Mastering the Art of Grilling: How to Cook Salmon on Your Ninja Foodi Grill XL

Salmon is a highly sought-after and versatile fish, prized for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits. While there are countless ways to prepare this delicious fish, one method that has gained widespread popularity is cooking it on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL. This innovative kitchen appliance has taken the culinary world by storm with its ability to grill, roast, air fry, and dehydrate food all in one compact device. In this article, we will dive into the details of how to cook salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL, and you’ll see just how easy it is to achieve perfectly cooked and flavorful salmon every time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a rookie in the kitchen, get ready to elevate your salmon game with these simple yet impressive techniques.

The Ninja Foodi Grill XL: An Overview

The Ninja Foodi Grill XL is a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance that combines the functions of an indoor grill, air fryer, and oven all in one. It offers a healthier way to cook your favorite foods without sacrificing taste or texture. With its large cooking capacity and advanced features, the Ninja Foodi Grill XL is the perfect addition to any home chef’s kitchen.

One of the standout features of the Ninja Foodi Grill XL is its size – it has a whopping 9-inch by 13-inch grill grate that can cook food for up to 8 people at once. This makes it great for family gatherings, parties, and any other occasions where you need to feed a crowd. The grill also features a non-stick ceramic coating that ensures easy food release and effortless clean-up.

Aside from its grilling capabilities, the Ninja Foodi Grill XL also has an air frying function that allows you to enjoy crispy and delicious fried foods without all the added oil. It uses cyclonic air technology to evenly circulate hot air around your food, resulting in perfectly cooked meals with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.

Furthermore, the Ninja Foodi Grill XL comes with various cooking modes and settings for different types of foods such as meats, vegetables, frozen foods, and more. You can also customize the temperature and cooking time according to your preferences for optimal results.

Why Choose Salmon For The Ninja Foodi Grill XL?

There are many reasons why salmon is an excellent choice for cooking on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL. Not only is it flavorful and nutritious, but it also cooks exceptionally well on this particular appliance.

Firstly, salmon is a fatty fish which means it can withstand high heat without drying out like other leaner types of fish. This makes it perfect for grilling as it stays moist and tender. Additionally, the grill’s non-stick surface ensures that the delicate salmon skin doesn’t stick and tear when cooking.

Salmon is also a versatile fish that can be prepared in various ways – grilled, baked, broiled, or even air fried. The Ninja Foodi Grill XL offers all these cooking options in one appliance, making it an excellent choice for preparing salmon dishes.

Another reason to choose salmon for the Ninja Foodi Grill XL is its ability to take on different flavors and seasonings. The powerful sear function of the grill ensures a beautiful char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This gives you endless options for creating different marinades, rubs, and glazes to enhance the flavor of your salmon.

Preparing Your Salmon For The Ninja Foodi Grill XL

Before you start cooking your salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL, it’s crucial to prepare it properly to ensure the best results. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Thaw your salmon: If using frozen salmon fillets, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or defrosting them in a bowl of cold water.

2. Pat dry: Use paper towels to pat dry your salmon fillets before seasoning them. This will help remove any excess moisture that could prevent proper searing.

3. Season generously: Salmon pairs well with a variety of seasonings such as herbs, spices, citrus fruits, and honey. You can also keep it simple with just some olive oil, salt, and pepper – let your taste preferences guide you.

4. Preheat your grill: For optimal results, preheat your Ninja Foodi Grill XL for 5 minutes before adding your salmon fillets.

Cooking Salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL

Now that your salmon is prepped and your grill is hot, it’s time to cook your fish to perfection. Here’s how:

1. Place the salmon fillets on the grill grate: Make sure to leave some space between each fillet for even cooking.

2. Close the grill hood: This will ensure that the heat is evenly distributed and speed up the cooking process.

3. Use a thermometer: The Ninja Foodi Grill XL comes with a built-in thermometer that lets you monitor the internal temperature of your salmon. You want to aim for an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for perfectly cooked salmon.

4. Flip halfway through: Depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets, you may need to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even searing and cooking.

5. Let it rest: Once done, remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the fish to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and flavorful piece of salmon.

Serving Suggestions For Your Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Here are some suggestions:

1. Roasted vegetables: The Ninja Foodi Grill XL also has a roasting function, making it easy to prepare delicious roasted vegetables

Salmon is a popular and highly nutritious fish that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. While there are many ways to prepare this delicious fish, one technique that has gained a lot of attention recently is cooking salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL. This versatile kitchen appliance combines the functionalities of a grill, air fryer, and oven all in one, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks. If you’re looking to elevate your salmon dish and impress your family and friends, then read on to learn how to cook salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL like a pro!

Why Choose the Ninja Foodi Grill XL for Cooking Salmon?

Before we dive into the specifics of how to cook salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL, let’s first understand why this appliance is a great choice for this particular dish. The Ninja Foodi Grill XL comes equipped with a grill plate that provides even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked salmon every time. Additionally, its air frying capabilities allow for crispy skin while keeping the inside moist and tender. Moreover, its versatility allows for quick and easy cooking without using any extra pots or pans.

Preparing Your Salmon

The first step in cooking salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL is preparing your fish. Start by selecting quality fresh or thawed frozen salmon fillets marinated with seasonings of your choice. For best results, allow the fillets to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse more flavor into the salmon and help it cook evenly.

Once you have marinated your fish, pat dry both sides with paper towels before placing them onto the grill plate of your Ninja Foodi Grill XL.

Setting Up Your Ninja Foodi Grill XL

Before turning on your appliance, ensure that you have the grill gate and splatter shield in place. Preheat the grill to 400°F for about 10 minutes to ensure that it’s heated evenly.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

For perfectly cooked salmon, it’s vital to get the timing and temperature just right. Generally, for salmon fillets that are about 1 inch thick, you would need to cook them for up to 8 minutes on each side at a temperature of 400°F. However, this may vary depending on the size and thickness of your fillets.

Grilling Your Salmon

Now that your Ninja Foodi Grill XL is preheated, it’s time to add your marinated salmon fillets onto the grill gate carefully. Close the lid and let them cook for approximately 8 minutes on one side.

After 8 minutes, carefully flip the fillets using tongs or a spatula, making sure not to damage the delicate flesh. Close the lid again and allow them to cook for another 8 minutes on the other side.

Once cooked, check if your salmon is done by inserting an instant-read thermometer into its thickest part. Ideally, your salmon should register an internal temperature of between 135-140°F.

Air Frying Your Salmon

If crispy skin is what you’re after, air frying your salmon is an excellent option. To do this using the Ninja Foodi Grill XL, simply switch from ‘Grill’ mode to ‘Air Fry’ mode after grilling one side of your fish.

Continue air frying for another 6-7 minutes until your salmon reaches its desired crispiness.

Tips and Tricks

To ensure that you end up with perfectly grilled or air-fried salmon every time using your Ninja Foodi Grill XL, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:

– Use a fish spatula or tongs to handle your salmon fillets carefully, as they can break easily.
– Avoid overcrowding the grill plate, as this will prevent your salmon from cooking evenly.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and marinades to find your perfect flavor combination.
– For extra flavor, add some cedar planks onto your Ninja Foodi Grill XL before grilling your salmon on them.
– Don’t forget to preheat your grill before adding your fish.
– Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness, as overcooking salmon can result in a dry and tough texture.

Cleaning Your Ninja Foodi Grill XL

Taking care of your appliance after use is just as important as cooking with it. To clean your Ninja Foodi Grill XL, wait for it to cool down completely. Then, remove the grill grate and splatter shield and wash them using warm soapy water. You can also place them in the dishwasher for easier cleaning.

To clean the main body of the appliance, use a damp cloth or sponge with warm soapy water. Make sure not to submerge it in water or use abrasive cleaning materials.

In conclusion, cooking salmon on

Q: What is the recommended temperature for cooking salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL?
A: For optimal results, it is recommended to cook salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL at a temperature of 375°F.

Q: Do I need to preheat the Ninja Foodi Grill XL before cooking salmon?
A: Yes, it is important to preheat the grill for about 5 minutes before cooking salmon to ensure even cooking.

Q: How long should I cook salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL?
A: The cooking time for salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. As a general rule, it takes about 12-14 minutes per inch of thickness.

Q: Should I season the salmon before placing it on the grill?
A: Yes, you can season your salmon with your choice of herbs and spices before cooking. This will enhance its flavor and create a delicious crust.

Q: How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
A: You can check if the salmon is fully cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet. The internal temperature should be at least 145°F for safe consumption.

Q: Can I use foil or parchment paper when cooking salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL?
A: Yes, you can use foil or parchment paper when grilling salmon on this appliance. It will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier afterwards. However, make sure to properly vent and secure it in place with weights or clips to avoid any potential fire hazards.

In conclusion, cooking salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL is not only quick and easy, but also results in a delicious and healthy meal. As we have discussed, having the proper equipment and following a few simple steps can make all the difference in achieving perfectly cooked salmon every time.

Firstly, it is important to properly prepare the salmon by seasoning it and allowing it to marinate for a short period of time. This allows for more flavor to be infused into the fish.

Secondly, using the right cooking technique on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL is key. Using the air fryer or grill function can result in evenly cooked salmon with a crispy skin. Additionally, using the thermometer feature helps ensure that the salmon is cooked to the desired level of doneness.

Next, taking into consideration factors such as thickness of the filet and preferred level of doneness will also contribute to a successful outcome. Utilizing a meat probe or testing for flakiness with a fork will help determine if the salmon is cooked to perfection.

Last but not least, experimenting with different seasonings and marinades can add variety to your salmon dishes and allow for personalization according to taste preferences.

Overall, cooking salmon on the Ninja Foodi Grill XL can be an enjoyable and flavorful experience when