Ninja Foodi Grill Salmon Recipe: Moist, Crispy Skin in 20 Minutes

This easy Ninja Foodi Grill salmon recipe, finished with a simple lemon-garlic butter sauce, cooks quickly on an indoor grill and makes a healthy, flavorful dinner any time of year. It’s low carb and keto-friendly.

plate of lemon garlic butter salmon with lemon slices

If you enjoy Ninja Foodi Grill recipes or seafood dishes, you’ll love how tender the salmon turns out on the indoor grill. The fillets are fork-tender and gain extra flavor from a bright lemon-garlic butter sauce.

I wasn’t always a salmon fan until I started grilling it on the Ninja Foodi XL Grill. Grilled salmon with crispy skin has quickly become a favorite way to prepare it.

This recipe is perfect for a quick family meal. Serve it with simple sides like asparagus or roasted potatoes for a complete, balanced dinner.

Table of Contents

  • Ingredients
  • How to Cook Salmon on Ninja Foodi Grill
  • Cooking Time
  • Lemon Garlic Sauce
  • How to Store
  • Easy Ninja Foodi Grill Salmon Recipe

Ingredients

These simple ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 2 pounds total), Atlantic salmon
  • Avocado oil (or another high‑smoke‑point oil)
  • Sea salt, garlic powder, ground black pepper
  • Fresh lemon
  • Butter
  • Garlic cloves
  • Chopped parsley (optional)

How to Cook Salmon on Ninja Foodi Grill

Follow the grill manufacturer’s safety and operating instructions. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on a clean plate.

Drizzle a little avocado oil over the fillets, making sure to oil the skin to help prevent sticking. Season the fish with sea salt, garlic powder and ground black pepper, then rub the seasoning evenly over the surface.

pour avocado oil on salmon

Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the fillets for bright flavor. Because lemon juice is acidic, you don’t need to marinate the salmon for long; letting it sit while the grill preheats is sufficient.

seasoned raw salmon on a plate

Cooking Time

Place the grill grate in the Ninja Foodi Grill, choose the Grill function on High, then select Fish and your desired doneness. The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F, but many prefer 135–140°F for a juicier result because the temperature will rise during resting.

salmon skin side down on ninja foodi grill

Start the grill preheat, then insert a smart thermometer probe into the thickest part of one fillet. When the grill signals Add Food, use tongs to place the fillets skin-side down on the grate and close the lid. Cook until the probe reaches your chosen temperature; times vary with thickness and desired doneness.

grilled lemon garlic salmon on ninja foodi xl grill

Lemon Garlic Sauce

While the salmon cooks, make the lemon-garlic butter sauce. Melt butter in a small skillet over low heat, add minced garlic, lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Cook gently until the garlic is soft and lightly golden—avoid burning it. Remove from heat and keep warm until ready to serve. Stir in chopped parsley if using.

You don’t have to flip the salmon; I prefer leaving it skin-side down for crisp skin and tender flesh. Adding lemon wedges to the grill about halfway through cooking adds extra flavor.

overhead view of grilled lemon garlic salmon with parsley

When the salmon reaches the desired internal temperature, remove the probe, transfer the fillets to a platter or individual plates, and spoon the warm lemon-garlic butter over the fish. Tent loosely with foil and let rest 3–5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

The cooked fish should be opaque and flaky with crisp skin for contrast. Use a meat thermometer if you want to double-check doneness.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in an air fryer, oven, or on the stove, or serve cold over salad greens—cold cooked salmon is delicious.

ninja foodie grill salmon on a plate with lemon garlic butter sauce and parsley
5 from 11 votes

Easy Ninja Foodi Grill Salmon

By: Dee
Quick, healthy salmon cooked on the Ninja Foodi Grill with a lemon-garlic butter sauce. Low carb and keto-friendly.
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 10
Resting time: 5
Total Time: 25
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Ninja Foodi XL Grill or other indoor grill

Ingredients

For Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets about 2 pounds
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • squirt lemon juice

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped or minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • pinch sea salt
  • chopped parsley optional

Instructions

  • Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
  • Drizzle avocado oil over the fillets, including the skin.
  • Season with sea salt, pepper and garlic powder, then squirt fresh lemon juice over the fish. Let sit at room temperature while the grill preheats.
  • Place the grill grate in the Ninja Foodi Grill. Select Grill → High → Fish and choose your target temperature. Press Start to preheat.
  • When the grill signals Add Food, insert the smart thermometer into the thickest part of one fillet, place fillets on the grate with tongs, and close the lid.
  • When the salmon reaches your desired temperature, remove the probe, transfer the fish to a platter, tent with foil, and rest 3–5 minutes.
  • Spoon the warm lemon-garlic butter sauce over the fillets before serving.

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

  • Melt butter over low heat.
  • Add minced garlic and lemon juice, stir, and cook until the garlic is soft and lightly golden. Season to taste with salt and stir in parsley if desired. Keep warm until serving.

Notes

Cooking times vary by fillet thickness and target temperature. The USDA recommends 145°F; if you prefer slightly less done salmon, remove it around 135–140°F and allow carryover cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 34g

Nutrition information is an approximation; calculate values if you need precise numbers for your diet.

Additional Info

Course: Main
Cuisine: American

Nutrition amounts are approximate. Always verify nutrition and ingredient choices to suit your dietary needs.

I hope you enjoy this lemon-garlic butter salmon from the Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill. It’s flavorful, quick, and family-friendly—even picky eaters tend to like it.

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