This Ninja Foodi salmon recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfectly cooked salmon fillets emerge tender and flaky on the inside while maintaining a beautifully seared exterior. At only 274 calories per serving with 34g of protein, it’s a nutritious weeknight dinner option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The fool-proof cooking method ensures consistent results every time, making this dish a go-to choice for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs.
Fresh Salmon Air Fryer Guide Ingrdeients
- Salmon Filets: 4 pieces (4-6 ounces each), checked for bones
- Oil & Seasonings: 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- Fresh Herbs: ½ teaspoon each of chopped rosemary, basil, and parsley
- Dry Seasonings: ½ teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, coarse salt
- Finishing Touches: Black pepper to taste, lemon slices for garnish
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Season Mix: Combine paprika, fresh herbs, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl until well mixed
- Salmon Prep: Inspect filets for bones and portion if using whole salmon
- Preheating: Set Ninja Foodi to Air Fry at 390°F and let it warm for 5 minutes
- Season Application: Drizzle ¼ teaspoon oil on each piece, then gently rub in ¼ of seasoning mixture
- Air Frying: Place salmon skin-side down in basket (1-2 pieces at a time)
- Cooking Time: Air fry at 390°F for 8-10 minutes until perfectly done
- Final Touch: Remove carefully and add fresh parsley and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation
Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
The magic of air fryer salmon comes from getting that beautiful exterior while keeping the inside moist. Pat your salmon dry with paper towels before adding oil and seasonings – this helps create a nicely browned surface. Watch for the salmon to turn a lighter pink color and flake easily with a fork. If you’re new to cooking fish, press gently on the thickest part – it should be barely firm and spring back slightly when done.
Easy Seasoning Swaps
Don’t have all the herbs listed? No problem! Try dried herbs instead of fresh – just use 1/3 the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also swap in Italian seasoning for the herb mix, or try other spice blends like Cajun seasoning or lemon pepper. If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the spice mix.
Simple Sides and Serving Ideas
This salmon pairs wonderfully with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up any juices. For a complete meal, add some air-fried asparagus or broccoli – you can cook these right after the salmon while it rests. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect fresh side dish.
Storage and Leftovers
Keep leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Cold leftover salmon is also great flaked over salads or made into salmon salad with a bit of mayo and celery. Just remember that reheated salmon might be a bit drier than fresh-cooked.
Ninja Foodi Salmon
Equipment
- Ninja Foodi
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 salmon filets (4-6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary fresh, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon basil fresh, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley fresh, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
- Fresh lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, rosemary, basil, parsley, garlic powder, and salt.
- Prepare salmon filets, checking for any bones you can feel. If you’re using a whole salmon filet, cut it into serving sized pieces.
- Preheat the Ninja Foodi on the Air Fry setting to 390°F/198°C for 5 minutes.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of olive oil to the top of each salmon piece, then rub in ¼ of the seasoning mixture to each.
- Place seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket, skin side down. You will need to cook this recipe in batches. 1 large filet or two large ones can be cooked at a time.
- Close the crisper lid, and cook Salmon in the Ninja Foodi using the Air Fry setting at 390°F/198°C for 8 to 10 minutes.
- When salmon is done, remove from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh lemon and fresh parsley if desired.
