When it comes to air frying salmon, there is no need to thaw it before cooking. You can absolutely cook frozen salmon directly in the air fryer, which is a great convenience for those times when you forget to defrost it ahead of time or simply want a quick and easy meal.
Thawing salmon can take some time, especially if it's a larger fillet or if you're in a hurry. By cooking it from frozen, you can save yourself that extra step and still enjoy a delicious and perfectly cooked piece of salmon.
The air fryer's hot circulating air will quickly defrost the salmon as it cooks, ensuring that it cooks evenly and thoroughly. This is especially important with frozen salmon, as you want to make sure the center is cooked through without overcooking the outside.
To cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, you'll want to adjust the cooking time slightly compared to cooking thawed salmon. Individual frozen salmon fillets will typically require around 12-14 minutes in the air fryer. However, it's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the fillets, as well as the specific model of your air fryer.
If you're cooking a whole frozen salmon fillet, it may require a slightly longer cooking time, around 14-18 minutes. Again, this can vary depending on the size of the fillet and the specifics of your air fryer. It's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure it reaches a safe cooking temperature of 145°F (63°C).
As with any cooking method, it's essential to monitor the salmon closely as it cooks to prevent overcooking. You may want to flip the salmon halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and to prevent any sticking to the air fryer basket.
One of the benefits of air frying frozen salmon is that it can help lock in moisture and preserve the natural flavors of the fish. The hot air circulation helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This can result in a delicious and convenient meal that requires minimal effort.
In my personal experience, air frying frozen salmon has been a time-saving and tasty option. I often find myself forgetting to thaw salmon in advance, and being able to cook it directly from frozen has been a game-changer. The air fryer provides a quick and efficient way to cook frozen salmon without sacrificing flavor or texture.
To summarize, it is not necessary to thaw salmon before air frying. You can cook frozen salmon directly in the air fryer, adjusting the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the fillets. This method can save time and still result in a delicious and perfectly cooked piece of salmon. So go ahead and enjoy the convenience of air frying frozen salmon for a quick and satisfying meal.