Are you craving a delicious and healthy dinner but short on time? Look no further! This frozen salmon air fryer recipe is your answer. Forget lengthy thawing processes and complicated cooking methods. This easy recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flaky salmon in minutes, making it the ultimate quick dinner idea for busy weeknights. It's so simple, even beginners can master it, and the results are restaurant-quality delicious. Get ready to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor or convenience!
Ingredients:
- 1 (6-ounce) frozen salmon fillet, skin on or off (your preference)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Salmon: Remove the salmon fillet from the freezer. Gently pat it dry with paper towels; this helps it crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
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Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and lemon pepper (if using). Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillet.
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Air Fry the Salmon: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned salmon fillet in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket; if cooking multiple fillets, cook them in batches.
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Cook the Salmon: Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillet and your air fryer model. Check for doneness at the 8-minute mark.
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Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the cooked salmon from the air fryer basket. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired. This delicious and healthy dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon:
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Cook salmon fillets in batches if necessary.
- Check for doneness: Use a fork to gently flake the salmon. It's done when it flakes easily.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker fillets may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own flavor combinations. Paprika, dill, and onion powder all work well.
Variations:
- Citrus Salmon: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to the seasoning mixture for a brighter flavor.
- Spicy Salmon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Crusted Salmon: Top the salmon with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives before air frying.
Nutritional Information (per 6-ounce serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 8-12 grams
This frozen salmon air fryer recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The ease and speed make it a go-to recipe for quick dinner ideas, and the flavor rivals more complex recipes. Enjoy this easy and healthy meal!