If youโve ever wanted to make a show-stopping dish that looks as incredible as it tastes, these Stuffed Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheels are for you. Picture this: tender, flaky salmon wrapped around a savory, herbed filling, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Itโs an elegant dinner thatโs actually super simple to make. Trust me, youโre going to love this one!
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Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or just a fancy night in, these pinwheels are a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer makes everything so much easier and fasterโno need to turn on the oven. So, letโs get to making these beautiful little bites of heaven!
Why Youโll Love Stuffed Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheels
This recipe isnโt just about the ingredientsโitโs about creating moments. Whether youโre cooking for a romantic dinner, impressing friends, or treating yourself to a healthy yet indulgent meal, these pinwheels will hit the spot. Hereโs why itโs a favorite:
Elegant yet Easy: They look fancy enough for a dinner party but are quick and simple to make. No complicated stepsโjust roll, stuff, and cook!
Healthy and Delicious: With salmon as the star, youโre getting a healthy dose of omega-3s, paired with a creamy filling. Itโs a dish thatโs both nutritious and indulgent.
Air Fryer Magic: The air fryer makes these pinwheels crispy on the outside while keeping the salmon tender and juicy inside. Plus, itโs faster than baking, which is always a win in my book.
Versatile: Customize the filling to suit your tastesโwhether itโs cream cheese with herbs, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes, you can make it your own.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These pinwheels are great for making ahead, so you can enjoy a gourmet meal without the fuss on busy days.
Ingredients in Stuffed Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheels
Hereโs what youโll need to make these beautiful pinwheelsโsimple ingredients that create a lot of flavor:
Salmon Fillets: The main event! Youโll want boneless, skinless fillets for easy rolling.
Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy base to the filling.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic for that savory punch.
Fresh Dill: A fragrant herb that pairs perfectly with salmon and adds a fresh, zesty note.
Spinach: Fresh spinach brings a pop of color and a dose of greens to the filling. You can wilt it slightly or leave it freshโitโs up to you.
Lemon Zest: A little citrus zest brings brightness to balance out the richness of the salmon and cream cheese.
Olive Oil: For brushing the salmon pinwheels before air frying, ensuring a crispy golden finish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create these stunning salmon pinwheels:
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, garlic, fresh dill, spinach, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and well combined. This will be the creamy base of your filling.
Prepare the Salmon: Lay your salmon fillets flat on a cutting board. If they are large, you can slice them in half lengthwise to make them easier to roll.
Stuff the Salmon: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling over the top of each salmon fillet, leaving a little space on the edges.
Roll the Pinwheels: Starting from one end, carefully roll the salmon fillets up like a pinwheel, securing the filling inside.
Air Fry the Pinwheels: Preheat your air fryer to 380ยฐF (190ยฐC). Lightly brush the salmon pinwheels with olive oil to help them crisp up. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the exterior is golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the pinwheels rest for a minute or two before slicing. Serve them warm with your favorite sides and enjoy the flaky, flavorful goodness.
How to Serve Stuffed Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheels
These pinwheels are great on their own, but here are some sides to elevate your meal:
Fresh Salad: Pair them with a light, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, carrots, or brussels sprouts would complement the flavors of the salmon perfectly.
Rice or Quinoa: A simple side of rice or quinoa works well to soak up any juices.
Garlic Bread: If youโre craving a little indulgence, serve with a slice of garlic bread to balance the richness of the salmon.
A Dollop of Sauce: A tangy tzatziki or dill sauce would go perfectly with these pinwheels for an extra pop of flavor.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Salmon: For the best texture and flavor, opt for fresh, high-quality salmon. Frozen salmon works, but fresh fillets really shine here.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the pinwheels and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. Just brush them with olive oil right before air frying.
Donโt Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the salmon fillets with fillingโitโs easy to go overboard, but you want to make sure the pinwheels can close properly.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to keep that crispy exterior.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
A1: Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before preparing. Fresh salmon works best, but frozen is totally fine in a pinch!
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them until youโre ready to cook. Just brush with oil and air fry when youโre ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
Q4: Can I use a different filling?
A4: Absolutely! You can swap out spinach for arugula, or add in sun-dried tomatoes or capers for extra flavor. Get creative!
Q5: Can I use a different cooking method?
A5: You can bake them in the oven at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 15-18 minutes, or grill them for a smoky flavor.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, just make sure your air fryer can accommodate the extra pinwheels. You may need to cook them in batches.
Q7: Can I use a different fish?
A7: If you prefer, you can swap the salmon for another fish like trout or cod. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Q8: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A8: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no adjustments are needed.
Q9: How can I make this more filling?
A9: Serve the pinwheels with a side of rice or quinoa to make the meal more substantial.
Q10: Whatโs the best way to reheat these pinwheels?
A10: Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to keep them crispy. You can also warm them gently in the oven.
And there you have itโStuffed Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheels that are crispy, creamy, and utterly delicious. Whether itโs for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, this dish will always feel like a treat. Enjoy!
PrintStuffed Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheels
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
These Stuffed Air Fryer Salmon Pinwheels are creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor! Made with a cheesy spinach filling and topped with garlic lemon butter, theyโre quick, elegant, and perfect for a healthy lunch, high-protein dinner, or impressive meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Pinwheels:
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1 lb salmon, reskinned and flattened
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 small jar sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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2 cups cooked spinach
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3/4 cup crumbled feta
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp paprika
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Light cooking spray
For the Garlic Lemon Butter:
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1/2 stick melted butter
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1 tsp minced garlic
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
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Prepare the Filling:
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In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Flatten the Salmon:
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Lay salmon flat and spread the filling evenly across the surface.
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Roll & Slice:
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Roll the salmon into a log, then slice into 2-inch pinwheels.
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Season & Air Fry:
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Spray or brush the pinwheels with cooking oil. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Air fry at 390ยฐF for 12 minutes or until cooked through and golden.
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Make Garlic Lemon Butter:
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In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.
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Finish & Serve:
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Brush the salmon pinwheels with garlic lemon butter and serve hot.
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Notes
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Best served immediately, but leftovers reheat well in the air fryer.
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For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan cream cheese and omit feta.
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Great with a side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg