How to Defrost Salmon in an Air Fryer: Best Method
Defrosting salmon in an air fryer is incredibly convenient and works really well. Let’s take a look at how to do it!
How to Defrost Salmon in an Air Fryer
Using an air fryer to defrost frozen salmon is super easy. After preheating, simply set the time for around 10-15 minutes. Here’s how to do it:
Take the frozen salmon out and use a paper towel to absorb the frost on the fish skin.
Place a baking tray with foil or parchment paper in the air fryer to catch any oil splatters.
Preheat the air fryer at 80°C (175°F) for about 3-5 minutes.
Put the frozen salmon into the air fryer. For a 1cm thick piece, heat for about 8 minutes. Add 2 more minutes for every additional centimeter of thickness.
Check if the salmon is fully defrosted by gently pressing the center with your finger. If it bounces back, it’s ready.
Tips:
After defrosting, refrigerate the salmon for 10 minutes before cooking to make the flesh firmer.
It’s easier to defrost whole fish with bones. If you cut it into pieces, it may heat unevenly.
Keep the temperature low while defrosting to avoid accidentally cooking the salmon.
How long to defrost salmon in air fryer?
Here are some approximate times for defrosting salmon in the air fryer:
Thin salmon fillets (about 0.5cm): Heat for about 6-8 minutes.
Standard thickness fish fillet (about 1cm): Heat for about 8-10 minutes, until it feels soft when pressed.
Whole fish with bones (2cm+): Heat for about 12-15 minutes to defrost from head to tail.
Tips:
Keep the temperature low and use the air fryer’s defrost setting, which operates at a minimum temperature of 80°C (175°F).
Do not open the air fryer lid during defrosting. Frequent opening can extend the defrosting time.
After defrosting, move the salmon to the fridge immediately to stop it from continuing to warm up due to residual heat.
If the center of the salmon is still tough, put it in the freezer for 10 minutes before taking it out again.
How to thaw salmon quickly?
Besides using the air fryer, you can also defrost salmon quickly using a microwave:
Microwave Defrosting
Take the frozen salmon out and use a paper towel to absorb any ice particles.
Rub oil on the fish skin to prevent sticking.
Wrap the salmon in plastic wrap and poke a few holes in it.
Microwave on high for 30 seconds, repeating this 3 times, with 1-minute intervals between each.
Check the hardness of the salmon. If it’s not fully defrosted, heat for another 10 seconds.
How do you cook salmon in an air fryer without it sticking?
Here are some anti-stick tips for cooking salmon:
Physical Anti-stick Methods
Use double layers of aluminum foil in the air fryer basket to prevent oil splattering.
Brush oil on the salmon skin, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, and pour oil around the edges to prevent sticking.
Use a bamboo skewer to elevate the fish so that hot air circulates around it and prevents sticking to the bottom.
Chemical Anti-stick Methods
When marinating, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and white vinegar to the salmon. This not only helps remove any fishy smell but also forms a protective layer to prevent sticking.
Alternatively, use yogurt or lemon juice as a marinade. The acid helps coagulate the protein, making it less likely to stick.
Temperature and Time Tips
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes before placing the salmon inside. Make sure the fish is skin-side down.
For thin fillets (1cm), cook for about 12 minutes, flipping once.
For thicker fillets (2cm), cook for about 15 minutes, increasing the temperature to 200°C (390°F) for the last 3 minutes to brown the skin.
Tips:
Always use parchment paper or foil to separate the fish from the basket.
Limit opening the air fryer lid to less than twice. Every time you open it, hot air escapes, which could cause the fish to stick.
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, check the skin. Once it turns golden and crispy, turn off the air fryer.
How many minutes to cook frozen fish in an air fryer?
Here’s a general guide to cooking times in the air fryer:
Golden Formula
Temperature: 180°C (for defrosting and cooking in one step)
Time:
Thin fillets (0.5cm): 12-15 minutes
Thick fillets (1.5cm): 18-20 minutes
Whole fish with bones (2cm+): 25-30 minutes
Key Steps for Perfectly Cooked Fish:
Use parchment paper and foil at the bottom to make cleanup easy.
Elevate the fish on a bamboo skewer or rack for even heat circulation.
For the last 3 minutes, set the temperature to 200°C to achieve crispy skin.
How to cook salmon in air fryer?
Ingredients
Salmon: 200-300g (adjust based on the number of servings)
Olive oil: A small amount to brush on the surface of the fish to prevent sticking and enhance aroma
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, lemon juice, garlic powder (optional)
Lemon slices: 2-3 slices for garnish and to add freshness
Steps
Prepare the Salmon
Take the salmon out and gently blot the surface with a paper towel.
Brush a layer of olive oil on the surface of the salmon, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let it marinate for 5-10 minutes.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to about 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
Place the Salmon in the Air Fryer
Place the marinated salmon on the air fryer rack, making sure there’s space between the pieces. If you’re concerned about sticking, you can line the rack with non-stick paper.
Cook the Salmon
First side: Cook at 180°C for about 10 minutes to make the skin crispy and the surface slightly golden.
Flip the salmon: Use tongs to flip the salmon and cook for another 6-8 minutes until the surface is crispy and the flesh is cooked through.
Check the Doneness
Gently poke the fish with chopsticks. If they slide in easily and no blood comes out, the salmon is done.
Serve
Remove the salmon from the air fryer, garnish with lemon slices, and serve!
