As a busy mom, I know how important it is to get dinner on the table quickly while still making sure it’s both delicious and nutritious. That’s why I absolutely love making Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Salmon—it’s such an easy, healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving something light and flavorful. Plus, my kids love it too!
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The best part is, this recipe only takes about 20 minutes to make, and the result is a perfectly crispy salmon with a tender, flaky inside. It’s a meal that I feel good about serving my family, and I know it’s one that everyone will enjoy.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to whip up this easy, delicious air fryer salmon:
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that little smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Kitchen Tools:
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer (or any air fryer you have)
- Tongs or spatula (to flip the salmon)
- Small bowl (for seasoning the salmon)
- Paper towels (for drying the salmon before cooking)
The Benefits of Air Frying Salmon
One thing I love about cooking with my Ninja Foodi Air Fryer is that it makes everything so much healthier. Instead of deep frying the salmon, which can add a lot of extra fat, air frying gives it that crispy, golden finish without the extra calories. And it’s so simple—just a little olive oil and seasoning, and the air fryer does the rest!
This method not only locks in all the moisture, leaving the fish tender and flaky, but it also gives it that perfect crispy crust. It’s amazing how quick and easy it is to get this perfect salmon, especially when time is precious.
How to Make Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by making sure your salmon fillets are thawed (if they were frozen) and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a nice crispy texture. You want to make sure you’re working with dry fish so it cooks evenly.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil and then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the fish. This will give the salmon that beautiful, flavorful crust.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your Ninja Foodi Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This is such an important step because it ensures the salmon starts cooking immediately when you place it in the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets into the air fryer basket, skin-side down (if you’re using skin-on salmon). Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, depending on how thick your fillets are. If you like your salmon extra crispy, feel free to flip it halfway through the cooking time.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Once the salmon has finished cooking, check it by gently flaking the fish with a fork. If it flakes easily and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), it’s ready to serve!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
As a mom, I’m all about efficiency and getting the best results with minimal effort. Here are some tips I’ve learned that help me get that perfect salmon every time:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure there’s enough space between the fillets so the hot air can circulate around them. This ensures they cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
- Pat the Salmon Dry: This small step makes a huge difference! Drying the salmon before seasoning helps achieve that crispy, golden crust.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure whether the salmon is cooked through, a meat thermometer is your best friend. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Get Creative with the Seasoning: If you want to switch things up, try adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme, or squeeze some fresh lemon over the fillets before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with something as simple as air fryer salmon, there are a few things I’ve learned the hard way! Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking: Salmon cooks quickly, so be careful not to leave it in the air fryer for too long. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Too Much Oil: You don’t need a lot of oil! Just a light drizzle over the fillets will do the trick.
- Not Preheating the Air Fryer: I know it’s tempting to skip this step when you’re in a rush, but preheating the air fryer helps everything cook evenly.
Variations and Swaps
I love how versatile this recipe is! Here are a few variations you can try:
- Citrus Glaze: Brush the salmon with a citrus glaze (like orange or lemon) before air frying for a burst of freshness.
- Breadcrumb-Crusted: For a crunchier texture, coat the salmon with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before cooking.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or tarragon to the seasoning mix for a more aromatic flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon
Salmon is so easy to serve in different ways, which is one of the reasons I love it for family dinners. Here are some ideas:
- On a Bed of Greens: Serve the crispy salmon over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- With Roasted Veggies: Pair it with roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
- On Rice or Quinoa: I love serving salmon on a bed of rice (or cauliflower rice for a lighter option) with some steamed veggies on the side.
Pairing Ideas
Looking for the perfect drink to pair with your air fryer salmon? Here are some options:
- A Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay work wonderfully with salmon.
- Sparkling Water: A refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lemon is a great non-alcoholic option.
- Iced Green Tea: For a lighter, more refreshing drink, try iced green tea with a splash of honey.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), here’s how to store them:
Place the salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, I recommend popping it back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes to bring back that crispy texture. If you microwave it, it can become a little soggy.
Nutritional Information
This air fryer salmon recipe is packed with nutrients! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving (about 4 oz of salmon):
- Calories: 232
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Omega-3s: 2g
Salmon is a great source of healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Salmon recipe is one of those meals that comes together in a flash and tastes incredible every single time. It’s healthy, flavorful, and the perfect dish for busy families who still want to eat well. Whether you’re a busy mom like me or just someone who loves a good, quick dinner, this recipe is a winner.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making this Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Salmon as much as I do! It’s a great meal to have in your weekly dinner rotation. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your family and friends, and be sure to subscribe to my blog for more easy, delicious recipes that your whole family will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s fully thawed before seasoning and cooking for the best results.
2. How do I know when the salmon is done? Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
3. Can I use skinless salmon? Absolutely! Skinless salmon will work just as well. Simply follow the same instructions.
4. Can I add more seasonings? Of course! You can add herbs, spices, or even a little drizzle of honey for sweetness.
5. How do I make the salmon extra crispy? For an even crispier salmon, you can coat it with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before air frying.
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Salmon Recipe: A Healthy, Flavorful Meal in Minutes
Equipment
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer (or any air fryer you have)
- Tongs or spatula (to flip the salmon)
- Small bowl (for seasoning the salmon)
- Paper towels (for drying the salmon before cooking)
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that little smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Notes
How to Make Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by making sure your salmon fillets are thawed (if they were frozen) and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a nice crispy texture. You want to make sure you’re working with dry fish so it cooks evenly.Step 2: Season the Salmon
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil and then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the fish. This will give the salmon that beautiful, flavorful crust.Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your Ninja Foodi Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This is such an important step because it ensures the salmon starts cooking immediately when you place it in the air fryer.Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets into the air fryer basket, skin-side down (if you’re using skin-on salmon). Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, depending on how thick your fillets are. If you like your salmon extra crispy, feel free to flip it halfway through the cooking time.Step 5: Check for Doneness
Once the salmon has finished cooking, check it by gently flaking the fish with a fork. If it flakes easily and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), it’s ready to serve!Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
As a mom, I’m all about efficiency and getting the best results with minimal effort. Here are some tips I’ve learned that help me get that perfect salmon every time:- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure there’s enough space between the fillets so the hot air can circulate around them. This ensures they cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
- Pat the Salmon Dry: This small step makes a huge difference! Drying the salmon before seasoning helps achieve that crispy, golden crust.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure whether the salmon is cooked through, a meat thermometer is your best friend. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Get Creative with the Seasoning: If you want to switch things up, try adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme, or squeeze some fresh lemon over the fillets before serving.