Cooking frozen salmon burgers in an air fryer is absolutely possible. Air fryers provide a quick, convenient, and healthy way to cook frozen salmon burgers to perfection. With just a few minutes of prep, you can have delicious salmon burgers ready in no time.
Benefits of Cooking Salmon Burgers in an Air Fryer
There are several advantages to using an air fryer to cook frozen salmon burgers:
- Speed – Air fryers cook food very rapidly using super heated air circulation. Frozen salmon burgers can be cooked in an air fryer in 8-12 minutes.
- Convenience – Simply place the frozen salmon burgers in the air fryer basket and set the time and temperature. No need to preheat the oven or grill.
- Less oil needed – The circulating hot air requires little to no oil for cooking, resulting in healthier salmon burgers.
- Even cooking – The hot air surrounds the food evenly, preventing cold spots and ensuring the salmon burgers are cooked through.
- Versatility – Most air fryers have adjustable temperature and time settings, so you can customize doneness.
- Easy cleanup – With minimal oil, air fryers are much easier to clean than grills or ovens.
How to Cook Frozen Salmon Burgers in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer salmon burgers:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Lightly brush or spray air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place frozen salmon burgers in single layer in basket, being careful not to overcrowd.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes on one side.
- Flip burgers and cook 4-6 minutes more until desired doneness is reached.
- Check for doneness by inserting knife in thickest part of burger. Salmon should be opaque and flake easily.
- Allow burgers to rest 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy with favorite burger toppings and sides!
Cooking time may vary slightly based on thickness of the salmon burgers and heat circulation of your particular air fryer model. Refer to specific manufacturer instructions as needed.
Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips when cooking frozen salmon burgers in an air fryer:
- Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between burgers for air circulation.
- Flip halfway – Flipping ensures even browning and thorough cooking.
- Brush with oil – Lightly oiling the burgers helps develop a nice crispy texture.
- Use parchment paper – Lining the basket with parchment prevents sticking.
- Adjust time if needed – Add a minute or two for thicker burgers or if you prefer well done.
- Let rest before serving – Resting allows juices to redistribute for moist, tender burgers.
Common Questions
Should you thaw salmon burgers before air frying?
Thawing is not necessary! Air fryers are perfectly capable of cooking frozen salmon burgers without thawing first. The circulating hot air will thaw and cook the burgers at the same time.
Can you put raw salmon in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook raw, fresh salmon filets, pieces, or patties in an air fryer with great results. Brush lightly with oil, cook at 400°F for 8-12 minutes depending on thickness, flipping halfway. The air fryer gives salmon a beautifully seared outside with tender, moist interior.
What temperature do you cook salmon burgers in an air fryer?
400°F is the ideal air fryer temperature for cooking salmon burgers thoroughly without drying them out. Cook frozen burgers 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time slightly for thicker burgers or personal doneness preference.
How do you know when salmon burgers are done in air fryer?
Salmon burgers are fully cooked when the center is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. A knife inserted into the thickest part should meet little resistance. The outside will be lightly browned and crispy. Check doneness a minute or two early to avoid overcooking.
Can you put fish in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryers are fantastic for cooking all types of fish fillets, fingers, patties, and more. The rapid circulation of hot air quickly cooks fish until tender and juicy inside with a crispy exterior. Use medium-high heat around 380-400°F and adjust cooking time as needed.
Cooking Chart
| Salmon Burger Thickness | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 8-10 minutes |
| 3/4 inch | 10-12 minutes |
| 1 inch | 12-14 minutes |
Cooking times based on fully frozen salmon burgers at 400°F in air fryer, flipping halfway.
Delicious Seasonings and Toppings
Salmon burgers are delicious on their own, but can also be seasoned or topped with spices, sauces, and other accompaniments. Here are some tasty serving suggestions:
- Lemon pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- Teriyaki or soy glaze
- Pesto
- Mango salsa
- Tartar sauce
- Spicy mayo
- Guacamole
- Sliced avocado
- Bacon
- Sautéed mushrooms or onions
- Melted cheese
Get creative with toppings and sides to complement the flavor of the salmon and make your burger unique. Air fried salmon burgers also pair nicely with fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or even on top of a salad.
Recipe Ideas
Here are a few tasty salmon burger recipes perfect for the air fryer:
Lemon Garlic Salmon Burgers
- 1 lb salmon, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine ingredients and shape into patties. Cook in air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes per side. Serve with lemon wedges.
Blackened Salmon Burgers
- 1 lb salmon, minced
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Lemon wedges
Mix ingredients and shape into patties. Cook in air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve with lemon wedges.
Teriyaki Salmon Burgers
- 1 lb salmon, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
Combine ingredients except egg. Add egg, mix, and shape into patties. Brush with teriyaki glaze. Cook in air fryer at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, glazing again before serving.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Properly stored, leftover cooked salmon burgers will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to avoid drying out:
- Air Fryer: Cook at 300°F for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
- Oven: Bake at 300°F for 10 minutes on a lined sheet pan until warmed through.
- Microwave: Microwave individual burgers on a plate for 30-60 seconds until hot. Cover to retain moisture.
Raw uncooked salmon burger patties can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Conclusion
Air fryers offer a quick, convenient, and healthy method for cooking delicious salmon burgers from frozen. Simply place the burgers in the preheated air fryer, set the time and temperature, and in just 8-12 minutes you’ll have perfectly cooked salmon burgers ready to serve. With little oil needed, they come out tender and juicy inside with a crispy, browned exterior. Adjust cook times based on thickness and personal preference. Air fried salmon burgers pair beautifully with fresh greens, roasted veggies, or creative toppings and sauces. Follow these tips and recipes for fantastic salmon burgers straight from your freezer to air fryer to table!