Ninja Foodi Salmon (Air Fryer)

Name: Ninja Foodi Salmon (Air Fryer)
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets (5 oz. each); 1/2 tsp. paprika; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. onion powder; 1 tbsp. olive oil; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. pepper

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A simple, easy to follow recipe for making salmon in the Ninja Foodi. This air fryer salmon recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare, and results in flakey, moist salmon every time.

fork holding up bite of salmon in front of fillets.

The Ninja Foodi Deluxe is truly one of my favorite kitchen gadgets. I was a little late to the air fryer train, but this device is such a time saver that I am so glad I was converted! I use it daily, and even with my limited counter space, it remains out all the time- it is just so useful!

Making this Ninja Foodi salmon recipe couldn't be easier. All you need is fresh salmon filets, olive oil, and some seasonings. The result is perfectly cooked and juicy salmon!

You can buy salmon with or without the skin, as well as fresh or frozen.

I love getting wild caught salmon when possible because of the flavor and nutritional quality. Wild caught salmon is lower in toxins than farmed salmon. It is also high in B12, vitamin D, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. The color of wild caught salmon is a rich and vibrant orange from its diet of shellfish.

Why you'll love this recipe

cooked salmon on a plate with a fork holding a bite.

Simple: Pre-portioned salmon coated in a quick spice blend and you're good to go. No chopping necessary!
Quick-cooking: Less than ten minutes to cook up this clean source of protein, no preheating required.
Healthy: Salmon is incredibly good for you, especially when it's wild caught.
Versatile: Feel free to change up the spices, or simply season with salt and pepper.
Low carb: Salmon is very high in protein and this dish has little to no carbs in it.

Ingredients for air fryer salmon

ingredients for ninja foodi salmon on a white background.

Salmon filets: Either filets or tailside, just use pieces that are uniform in size to each other so that they cook at a similar rate. You can buy skin on or skin off salmon, both work for this recipe.
Oil: Oil helps to keep the fish moist as well as gives the spice blend something to stick to.
Paprika: Paprika adds a beautiful color and flavor without heat.
Garlic powder: Garlic and onion powder are classic additions to any spice blend and are incredibly versatile.
Onion powder
Salt and pepper

How to make salmon in the Ninja Food Deluxe

In a small bowl, combine spices.

Coat salmon fillets in oil and then with clean hands gently press the spice mixture into the salmon filets.

seasoned raw salmon filets on a white plate.

uncooked salmon filets in Ninja Foodi basket.

Place skin side down into the air fryer basket.

Set air fryer to 390 degrees for 10 minutes of cook time.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes and enjoy with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Recipe tips

Rest before serving: Allow the cooked salmon to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender fish.
Use the right temperature: Set the air fryer to a temperature of around 390 F. This temperature allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist.
Adjust cooking time: Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet. Thicker fillets may require a slightly longer cooking time and vice versa.

salmon that has been cooked in the air fryer resting on a white plate.

Recipe FAQ's

Can you cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?

Yes! Cooking salmon in an air fryer is convenient and quick, that results in crispy exteriors and tender, flaky insides.

Can you cook other fish filets in the ninja foodi?

Yes, totally. Opt for fish fillets or whole fish that have a similar thickness or size to ensure even cooking. More popular fish options for air frying include tilapia, cod, halibut, trout, snapper, and mahi mahi. Depending on your air fryer model and fish size, the cook time should be between 8-12 minutes.

Do you need to preheat your air fryer for fish?

This is optional and up to personal preference. Some people swear by preheating their air fryer. Others, like myself, completely skip that step. It can help ensure even cooking so if you have the time, go ahead and preheat for 3-4 minutes if you would like.

What temperature does salmon need to be cooked to?

Salmon is generally considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

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