Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer With Lemon Pepper Butter

Air fryer salmon from frozen is a fast, flavorful dinner with no thawing required. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C), then cook the frozen fillets for about 12 to 16 minutes, depending on their thickness. There is no need to flip them. Brushing on lemon pepper butter partway through cooking gives the salmon a bright, savory finish while keeping it moist and flaky.

Ingredients

• 2 frozen salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley, optional

If your lemon pepper seasoning contains salt, taste or check the label before adding the extra salt.

How To Make It

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together the melted butter, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and lemon juice.

1. Unwrap the frozen salmon. If the fillets have a thick layer of ice, quickly rinse it away under cool water and pat the fish dry.

1. Arrange the salmon in the air fryer basket with the skin side facing down, leaving space around each piece. Air fry for 7 minutes to thaw the surface.

1. Open the basket and generously brush the tops and sides of the salmon with the lemon pepper butter. Continue air frying for 5 to 9 minutes without flipping.

1. Check the thickest part of each fillet. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Serve with lemon wedges and parsley.

Tips

• Check thinner fillets early. Small or thin portions may be finished after 11 to 12 minutes total, while thick center-cut fillets can need 16 minutes or slightly longer.
• Leave room for airflow. Cook in batches if necessary rather than overlapping the salmon.
• Keep the skin on during cooking. It helps hold the frozen fillet together and can be removed easily after cooking if you do not want to eat it.
• Avoid overcooking. Begin checking the temperature a few minutes before the expected finish time.
• Make cleanup easy. Use a perforated air fryer liner, but add it only when the salmon goes into the basket so it cannot lift into the heating element.

Pair this buttery lemon pepper salmon with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for an easy weeknight meal.