to this dish to really give you that depth of flavor.

How to Make Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

The steps are simple, and I’m outlining them below but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full, printable recipe card. You can also watch how it comes together in my Instagram reel!

STEP 1 – PREHEAT

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F.

STEP 2 – DEFROST

Add the two frozen salmon filets skin side up and cook for 5 minutes. Flip, and cook another 3-4 minutes if still partially frozen.

STEP 3 – MAKE SAFFRON SEASONING

While the salmon cooks, mix the saffron in warm water. Then add the lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried dill. Brush this onto your salmon after the first 5 minutes of cook time.

STEP 4 – AIR FRY

Bump temperature to 400°F and cook another 5-8 minutes or until done to your liking.

Pro Tip: Not all air fryers are created equal! Your cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have.

STEP 5 – PREPARE SAUCE

While it cooks, add the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, pepper, dill, capers, and garlic to a small bowl, giving it a good mix. 

Pro Tip: Give it a taste, and adjust it to your liking. If you want it thicker, add more yogurt. If you want it more liquidy or lemony, add more lemon, and be sure there is enough salt!

STEP 6 – SERVE + ENJOY

Now it’s time to pull it all together! Top the salmon with the lemony dill/caper yogurt sauce, or create a bowl (optional). 

ENJOY!

Make A Salmon Power Bowl! 

Want to make this delicious flaky salmon into a complete meal? Make it into a flavorful and hearty salmon bowl! I used a base of lettuce and arugula, some roasted red onions (my favorite), and some roasted squash. 

Then I added the salmon, a couple of spoonfuls of the lemony dill/caper yogurt sauce, then finished it off with another squeeze of lemon juice on top and a sprinkle of red chili flakes to garnish. Delish!

FAQ

How to pick out the best frozen salmon?

To find high-quality frozen salmon, look for wild-caught Alaskan sockeye or coho salmon. Wild-caught salmon is a healthier option because it’s free from antibiotics and other additives found in farmed fish. When it comes to taste, wild salmon will also give you the best results. 

When selecting frozen fish, check for any freezer burn on the packaging and ensure it is intact with no signs of tears or punctures. You should also avoid any packages that have thawed, refrozen, and/or have fish that has a strong odor. 

Lastly, make sure the salmon is still frozen solid when you buy it, and be aware of the expiration date on the package. 

How do I know when my salmon is done cooking?

Using an instant-read thermometer is the easiest way to check if your salmon is done cooking. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. According to the USDA, a safe minimum internal temperature for fully cooked salmon should be 145°F (63°C), but that is if you like well-done salmon.

Go with your personal preference — salmon can be enjoyed cooked medium rare to well done, which ranges from 125°F-145°F. Well-done salmon (145°F) will be a lot drier and taste overcooked.  

If you don’t have a thermometer, check if the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If it flakes apart easily and the flesh looks cooked through, then your salmon is done! Don’t overcook it, though — salmon is best when it’s still juicy and tender. 

Storage

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat, place salmon skin-side down in an air fryer set at 360°F. Cook it for about 5 minutes or until the salmon has warmed through.

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