Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or entrée that can be made conveniently in your air fryer. These savory bites combine tender, flaky salmon with a delicious spinach and feta filling. I love serving these pinwheels for a quick weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests.
Cooking the salmon pinwheels in an air fryer results in fish that is moist and tender on the inside with a deliciously crispy exterior No more dry overcooked salmon! The air fryer makes salmon incredibly easy and fast to cook to perfection every time
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to cook Trader Joe’s ready-made salmon pinwheels in an air fryer. You’ll learn tips and tricks for ensuring your salmon pinwheels turn out moist and full of flavor. Let’s get started!
What You Need to Make Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels in an Air Fryer
- Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels (1 package, about 10-12 pinwheels)
- Air Fryer
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil (optional)
- Cooking Spray or Oil (optional)
- Salt and Pepper or other seasonings (optional)
That’s it! These salmon pinwheels already have the spinach and feta filling inside so they require very little prep work.
The only other item you need is an air fryer. I recommend a model with at least a 3-quart capacity basket. This allows enough room for the pinwheels to cook evenly.
Now let’s go over the easy step-by-step method for cooking perfect salmon pinwheels in your air fryer.
How to Cook Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This high heat helps the salmon develop a nice crispy exterior while still keeping the interior moist.
Allow your air fryer to preheat for 3-5 minutes before adding the salmon This ensures it’s fully heated when you add the pinwheels.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon Pinwheels
While your air fryer preheats, take the salmon pinwheels out of the packaging.
Gently separate any pinwheels that are stuck together. You want each piece to cook individually.
Lightly pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Step 3: Line the Air Fryer Basket (Optional)
For easy cleanup, I recommend lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil before adding the salmon.
Cut the parchment or foil to fit the bottom of your specific air fryer basket. Make sure it lays flat.
This prevents the salmon from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze when cooking greasy foods like salmon.
Step 4: Spray the Salmon and Basket with Oil (Optional)
If you want an extra crispy exterior, spray or brush the tops of the salmon pinwheels lightly with vegetable oil, avocado oil, or olive oil.
You can also spray a light coating of oil directly onto the air fryer basket or parchment paper liner.
This helps promote browning and crispiness.
Step 5: Add Salmon Pinwheels to Air Fryer Basket
Place the salmon pinwheels in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they are spaced apart and not overcrowded.
Spacing them allows air to circulate around each pinwheel as they cook. This results in even cooking.
Step 6: Season the Salmon (Optional)
If desired, sprinkle the tops of the salmon lightly with salt, pepper, or other seasoning of choice.
I like using a salmon seasoning blend, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Season to your taste preferences.
Step 7: Cook the Salmon
Set your air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook time to 8 minutes. This is a general starting point but cooking time can vary.
For smaller or thinner pinwheels, start checking at 6 minutes. Larger or thicker pinwheels may need 9-10 minutes.
Step 8: Flip and Cook Salmon
At the halfway point (after 4 minutes), open the air fryer and use tongs to carefully flip each salmon pinwheel.
Cooking on both sides ensures the salmon cooks evenly all the way through.
Close the air fryer and continue cooking until done.
Step 9: Check for Doneness
Salmon is done cooking when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Use a digital meat thermometer to check the thickest part of a pinwheel.
Properly cooked salmon will be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
If needed, cook for 1-2 minutes more and re-check the temperature.
Step 10: Let Salmon Rest
Once cooked through, remove the pinwheels from the air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
This short resting time allows the juices to reabsorb so your salmon stays tender and moist.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheels
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Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between pieces.
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Use a meat thermometer to prevent over or undercooking.
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Lightly coat the salmon with oil for added crispiness.
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Flip salmon halfway during cooking for even doneness.
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Allow salmon to rest before serving.
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Add fresh herbs or seasonings for extra flavor.
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Line the air fryer basket for less mess.
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Cook at 400°F to achieve a crispy exterior.
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Adjust cook times based on thickness of pinwheels.
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Refrigerate leftovers and reheat gently in the air fryer.
Common Questions about Making Salmon Pinwheels in an Air Fryer
How long should I cook Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels in the air fryer?
The average cook time is 8-10 minutes at 400°F. Thinner pinwheels may take 6-8 minutes while thicker pieces need 9-11 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer for best results.
Should I flip the salmon pinwheels during cooking?
Yes, flipping halfway through allows both sides to cook evenly. Use tongs to gently flip each pinwheel over.
Can I make any substitutions?
You can use any brand of pre-made salmon pinwheels, but cook times may vary slightly. For the filling, you can swap feta for goat cheese or cream cheese.
Can I reheat leftover salmon pinwheels?
Yes, place refrigerated leftovers back in the air fryer at 325°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through. Be gentle when reheating to avoid overcooking.
What sides go well with salmon pinwheels?
I love serving them with rice, roasted vegetables, salad, or fresh herbs and lemon wedges. They pair well with many flavors!
More Delicious Air Fryer Salmon Recipes to Try
- Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Salmon Burgers
- Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
- Cajun Air Fryer Salmon
The air fryer makes cooking salmon so fast and easy! These Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels come out perfectly moist and tender every time when you follow this simple air fryer method. Enjoy this tasty and healthy meal any night of the week.