Once you make these Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels in the air fryer, you won’t want to make them any other way! The spinach and feta cheese fill the flaky, tender salmon. This tasty meal comes together in 8 minutes inside your air fryer, no preheating required!.
These salmon pinwheels from Trader Joe’s are always a good choice for a quick and easy dinner that doesn’t require much work. They come pre-made with a spinach and Mediterranean-style herb feta cheese filling.
You can find them in the fridge section of most Trader Joe’s stores. They cook in less than 10 minutes in an air fryer. The salmon is melt-in-your-mouth delicious and the filling is incredibly flavorful.
On the stove or in the oven, these salmon pinwheels are easy to make. However, I think the air fryer is the best way to cook salmon. Not only does it save time because we don’t have to heat up the oven or wash any extra dishes, but the salmon gets the perfect crisp outside while the inside stays moist.
This recipe for Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels is great for busy or lazy weeknights because it’s so easy to make. Serve with rice or a salad for a complete meal!
Salmon pinwheels are a delicious and easy meal that can be made quickly in an air fryer But knowing exactly how long to cook salmon pinwheels is key to ending up with tender, flaky salmon encasing a flavorful filling. Undercook them and the fish will be raw in the center. Overcook them and you’ll end up with dried out salmon So how long should you cook salmon pinwheels in an air fryer?
Optimal Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheel Cooking Time
The optimal air fryer cooking time for frozen salmon pinwheels is 8-10 minutes at 400°F. For thawed salmon pinwheels, reduce the cooking time to 6-8 minutes.
These cooking times will produce salmon pinwheels that are fully cooked in the center with a lightly browned exterior The filling will be heated through without drying out.
An instant-read thermometer is the best way to make sure salmon pinwheels are fully cooked, just like with any other protein. Salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. If your salmon pinwheels are still not cooked through after the suggested cooking time, keep cooking and check the temperature every two minutes until it reaches 145°F.
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Salmon Cook Time
How long salmon pinwheels take to cook in the air fryer depends on a number of things, including:
1. Frozen vs. Thawed
Frozen salmon pinwheels take longer to cook than thawed. Frozen seafood must first thaw before it begins cooking, so that extra time is added to the overall cooking time. Thawed salmon pinwheels have a head start.
2. Thickness
Thicker salmon pinwheels require more time to cook than thinner pieces. This is because it takes longer for the heat to reach the middle of thick salmon. Monitor thicker pinwheels closely and use an instant read thermometer to determine doneness.
3. Quantity
The more salmon pinwheels you cook, the longer the cooking time. A crowded air fryer basket doesn’t allow for proper air circulation, which is key for the hot air to cook the food. For best results, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. Air Fryer Wattage
Higher wattage air fryers heat up faster and cook food more quickly. Lower wattage models may require a couple extra minutes of cook time. Get to know your appliance.
5. Altitude
Higher altitudes require slightly longer cooking times. As altitude increases, air pressure decreases, affecting how hot air fryers can get. Add 1-2 minutes at high altitudes.
How to Cook Salmon Pinwheels Perfectly in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for tender, flaky, perfectly cooked salmon pinwheels every time:
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Give it 3-5 minutes to fully preheat before adding food.
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Pat dry thawed salmon pinwheels with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Wet surfaces cause steaming instead of frying.
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Brush with oil for added browning and flavor (optional). A thin layer of oil helps the air fryer mimic deep frying.
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Cook 8-10 minutes if frozen, 6-8 minutes if thawed, at 400°F. Halfway through, flip pinwheels over for even cooking.
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Check temperature using an instant-read thermometer to confirm salmon has reached 145°F internally.
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Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving. The resting period allows juices to reabsorb for tender, moist fish.
Sample Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheel Recipes
To get you started, here are a couple easy air fryer salmon pinwheel recipes to try:
Simple Lemon Pepper Salmon Pinwheels
Cook time: 8-10 minutes at 400°F
Ingredients:
- Frozen salmon pinwheels
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Pat dry frozen salmon pinwheels with paper towel. Season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over pinwheels before serving.
Everything Bagel Salmon Pinwheels
Cook time: 8-10 minutes at 400°F
Ingredients:
- Frozen salmon pinwheels
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Cream cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
- Pat dry frozen salmon pinwheels and season with everything bagel seasoning.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve pinwheels warm with cream cheese for dipping.
Salmon pinwheels cooked in an air fryer are a great weeknight dish, as they cook up with a perfectly crisp exterior and tender interior in just 8-10 minutes. Proper cooking time is essential for avoiding under or overcooked salmon. Frozen pinwheels take about 8-10 minutes, while thawed take 6-8 minutes at 400°F. Check temperature and adjust time as needed based on thickness and quantity. Following these simple guidelines will deliver delicious air fryer salmon pinwheels every time!
How to cook Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels in air fryer
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F. Wait a few minutes for it to heat up so that the cooking is even.
- Ready the Salmon Pinwheels: Take the salmon pinwheels out of the package while the air fryer is heating up. If they are stuck together or have too much water on them, use a paper towel to gently dry them.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Put the salmon pinwheels in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them so air can flow. This makes sure that every pinwheel cooks the same way and has a nice outside.
- Take the salmon pinwheels out of the oven and cook them at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes. The exact time may be a little different depending on how thick the pinwheels are and what kind of air fryer you have.
- Once the salmon reaches 145°F inside and flakes easily with a fork, it’s done. If unsure, use a meat thermometer to check.
- Let the salmon pinwheels cool down for a few minutes after cooking. This lets the juices settle, which makes sure the salmon is juicy and tasty when it’s served.
Use a parchment paper liner or sheet of aluminum foil to cook your salmon pinwheels on. It helps with easy cleanup so the salmon doesn’t stick to your air fryer basket. Just make sure the parchment paper liners are made for air fryers and that they stay in place. If loose paper or foil gets caught in the fan on top of your machine, it can be dangerous.
If you want the outside of the salmon to be extra crispy, heat the air fryer for 5 minutes and then brush or spray the salmon with vegetable oil. You could also cook the fish for two to three minutes longer, or until it’s as crispy as you like it.
When the salmon can be easily flaked with a fork and the meat has changed from clear when it’s raw to a light orange color that can’t be seen through, it’s done. Use a meat thermometer to make sure your salmon is at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Be careful not to overcook the salmon otherwise, it can turn out dry. Most of the time, these pinwheels should be ready in less than 10 minutes in an air fryer.
Add a little bit of extra seasoning to the tops of the salmon. Pinwheels are flavorful on their own, but you might want to bump the flavor up a bit more. Use your favorite seasoning blend, or a little extra garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
For a different taste, sprinkle cheese on top of the salmon. Grated parmesan or low-moisture mozzarella cheeses work well.
These air fryer salmon pinwheels make such an easy lunch or dinner. You can enjoy them with a variety of side dishes to make a quick 10-minute meal!.
- Grape tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, fresh herbs, and olives are chopped up and put in a Mediterranean salad.
- Cucumber salad or diced avocado.
- Steamed white or brown rice, rice pilaf, or risotto.
- Alfredo pasta or buttered noodles.
- Sauteed or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
- Lemon wedges or additional fresh herbs for serving.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes for extra brightness and flavor.
- Sauteed or air-fried zucchini and squash.
Store leftover Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, put them in an air fryer set to 350°F for three to four minutes, or until they are fully warmed through. This will keep their texture and flavor.
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil before cooking your salmon. Just make sure it’s tight, because foil or parchment paper that isn’t secured can be dangerous if it gets to the air fryer fan.
It depends on the recipe, but I like to air fry my salmon because it’s faster and the outside stays crisp while the inside stays juicy.
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Hope you will like this Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels in air fryer. Do you like the recipe? If so, rate it, and if you have any questions or ideas, leave a comment below.
Trader Joe’s Pinwheel Salmon Cooked in Air fryer.
FAQ
What temperature should I set my air fryer for salmon?
How to cook frozen salmon pinwheels?
Does salmon need to be flipped in the air fryer?