Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Salmon Recipe: A Healthy, Flavorful Meal in Minutes
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.