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 from Trader Joe’s are one of my favorite appetizers to serve when I have people over. With the creamy filling spiraled inside, they look so fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to make. I’ve found that the best way to make pinwheels that are soft, flaky, and full of flavor is to cook them in an air fryer.
As a busy mom, I love that the air fryer saves me time and helps the pinwheels come out perfectly using little effort. Keep reading for my tips on how to cook Trader Joe’s ready-made salmon pinwheels in the air fryer. I promise you and your guests will be delighted!
Why the Air Fryer Makes the Best Salmon Pinwheels
There are a few key reasons why I insist on making these appetizers in my air fryer
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** Quick cooking** – No need to preheat the oven. Just pop the pinwheels in the basket and they’re done in 8-10 minutes!.
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Tender and flaky – The circulating hot air cooks the salmon evenly, keeping it moist without drying out.
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Crispy edges – The high heat helps the ends of the pinwheels get a bit crispy. Yum!
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Hands-off – Simply set the temp and timer. No need to watch closely on the stovetop.
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Easy cleanup – No baked-on mess like with oven sheets Just wipe down the basket after
With minimal time and effort, you’ll have restaurant-quality salmon pinwheels ready in minutes. Keep reading for my simple step-by-step method.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Air Frying
Follow my easy tips for cooking flawless salmon appetizers every time:
1. Prepare the Air Fryer
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Make sure the basket is clean and dry.
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Preheat to 400°F degrees. This high temp gets the crispy edges.
2. Arrange the Pinwheels
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Remove from packaging. Gently pat dry with paper towels.
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Lay flat in a single layer, without overlapping.
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Space apart for even airflow circulation.
3. Cook for 8-10 Minutes
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Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes initially (9 mins if frozen).
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After 8 mins, check doneness. Cook longer if needed.
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Salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F.
4. Allow to Rest and Serve
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Remove basket and let pinwheels rest for 2-3 minutes.
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Transfer to a serving platter.
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Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
That’s really all there is to it! The air fryer does all the hard work crisping up these appetizers.
Helpful Tips for Success
I’ve made these tasty pinwheels in the air fryer countless times, so here are some handy tips:
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Use a basket liner for easy cleanup. Parchment paper or a silicone mat work great.
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Don’t overcrowd. Crowding prevents even cooking.
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Brush lightly with oil for extra crispy edges.
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Add a spritz of lemon juice over the tops when done for a burst of freshness.
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If reheating leftovers, air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
With my simple instructions and tips, you’ll have delicious gourmet salmon pinwheels ready in just minutes using your air fryer. Keep reading for more serving ideas and helpful FAQs.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Air Fried Pinwheels
The salmon pinwheels from Trader Joe’s have a lovely filling with spinach, cream cheese, and Mediterranean spices. I like to serve them with accompaniments that complement these flavors:
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Lemon or dill yogurt dipping sauce
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Cucumber salad with feta and olives
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Hummus with pita chips or veggies
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Fresh tomato bruschetta
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Grilled zucchini spears
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Rice pilaf or couscous salad
Having an assortment of small sides and dips allows guests to customize their plates. The salmon pinwheels always end up being the star of the appetizer spread!
FAQs for Air Frying Trader Joe’s Pinwheels
How long do the pinwheels take if cooking from frozen?
Add 1-2 extra minutes if air frying directly from the freezer. Check frequently and cook until flaky.
Can I cook more pinwheels at once?
Yes, but don’t overload the basket. Cook in batches for even cooking.
What temperature should I reheat leftovers?
I suggest 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. Monitor to prevent overcooking.
Do I need to flip the pinwheels while cooking?
Nope, no need to flip! The circulating air cooks them evenly on all sides.
More Handy Trader Joe’s Shortcuts for Entertaining
In addition to the salmon pinwheels, here are a few other appetizers I like to grab from TJ’s when prepping for a crowd:
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Potstickers – Just pan fry for the perfect dipping dumpling.
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Mini chicken tacos – Pop them right from the freezer into the air fryer or oven.
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Vegetable birds nests – Just add dip and you have an instant veggie-packed app.
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Chili onion crunch dip – This addicting dip is delicious with pita chips or veggies.
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Unexpected cheddar cheese – It’s the perfect pairing for apple and pear slices.
Trader Joe’s has so many easy appetizers that allow me to spend time with my guests, rather than slaving away in the kitchen. These salmon pinwheels cooked in the air fryer will become your new favorite easy app as well.
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.
