This indoor grill salmon recipe is ready in minutes. This tender juicy fish is seasoned with simple ingredients and perfect for weeknight dinners. You can use this recipe for any indoor grill you have including the Ninja Foodi and Cosori. I love to use the Cosori Indoor Grill, you can read my review of the grill here.
Cooking fish can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to using the Ninja Foodi Grill. You want the fish to come out tender and flaky on the inside with a nice sear on the outside. Getting the cook time just right is key. So how long should you actually cook fish on the Ninja Foodi Grill?
The short answer is that the cooking time depends on the thickness and type of fish. But there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure your fish turns out perfectly every time.
Factors That Affect Fish Cook Times
Here are the main factors that determine how long to cook fish on the Ninja Foodi Grill
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Thickness – Thicker cuts of fish take longer to cook than thinner pieces. A good rule of thumb is to cook fish for 4-5 minutes per inch of thickness.
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Type of Fish – The denseness of the fish also impacts cook time. Firmer fish like salmon, halibut, or tuna take longer than more delicate fish like tilapia or sole.
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Bone vs Fillet – Fish steaks or cuts with bones conduct more heat than boneless fillets meaning they may cook faster.
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Frozen vs Fresh – Frozen fish often requires a few extra minutes in the grill to fully thaw and cook through.
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Cooking Method – Direct grilling cooks fish faster than using a pan or baking in the Ninja Foodi Grill.
Ninja Foodi Grill Fish Cook Times
Here are some general guidelines for how long to cook common types of fish in the Ninja Foodi Grill:
- Salmon fillets, 1 inch thick – 4-6 minutes per side
- Halibut fillets, 1 inch thick – 5-7 minutes per side
- Tuna or swordfish steaks, 1-1.5 inches thick – 7-10 minutes per side
- Cod or snapper fillets, 1/2 inch thick – 3-5 minutes per side
- Tilapia or sole fillets, 1/4 inch thick – 2-4 minutes per side
- Shrimp – 1-2 minutes per side
- Scallops – 2-3 minutes per side
- Whole fish – 5-15 minutes total (depending on size)
These times are based on cooking at 400°F on the grill setting. If you use a lower temperature or different function, the cook times will need to be adjusted.
Tips for Cooking Fish Perfectly in the Ninja Foodi
Follow these tips to take your Ninja Foodi grilled fish to the next level:
- Pat fish dry before seasoning to help it brown nicely.
- Brush or spray fish lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Preheat grill fully before cooking.
- Flip fish gently with a thin spatula to keep it intact.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Fish is done at 145°F.
- Allow thicker pieces of fish to rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
- Adjust cook times based on thickness; larger pieces need longer cook times.
- For frozen fish, add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- For flavor, add woods chips or liquid smoke to the grill.
Signs Your Ninja Foodi Fish is Done
It can be tricky knowing exactly when your fish is cooked to perfection. Here’s what to look for:
- Fish should flake easily with a fork.
- The interior should be opaque and just barely translucent in the center.
- Thicker pieces may be slightly rosy near the bone, but will finish cooking with carryover heat.
- Cooked fish will register 145°F on a meat thermometer.
- The exterior should have nice grill marks and slightly charred edges.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
It’s easy to over or undercook fish if you’re not familiar with using the Ninja Foodi Grill. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Undercooking – Use the recommended cook times and check fish early for doneness. Thicker cuts need more time.
- Overcooking – Don’t walk away once fish is nearly cooked through. It can quickly go from perfect to dried out.
- Uneven cooking – Flip fish halfway through cook time and rotate for even exposure to heat.
- Sticking – Heat grill fully, brush fish with oil, and use spatula to gently flip fish.
- Falling apart – Don’t flip fish more than once. Let it sear before attempting to flip.
With the right techniques and cook times, you’ll be able to achieve tender, flaky fish from your Ninja Foodi Grill every time. Refer to the guidelines in this article to determine how long to cook any type of fish. In no time, you’ll be an expert at grilling up delicious, foolproof fish dishes.
How to Tell When Salmon Has Finished Cooking
The color of the salmon will become lighter as it cooks. You can monitor the color of the sides to determine doneness. When pan searing salmon, flip it over when the side has lightened about three quarters of the way up. At this point, you know that the salmon only has a few minutes left to cook when grilling, baking, or air-frying.
How to Store the Salmon/How Long Will it Last in the Fridge
Store the salmon tightly covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.
In general, I recommend you avoid the microwave when you reheat seafood. Seafood and fish are super delicate and microwaves cook at super high temperatures.
Even a few minutes of extra cooking at a high temperature will make the salmon dry and overcooked because it is already cooked.
Follow the same temperature for the air fryer or indoor grill and keep a close eye on the salmon until it’s warm.
If you use the microwave, be swift! Don’t leave it in too long.
Even if you follow all the tips on how to reheat food, salmon will not taste the same the next day. It’s best when served fresh. Too much cooking at the beginning and reheating without a microwave are the best ways to keep the taste of leftovers.