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The Perfect 10-Minute Air Fryer Salmon (Ninja Foodi Guide)
Forget dry, overcooked fish. The high-heat air movement of the Ninja Air Fryer creates a crispy caramelized crust while keeping the inside buttery soft.
Recipe Details
Prep: 5 mins Cook: 10 mins Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 2 Salmon Fillets (approx 6oz each)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- Salt & Pepper
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- 1 Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 400°F (2-3 minutes).
- 2 Pat salmon dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispiness!
- 3 Rub fillets with oil and seasonings.
- 4 Place in basket skin-side down.
- 5 Cook for 8-10 minutes depending on thickness. Flake with fork to test.
Why Ninja beats Instant Vortex for Fish
Expert Take
We tested this recipe in both the Ninja AF101 and the Instant Vortex. The result? The Ninja's ceramic coated basket conducted heat better to the skin of the fish. In the Instant Vortex (which uses a mesh tray), the skin often stuck or didn't get that 'fried' texture. The Ninja's powerful fan also seemed to circulate air more aggressively, ‘searing’ the spices onto the top of the fillet rather than blowing them off.
Cooking Tips
Can I use foil?
You can, but it blocks airflow. Using a perforated parchment paper liner is much better for air fryers.
How do I know it is done?
The FDA says 145°F internal temp, but pulling it at 135°F and letting it rest yields a much moister fish.