Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels are a flavorful, convenient dinner that cooks easily in the oven or air fryer. The spinach-and-feta filling gives these pinwheels a cheesy, herb-forward flavor and the spiral presentation makes them look elegant while staying fuss-free. They work equally well for casual weeknights or a simple special-occasion meal.
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Pinwheels
- Ready to cook: These take-and-bake pinwheels require no extra filling or prep—just remove packaging and cook.
- Quick in the air fryer: Air frying yields a nicely browned exterior and flaky interior in about 8–12 minutes depending on size.
- Flexible cooking methods: You can air fry open, steam in foil, or roast in the oven to match your preferred texture and available equipment.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels — Sold in multi-packs. If cooking more than one at once, try to choose pieces that are similar in size so they finish evenly.
Neutral oil or nonstick spray — Use if you’re air frying or baking without a foil packet to prevent sticking.
Lemon (optional) — A lemon wedge brightens the finished fish; a bit of lemon zest also complements the filling.
Equipment
Air fryer or oven — Air fryers are fastest and give a slightly crisp exterior; the oven is perfect when cooking multiple pieces at once or if your air fryer is small.
Aluminum foil or parchment (optional) — Make a sealed foil packet to steam the fish for a very tender result, or use parchment for easier cleanup.
Instant-read thermometer — Use a thermometer to check doneness and ensure the salmon reaches a safe internal temperature.
How to Air Fry Salmon Pinwheels (Open, No Foil)
Air frying without foil is the quickest method and produces a lightly crisped outer layer on the filling while keeping the salmon tender inside.
Place in the air fryer
Lightly oil the basket or tray. Arrange pinwheels in a single layer without touching so air can circulate evenly. If you use a probe thermometer, insert the probe into the thickest part of the fish, avoiding the filling so it measures the salmon itself.
Cook at 375°F for 8–12 minutes
Cooking time depends on the size of the pinwheel. Remove when the thickest part reaches about 135°F; the fish will carry-over cook while it rests and should reach the recommended 145°F.
Air Frying Temperature Chart – No Foil
| Minutes | Typical Internal Temperature |
| 2 minutes | ~55°F |
| 4 minutes | ~84°F |
| 6 minutes | ~111°F |
| 8 minutes | ~132°F |
| 9 minutes | ~143°F |
| 10 minutes | ~154°F |
| 12 minutes | ~163°F |
Air Fryer Foil Packet Method (Steaming)
Cooking in a sealed foil packet traps the fish juices and steams the pinwheel, producing a moister, more tender texture. Because the packet insulates the piece, it cooks more slowly and won’t gain much temperature during resting, so finish to the full target temperature.
Prepare the foil packet
Place the pinwheel on a sheet of foil and fold the foil into a sealed packet. If using a probe thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the fish before sealing. Place the packet in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 375°F for 15–20 minutes
Because the steam cooks the fish more gently, the packet method requires longer cook time. Make sure the thickest part reaches 145°F before removing.
Air Frying Temperature Chart – Foil Packet
| Minutes | Typical Internal Temperature |
| 2 minutes | ~59°F |
| 6 minutes | ~82°F |
| 10 minutes | ~109°F |
| 14 minutes | ~140°F |
| 16–18 minutes | ~145–150°F |
| 20 minutes | ~145°F (final) |
Oven Method
The oven is ideal when cooking multiple pinwheels or if your air fryer is small. It gives consistent results across larger batches.
Preheat to 400°F
Place pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil and sprayed lightly with oil. Arrange in a single layer so pieces are not touching.
Bake 15–20 minutes
Baking time depends on size. Remove when the thickest part reaches about 135°F and let rest so carry-over heat brings the internal temperature to 145°F.
Oven Baking Temperature Chart
| Minutes | Probe 1 (larger) | Probe 2 (smaller) |
| 2 minutes | ~52°F | ~63°F |
| 6 minutes | ~72°F | ~102°F |
| 10 minutes | ~97°F | ~136°F |
| 14 minutes | ~122°F | ~160°F |
| 16–20 minutes | ~131–145°F | ~169–174°F |
Tips for Success
- Probe placement: Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon, avoiding the filling so you read the fish temperature.
- Foil packets need a full 145°F: Because the fish steams in foil, it won’t gain much additional heat while resting—cook it to 145°F before serving.
- Adjust for weight: Pinwheels are sold by weight. Larger pieces need more time, so check temperature often to prevent overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
These pinwheels are a hearty main. Pair with rice, simple roasted or steamed vegetables, a lemon-butter pasta, or quick air-fried green beans for a balanced plate. A wedge of lemon and a light green salad make a bright accompaniment.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Thaw frozen pinwheels overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven at 275°F for about 15 minutes, warm in the microwave, or crisp briefly in the air fryer at 300°F for 4–5 minutes.
Recipe
Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels with Spinach and Feta
Ingredients
- 1 lb Trader Joe’s Spinach Feta Pinwheels
Instructions
Air Fryer Instructions – No Foil
- Place the salmon pinwheel on a lightly oiled tray or in the air fryer basket. If cooking multiple pieces, keep them in a single layer without touching.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–12 minutes depending on size, until the thickest part of the fish reaches about 135°F. The fish will continue to cook to 145°F as it rests.
Air Fryer Instructions – Foil Packet
- Place the pinwheel on foil and form a sealed packet. Place the packet in the air fryer.
- Air fry at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 145°F.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and place pinwheels on a greased or foil-lined pan so they are not touching.
- Bake 15–20 minutes, until the thickest part reaches about 135°F, then allow to rest so the internal temperature rises to 145°F.
Notes
If using a temperature probe, be sure it measures the salmon itself and not the filling; place it in the thickest part of the fish. When cooking in a foil packet, the fish steams and should be cooked to 145°F before serving because it won’t gain much additional temperature while resting. Cook times vary by weight—choose similarly sized pinwheels if cooking multiple pieces.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Protein: 36 g
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg
Sodium: 480 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. Use your preferred calculator with the actual ingredients you use for optimal accuracy.
Enjoy
I hope you enjoy this simple, delicious take-and-bake option. The combination of salmon, spinach, and feta is satisfying and quick to prepare—perfect for nights when you want a home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Serve with a bright side and a squeeze of lemon for the best results.